Carol U Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 A week or so ago someone was asking for knitting patterns for sweaters for bald chickens. Don't know if this is helpful, but in The Times this morning there is a picture (p24) of three ex-bats in beautiful sweaters knitted, apparently, by the local W.I. They were in Blisworth, Northamptonshire, so contacting the W.I. should get there. They looked gorgeous - like little fashion models! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 I had been thinking about whether or not it was ok to put jumpers on bald chickens as a couple of mine have been so cold over these last few weeks. Is it ok ? I wouldn't want them to be distressed. Many thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 I've just posted in NB wonder if anyone has seen this and can scan me a copy for BHWT files please. jayne.cox@bhwt.org.uk By the way I've posted before on the subject, it is a kind gesture but the ex batts really don't need jumpers, just dry and warm accommodation and shelter. Here's the post again The BHWT does not usually recommend knitted jumpers for hens in cold weather. Although a lovely idea, the jumpers can sometimes cause the birds to get entangled leading to possible injury, especially if the knit is loose. However, they can be useful if the bird is unable to move around, perhaps through injury, and extra warmth is needed. Our general advice on keeping threadbare hens warm in winter is to keep them well protected from the wind and wet by providing not just a good hen house, but also storm shelter outside the hen house. The cold weather itself will stimulate the bird into feather production and a vitamin and mineral supplement like Poultry Spice or Life Guard will also encourage new feather growth. If a bird is completely featherless, heat lamp facilities should be provided until feathers appear. Other tips include giving the birds regular access to warm water and ensuring they have good deep bedding. The residents of the elderly ladies’ home had already knitted some jumpers for the hens and as a result we did not want to disappoint their kind gesture. It is really encouraging that people are starting to view hens as sentient creatures so worthy of our care. Thanks for your support of BHWT. Buffie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 Further to this, apparently there is an item in the Daily Express today on the same subject. Whilst trying to find a link to it (unsucessfully) I found this: http://littlehenrescue.co.uk/jumpers.aspx OK, they are not really necessary, but it IS quite amusing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fowlbird Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 ah, don't approve of the chicken jumpers (I'm still not convinced that they won't get caught on something) but I did want that link to littlehenrescue thanks, Prim HenMum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
