Patridge bantam chicken poorly foot?

[FlyingRamses]

Hello.

 

I have just started using Hemcore in the Cube run for the first time. I have noticed that the hens come out to free range with small strands of I assume Hemcore wrapped around their nails. It is very difficult to remove but does eventually come off as they scratch around the garden.

 

My concern is as Winter approaches and they are housed in the run all week, could this build up on their feet and cause problems.

 

Has anyone else experienced this at all? I notice it more when the Hemcore is wet by the rain.

 

Also, is it OK if they eat bits of Hemcore as they seem to occasionally and it collects on treats we give them like spaghetti!!

 

Any input from readers much appreciated.

 

Regards

 

Simon

 

[bokbokbok]

Hmmmmm - I suppose mine have had stragglies around their feet but I always thought it was a bit poo-y and sticky and after a while it got s"Ooops, word censored!"ed off - I have lots of wooden logs around our run and they jump on them loads. I haven't had to remove any - yet. . .

 

Now, I WOULD say you should try not to let the Hemcore get wet. We did for a couple of weeks and it was going to have to be changed very quickly - we ended up putting shower curtains up and paving the run to stop it just merging with the wet ground. This way it will last much longer and not smell.

 

Hemcore DOES get in to their food dishes, no matter which ones I use, or how I try to keep it out of the food. . . I sieve the food to take the worst out and I suppose they must either pick round it or eat some. I kinda assumed it wouldn't matter so will be interested to see what others think of this one.

 

Susan

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I use Hemcore (but will be changing to Easibed next as Hemcore isn't being stocked by my supplier any more ). Not noticed it on their feet particularly but I do keep my run very dry so maybe it's only if it gets wet.

 

It does get into the feeders but again, I've not noticed them eating it. I don't suppose a bit would do them any harm. Look at all the c**p they eat when they're freeranging .

[chickenanne]

Mine have never suffered from a build-up on their feet, even if the hemcore is wet and muddy (half the run is covered, half is open). I think hanging about in wet and very churned up muddy ground will damage their feet eventually, but it's easy enough to make sure this doesn't happen by maintaining the run properly.

I wouldn't worry about them eating it. Very unlikely that they'll take much if at all.

[FlyingRamses]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I think I will improve the covering to try and keep it dryer, it is so wet though!!

 

I still don't get how it turns into such a tough stringy mess, I guess it must be the fibres as it breaks up in the wet.

 

Good point about what they eat in the garden, they trot up to me sometimes with the most gross looking feet and beaks .... but they seem very happy!!

 

Thanks again to all.

 

Simon