GeorgieB Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 I agree with you on that Budgies. I couldn't despatch a hen myself either I don't think, in case I caused them pain. Would be ideal to have someone who would come round and do it for us. What's this course you mentioned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 I find it distressing AND comforting to read the posts, as we all seem to be "in the same place". Loving, learning, caring crying, missing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 I have few wyandotte minis in my 'herd' Budgies - not reknowned for going broody, two of them are at it this year! As you said... you can never tell, but a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of anything fluffy - they brood like mad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budgies Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Clare, Fluffy hens = broodies, brilliant!! Hadn't thought of it like that, but Orps and Silkies are the best broodies aren't they? Good way of remembering when you're standing amongst pens of gorgeous looking hens with your heart going "I want, I want" Sandyhas3chooks, I know what you mean, I've found it both hard to hear other people's sad stories of chicken loss, and yet comforting to know that I'm not the only one having a tough time without my girls. These things take time, it's lovely to get the support from others who understand on here in the meantime. GeorgieB some of the Northern Omleteers went on a course - I've put the link here. Just a word of warning - it is a chicken despatch and preparation course and there are photos, so not for the squeamish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 5, 2009 Share Posted June 5, 2009 Add pekins to that fluffy list too, Budgies I never fail to cry each time one goes, whether they've been ill or it's sudden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*mummy_hen* Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Hi joe, I have just gone through exactly the same thing with my ex-batt girls and ended up losing 3 in 24 hours so just wanted to say i am so sorry and i know how hard it is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaches Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Yes, I have to say I understand, having now lost all 4 of my girs one to illness, 3 to a fox. It is a comfort to know others understand, especially as a lot of people don't get what all the fuss is about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jos Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 Thanks Mummy-Hen and Peaches. I am so sorry for your losses. Mummy-Hen, you and I adopted ex batts around the same time last year so it is interesting that they should become ill with similar problems and similar times. Peaches, my hens free range all day and a fox attack is a constant worry of mine. It must have been awful for you. I hope Florence is enjoying her new companions! J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgieB Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Our hens free range all day too. I hate keeping them cooped up in the run as they aren't at all happy with the confined space. We have been lucky so far with foxes (maybe it's cos I get my fella to pee into a bottle and then spread it around the edge of the garden, who knows) but I was thinking of buying a Fox Watch- http://www.conceptresearch.co.uk/fox.htm It's not cheap but worth the money if it allows our hens to roam safely around the garden when not being supervised. Not sure how it will affect the neighbours dogs though if the foxes don't like it. Has anyone got one of these and had foxes since ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Got one and NO dogs effected so far. 2 dobermans, Retiever, GSD cross, beagles, Hungarian Visla, Labs, cockers, Lurcher? It is plugged into mains and can hear it! Cannot say if deters foxes or cats as not seen either .... Sorry not much help. I use it as a back up, like popping to another part of garden, stil only supervuse free ranging. Think safeat Electric fencing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgieB Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 It is plugged into mains and can hear it! Thanks for the reply Sandy. So you can hear the Fox Watch yourself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 yes,nothing wrong with my hearing! slightly irritating if sitting with the girls, it goes off every time warm body crosses it's line, could switch off but paranoid I will forget to turn it back on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgieB Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Hmmm....so much for being inaudible to humans. Not very nice for the hens either then if they set it off themselves. Did you get yours from http://www.conceptresearch.co.uk/fox.htm ? Sorry for hijacking this post by the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 actually I think I am the ONLY one it bothers, chooks don't bother that IS for sure. Can't recall wher I got idt, someone posted a link a fw weeks ago & I went there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
