HENthusiastic Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 I was driving to work yesterday morning.... more or less through Bradford town center...... I had stopped to go into a news agent, on my way out I heard a bok boking! To start with I thought I was just going barmy! But i went to investigate, and behind the row of houses / shops I found 2 silkies (with very blue ears) and two others, not exactly sure what they were, but I think pure breeds. I wandered around a bit looking for a henhouse they may have escaped from, but no sign of anything. they were in the car park of some kind of small factory. They seemed quite happy. I wasn't sure what to do so I watched them for 10 mins and then left. I went back again today and they were still there, but a bit further down. I saw a man in a house that backed onto it and asked where they lived, but I couldn't understand what he said! I dont think English was his first language. he didn't seem suprised to see the chooks so I left them. I assume they are being cared for. I'm not sure what to do. If it was just one girl, Id assume she was a chicken of fate and 'rescue' her but as they look like a happy little family I guess I need to leave them to it. Also if they were gingers, I'd think they were there to be fattened up for the asian shops around to sell as meat. But who'd have pure breeds and leave them wandering around car parks and litter???? I may pop back with a handfull of corn..... just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 how strange what about letting the RSPCA know keep us posted sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted October 31, 2008 Author Share Posted October 31, 2008 Strange indeed! Do you think the RSPCA would be interested? I hadn't thought of trying them. I forgot to mention that the area they are on isn't a concreted area, they do have earth to scratch on and find food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Could they be from a neighbouring garden, allowed out to free range? Or maybe someone from teh factory keeps them? Maybe ask in narby businesses etc? Unless they've been stolen and then dumped, I would assume that they belong to a neighbouring property. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skye Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Could you maybe go and post a note/sign in the area where you've seen the chickens? Asking if they have a home, and hope the owner sees it and replies? Bless them, hope they're safe. Surely four nice girls like that wouldn't be left on their own. xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 How interesting. I wonder if they have been stolen and then dumped? Will you offer them a home? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Errrmmm, if there are asian shops around, could some also be chinese? Aren't silkies a chinese delicacy? Edited to add: found this on wikipedia: The black meat of a Silkie is generally considered an unusual or unpalatable attribute in European and American cuisines.[17] In contrast, several Asian cuisines consider Silkie meat a gourmet food. Chinese cuisine especially values the breed, but is also a common ingredient in some Japanese, Cambodian and Korean dishes. Areas where Chinese cuisine has been a strong influence, such as Malaysia, may also cook Silkie. As early as the 7th century, traditional Chinese medicine has held that chicken soup made with Silkie meat is a curative food.[18] The usual methods of cooking include using Silkie to make broth, braising, and in curries. Traditional Chinese soup made with Silkie also uses ingredients such as wolfberries, white yam, orange peel, and fresh ginger.[19] A few fusion restaurants in metropolitan areas of the West have also cooked it as a part of traditional American or French cuisine, such as in confit.[20] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 As a bradfordian from birth and living there until 22 I have to say henthusiastic that most animals I have found near the town centre seem to be food destined! (Including a kitten I once resued ) I may be doing the owners a huge dis-service but I assume a pet owner would have had hen housing near by. Perhaps leave a note, and I think contacting the RSPCA would be a good idea. A good owner will have nothing nto hide and so won't mind a visit from them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted October 31, 2008 Author Share Posted October 31, 2008 Thanks for your replys I really dont know what to do. I went back on my way home from work and they are still there. There is, however, a chinese takeaway that backs onto the lane where I saw them I am just bemused. If it was just gingers, could be for food. If it was just silkies, it could be for chinese food. But they are a variety. If they were for food, would the businesses have bought them live? Wouldn't they then be in a small cage somewhere? Its a good idea to ask in nearby businesses to see if anybody knows about them. Think that will be my next move. If they were abandoned, it is normal chicken behaviour that they are staying in roughly the same place? Loads of questions I know. IF anybody has any answers to any of them Id be greatful. Or any more views of course. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 oooh, I think I'd be tempted to back my car up and stick them in the boot! Sounds like they've been dumped to me. keep us posted though, I would love to know the outcome/happy ending! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 oooh, I think I'd be tempted to back my car up and stick them in the boot! Sounds like they've been dumped to me. keep us posted though, I would love to know the outcome/happy ending! Me too You could always post some cards flyers better that than a fox fate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted November 1, 2008 Author Share Posted November 1, 2008 (edited) Hi guys, I'm not sure if this is good news or bad news, but the 4 posh chickens of fate.......... are not chickens of fate! I went back today (armed with box) and found a bloke who know all about them. He works in the factory. Aparently they have been there since early summer. They do belong to one of the houses that backs onto the car park. Strange way to keep chickens. They have a small wooden box on its side which I guess is where they sleep. The rest of the time they just wander around amongst the car park, wheelie bin, and crisp packets. Not how I would keep chickens, but I guess they have a lot of land to roam about on. (As long as they dont' nip off down to the main road that is!) I'm half disapointed not to be 'rescuing' them. I've always liked the idea of having a chicken of fate. But, they've got people looking after them, and they weren't really the right breed or the right time for me! So I guess its good thing all round. Ah well. Mystery solved. Oh yes........... and one of them cock-a-doodle-dooed just as we were leaving! Edited November 1, 2008 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scramble Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 At least they've got a home! I would hate it if they were just left out in the cold... x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 All's well that ends well....I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 and there's me worrying whether my lot need a hot water bottle tonight! spoilt monsters. Poor little chooks in a wooden box... At least you found out though - good for you. Thanks for the update. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 Just as well you didn't chicken-nap them . Funny way to keep chickens, as you say, but at least they're not home (or coop-) less! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 Aaw, bless them. At least they are not on the menu somewhere! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 I think I would still have a word with the council and maybe they would go down there and chat with the owner. It doesn't sound if he's all that caring about them.....was there any evidence of food or water bowls?? Or were they just being left to scavenge? Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 Aaw, bless them. At least they are not on the menu somewhere! YET Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barkisland Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 Sounds like they would be very easy prey for an urban fox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 Given there living conditions I'm not sure if I feel better or worse Oh well not much you can do unless you hennap them when no one is looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scramble Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 unless you hennap them when no one is looking then again.... x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted November 2, 2008 Share Posted November 2, 2008 i agree with keyhole kate who ever they do belong to isnt looking after them properly and anyway you only have 1 mans word for that, he may not be right, its not chicken napping it is rescue sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
