Kit Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 (edited) I have noticed at the local allotment that chickens and cockerals are being kept which isn't the problem. Problem is that there are all kinds of different breeds (large and small) locked in a shed which does have some windows but they are not being let out for long periods during the day. I asked the chap to show me his hens because I was interested and when he opened up his shed it was clear that there have been some kind of nasty bullying going on. Some hens have small amount of blood and lots of feathers missing and when I mentioned it he said it was the cockerals fighting with each other. There are other hens which he seems to keep outside...the set up is not that great and each time I have been to the allotment the shed door seems to be locked. I know he goes there daily to feed them but is this enough? Kit ps the shed is what I consider to be very dirty but then again.... I change aubiose every 2 to 3 weeks! Edited August 22, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggy-Bread Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Hi Kit, That doesn't sound right at all. Is this chap keeping chooks to sell the eggs or something 'cos he does not seem to care for their welfare? Perhaps a discreet call to the RSPCA or RSPB might not come amiss. You're right to be concerned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeggySue1 Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I agree with Eggy Bread, do phone the RSPCA. We have reported dog abuse to them a while ago, and although they ask for your name they do not reveal to anyone who has made the call. What is nice though is they they will phone you back and tell you the outcome of their investigation, so you are not left wondering what happened. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madchickenlady Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 It does sound like a welfare issue, so I would contact the RSPCA for advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teri Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 i agree with everyone else. i'd report him and let the investigators advise him on how to keep his hens in better conditions. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffordmum Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 How distressing for you (in the knowledge) and them (cooped up together for long periods). Here's hoping the authorities will act swiftly - and before it's too late! Doesn't bear thinking about ... Rgds, Pat & Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legend21 Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Kit please let us know the outcome, I am miserable thinking about the poor chickens locked in a shed, some people Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Yes definately call the RSPCA, that's appalling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kit Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 will ring right now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kit Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 Job done...they will send somebody out to investigate. I feel so guilty reporting this person who I don't know but I guess you are all right..it is needs must. Kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 If everyone who suspected cruelty kept quiet due to feeling guilty, there would be far more animals suffering. You have done a good thing Kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madchickenlady Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Don't feel guilty, Kit. The rspca will investigate and advise, the owner of the birds won't necessarily get in trouble. Whatever happens, you've almost certainly made sure that those birds get a better quality of life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarahsausage Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 You've done the right thing Kit so don't feel guilty I'd have done the same as would many others! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 I'd have spoken to him about it again, but its probably best to phone to be safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fenrisulven Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Wish you had spoken to him without involving the RSPCA. They are a dreadful organisation. Take a look at these links. RSPCA-Animadversion http://cheetah.webtribe.net/~animadversion/ SHG http://the-shg.org RSPCA Injustice Blog http://www.rspcainjustice.blogspot.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 That's a rather strong statement - "dreadful organisation". Do you have personal experience of the levels and breadth of the dreadfulness? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fenrisulven Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 They get worse larfmur. Take a look at how they now admit to shooting dogs. http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=207090&st=0 I call that pretty dreadful. What do you think? PS How do I make a post without having to hit quote and deleting the quote? Can't see a reply button anywhere! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ness3103 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 oh my goodness that's terrible but doesn't suprise me at all. i had to phone the rspca on a couple of occasions and haven't found them at all helpful unfortunately there don't seem to be any other organisations to use instead. hopefully with regards to the chickens in this thread it will be a happy ending hopefully they will offer advice on how he should house and look after his chooks. Fenrisulven if you scroll down to the bottom of the page there is a new topic button and a post reply button Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggy-Bread Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Please don't feel guilty. I still feel you made the right call. I do see the point of having had a word with this man first, but if you see him often at the allotments and he refused to do anything then you had to call the RSPCA, then things could get really unpleasant. It's always hard to know what to do for the best and there's no right or wrong answer. Finger crossed a little chat from the RSPCA may just enlighten this chap. Let us know what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fenrisulven Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 I found the button! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 I personally do not have a problem with the dogs having to be shot given that they were in no fit state mentally or physically to be rehomed. I am not the greatest fan of rescue centres as I had a border collie rehomed with me that had been used for pit bull baiting and I was not told when she was handed over. We spent 18 months trying to socialise the dog but took the decision to have her put to sleep when she bit the postman. It was only then that the rescue centre admitted that her two sisters had been put to sleep after only six months in their new homes and that they had been used as bait for pit bulls. If someone had made a braver decision regarding these three border collies, then three people would not have had to suffer the injuries that they did (I understand it was a child that was bitten in one of the other cases). If the dogs were so agressive that there was a danger of people getting bitten, then I can't see what else could be done. What life would they have had if they hadn't been put to sleep? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 I think we need to be realistic here. The RSPCA may epitomise a shortfall in some peoples perceptions of an animal charity but they are often the only port of call. I worked closely with them on many occasions and while the organization was nowhere near perfect the inspectors on the ground were absolutely dedicated and fair. I am in a similar position having to report a cockerel,two hens and two chicks banged up for days at a time. I did not hesitate for a minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kit Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 Fenrisulven When I first saw the hens and the state of accommodation I did mention that they should have access to more light and freedom. Also that there is a ratio to have with cockeral to hens plus the benefit of purple spray and that there were gadgets available to stop the hens from pecking at each other. 4 mths later there still seems to be no change so that is why I wrote on this forum for advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 (edited) They get worse larfmur. Take a look at how they now admit to shooting dogs. http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=207090&st=0 I call that pretty dreadful. What do you think? Whilst I am not a great fan of the RSPCA I find the links a bit radical, have you joined the forum touting the anti RSPCA view? Regarding this case, people have different views on what keeping chickens entails and not every one will keep their chickens in the lap of luxury like many of us do there is no mention of the cleanliness of the set up here or the size of the shed and a locked shed is a good precaution on an allotment so it may not be as bad as it seems. Yes in an ideal world chickens should have access to light and freedom but not everyone agrees and as long as the set up isnt actually cruel we have to appreciate that everyone has their own ideas of what is right and that people do not always move with the times Also if cockerels are going to be kept for the table for example you can't have the ideal penning groups you have to keep them together its just not practical otherwise I think its right to inform the RSPCA in cases of cruelty although I am not 100% that this case is cruel it will at least put your mind at rest to know you have reported it Edited August 22, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Can we point you in the direction of the bee section at all Fenrisulven? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
