surferdog Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 This might be a bit of a barmy question but here goes..... We're on the waiting list for an allotment and I know we've still got ages to wait but I thought.......Our chooks have done such a super job on digging over, weeding, de-slugging and levelling the flowerbed in their run, what about if we took them to the allotment, when we eventually get it, with our trusty Omlet netting (only while we are on-site as well of course.) Then I read somewhere that chickens don't like travelling so wouldn't want to take them if the stress of travelling back and forth outweighs the fun of digging in new ground. What do you think? I was rather taken with the idea of loading tools, dog and chickens in the car and all heading off to the allotments for the day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I would be interested in the answer to this as well. I was thinking we could take them down for a few hours with the cat baskets as 'home' and the Omlet netting. We are not allowed to keep chickens on the allotment, but a bit of fertilising and slug eating for a few hours would be a great help. The only thing that has stopped me is whether they would find this scary and then stop laying when they got home. If anyone has tried it I would be interested to know. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 You've given me an idea, surferdog. I've got the hens, the netting and a allotment less than a five minute walk away. I could set up the netting in advance and then hand carry them there one by one. Would that be less or more traumatic? I must say that when they were delivered, I was surprised by how quiet and calm they seemed to be in the carrier. Maybe the lady who sells duck nappies could design chicken harnesses so we could take them on leads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara.F Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 here's what we did we built an enclosure with no floor the width of allotment beds but only four feet long. It was about three feet high. when part of a bed was empty, we put the enclosure on it and popped our two hybrids in, moving the whole thing along a few feet as each section became cleared. The bantams weren't keen so we left them at home but the hybrids loved the change of scenery (so far as one can tell ) and happily laid their eggs in the enclosure on 'work days' The really great thing about doing it this way (apart from better eggs, slugfree allotment, weed clearance, ground fertlization, company while you're digging) is that the enclosure doubles as a soft fruit cage and then can be used to protect your brassicas from pigeons all winter. well worth the investment (esp if you blag the materials from skips ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surferdog Posted April 25, 2008 Author Share Posted April 25, 2008 What a brilliant idea Tara. I can't wait to get our allotment now! Mine certainly weren't phased by the travel from the breeder - they all hopped out of their carrier and started foraging straight away. PS Sue - the streets will be filled with chickens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 PS Sue - the streets will be filled with chickens! Then that would move Cambridge higher on the "Best Places to Live" list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Tilytinkle Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 (edited) do you think that can be extended to when popping over to Mum's or when going on holiday . .as they're just too adorable to leave behind. . hmmm visualising roof rack with cube on, family 6 seater filled with 6 chooks in sunglasses drinking waterbut ale . .. few loo stops on route . .quick garden centre raid to stock up . .in car entertinment - music to the GREAT ESCAPE . .doooooo dooo dooooooo do dooo doooo doooo do doo ooh yes not just allotments. . but grannies, aunties, walks, parks .. . 'chicken expeditions' .. could catch on seriously sounds like a great idea . .mine arrived & seemed very happy in their travelling box, and seemed okay in car they just looked as if they were roosting, or dozing. Ms Tilytakes6chooksalayingtotheseasidetopaddleandsandbathe..joking..JOKING Edited April 25, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clash City Rocker Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 You've given me an idea, surferdog. I've got the hens, the netting and a allotment less than a five minute walk away. I could set up the netting in advance and then hand carry them there one by one. Would that be less or more traumatic? I must say that when they were delivered, I was surprised by how quiet and calm they seemed to be in the carrier. Maybe the lady who sells duck nappies could design chicken harnesses so we could take them on leads. I remember posting this when I first joined the forum. According to the "Omlet guide to keeping chickens" (page 6, "other pets") "the majority of dogs will be happy with a new companion in the garden but it is still a good idea to introduce your dog to your chickens on a lead". This would seem to imply that chicken leads must exist, though I've never seen one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 According to the "Omlet guide to keeping chickens" (page 6, "other pets") "the majority of dogs will be happy with a new companion in the garden but it is still a good idea to introduce your dog to your chickens on a lead".This would seem to imply that chicken leads must exist, though I've never seen one. Like the hen keeper who chased the fox with a broom in his pyjamas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I've just been told I have an allotment when our new village site opens in a month or so - I was planning on taking some of my girls with me to help out! Great to hear about your experience Tara! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 I;m just loving the idea of taking the chickens for a day out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Someone on here (name escapes me!) takes their chooks to the allotment in a pet carry box when she goes to do digging etc.She calls them,they hop into the box,off they all go to allotment and they are tame enough not to wander off! I wish i could remember who it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhotchick Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 There was an Eglu owner years ago, somewhere in the North east I think, who used to take her chickens to the allotment. She had a blog. "city chickens" or "urban chickens" can't remember. But you can google it. The chickens were called Sybil and Pollo though! Funny how I remember that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...