Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[GeorgieB]

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?

[sandyhas3chucks]

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.

[The Dogmother]

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.

[Budgies]

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.

[The Dogmother]

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.

[*mummy_hen*]

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

[Peaches]

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.

[jos]

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

[GeorgieB]

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 ?

[sandyhas3chucks]

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.

[GeorgieB]

It is plugged into mains and can hear it!

 

Thanks for the reply Sandy. So you can hear the Fox Watch yourself?

[sandyhas3chucks]

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!

[GeorgieB]

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.

[sandyhas3chucks]

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!