Bungo Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 One of my girls, Betty, has a beautiful big erect (oo-er, missus!) comb, while Hetty's has always been a bit floppy and doesn't really stand up. It worries me a bit as my chicken-keeping manual says that a firm comb is a sign of good health - does this means there's something wrong with Hetty, even though her comb's always been like this since it grew? Is there anything I can do to perk it up - some kind of chicken Viagra, perhaps?! Would be grateful for advice, or reassurance from other floppy-headed-hen owners! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 Jenny's comb flops to one side and always has while Clarry's stands up like a jester's hat! Don't worry unless she's showing other signs of illness like being withdrawn, hunched etc. If she's dashing about as usual, she's fine and just likes to wear her comb at a more daring angle ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 If she's dashing about as usual, she's fine and just likes to wear her comb at a more daring angle ! ........is this the ultimate chook style statement?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 Jenny thinks so !! She's definitely the smart dresser of my three! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 Glad to know Hetty's got other flappy-combed friends out there! Now the only other chicken problem I have left to sort out is what the jiggins I'm going to do with them when we eventually go away on holiday (I thought, before I got them, I'd just pack off the run to some friends, but Hetty and Betty HATE being caged up all day and will go bonkers). What do other people do? Is there an Omlet chicken-sitting circle, perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 Hi Bungo, There used to be a STICKY with all the willing eglu-owning chicken sitters around the country that you could contact, but I think the gremlins have got to it and it's vanished. I'm sure if you put a new post up someone would be willing to help you out if you were nearby. Where abouts are you? Otherwise, your chooks will be fine left in the run - even though they might protest a little bit (they know how to win you over you see!) and they will be safe and sound until you get back. The Omlet guys wouldn't design/sell anything that wasn't chicken friendly. Have you got any nice neighbours? They would only have to pop round every other day to top up food and water and collect the eggs and they might be willing to let them out for half an hour or so? Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_smeeeths Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 I have the same worry as well. We are going away for a week in June and I am worrying already about them. They hate being in their run and pace about like caged bears in a zoo. Its horrible to watch. My neighbour said that she will call and feed them but I am concerned that she will a) get pecked to death when they try and escape b) accidently let them out and not be able to get them back in c) forget about them and ....well I can't bear to think about that. We have had this holiday booked for a year and can't cancel. If anyone lives in my area and would agree to just pop in a couple of times in the week we are away I would be more than glad to return the favour. Really hoping Trig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 I'm in Solihull...I think I'd be OK with leaving them in the run for a weekend, but if we were away for 10 days I wouldn't enjoy myself knowing they weren't getting out for a scratch and to spread their wings. Perhaps I'll start training up my next door neighbour to chicken-sit - their garden's already a mess so at least i wouldn't have to worry about that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted February 9, 2006 Share Posted February 9, 2006 It's good to have good neighbours, and at least your mind will be firmly at rest too, which will mean a less stressful holiday We have left ours for 10 days in the run, and they've been perfectly fine. The run is designed to allow the girls to have a wing flap and a stretch, so if you do get stuck, you can feel a liitle happier knowing this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 11, 2006 Share Posted February 11, 2006 Our Saphires have really floppy comes - Fanny Craddock can only see out of one eye because of her quiff (Paul calls her Elvis ) but they are bright red and plump (as the bullying Barbara found out ) and the girls are very healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
