fog_horn_leghorn Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Hi, Does anyone own chickens and let them free range in the garden with Tortoises knocking about? The 2 torts are about 2 fists in size. I'm a little worries the chickens may peck at thier heads or eyes???? I could contain the torts in a very large plastic propigator while the chickens are out, but if the chickens wont bother them I'd just like one big happy family in the garden ... peace and love, peace and love maaaaan. Thanks in advance Phil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lyric_grace Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Hi Phil, I went on a Eglu course this past weekend and the hosts kept a tortoise with their chickens, they didn't mention any problems. It was run by Roz, Andy & Sue in Stockport and they did say that they frequent the boards so I'm sure they will be along shortly to help you out!! LG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fog_horn_leghorn Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Well there you go! There is always someone as equally mad as a hatter! I shall wait expectantly for Roz, Andy and Sue. Thanks Lyric_grace Phil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad house Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 We have our chickens, tortoises and cat all roaming around the garden together (only when we are there). Chooks are ok with our cat but if another one comes in the garden dont we know it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmommasally Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I have chickens and tortoises but keep them separate. I heard that Tortoises can carry salmonella and I don't want to take the risk that the chickens would pick it up from them and it get into their eggs. Not sure if any of that is possible but I'd rather not take the chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fog_horn_leghorn Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Ahhh yes indeed you are right. Torts can carry salmonella! I'm not 100% sure but I think it's only if you dont keep on top of cleaning thier water containers, like pretty much any type of vivarium. I think it's more to do with thier hot moist environments than the tortoise/reptiles themselves. I'm making a wild jump here but battery chickens have the same issues I think. Hot moist environments. I'm guessing thats 1 of the reasons why condesnsation in a coop is a bad thing, add that to bad hygiene and it's a recipie for disaster My torts are either living free in the garden or hibernating. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 Freddie's got a tortoise & chook family, she comes on occasionally.... Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh sarah Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 hi i have 2 tortoises and 6 chickens and they all free range together, i worried that the chickens might peck them but they do not bother each other sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathybc Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 My girls are terrified of my tortoise! That said, I only let them free-range together when I can supervise, just in case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
