deb68 Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 I have a major problem. Can anyone help me? I have had my 6 chickens for a year now. They roam in an a large enclosed area that I had built especially for my chickens and bees. It was originally grassed. within a few months they have eaten all the grass.....eaten all the plants in tubs.etc During our wet winter the area was a mud bath, i slipped all the time.... it was horrible. We still have wet weather and the mud is swilling down the drive and mud walking to my backdoor as well. My husband has had enough and wants me to get rid of the chickens. I love the chickens but not the horrible mess that goes with them. I did not realise what a mess they would make!!! i dont know what to do...who will have my little girls now they are 1 year old? Any ideas? I live in North Staffordshire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 First, can you confine them into a smaller covered WIR ? There's a sticky about building WIR's if you look. If that doesn't work, I think you will find people here to have them. But try to keep them as I'm sure you'll miss them otherwise. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vikpow Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 Oh dear what a shame Have you thought about covering the area with wood chippings and Auboise ( horse bedding ) to make the area more solid? Is the area covered with something like tarpualin or corrigated shetting to keep the rain off? This might help? ive only had my girls a few months tho so im no expert- just some ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggregiousness Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 I too am concerned about the relatively small garden I have for my chickens to free-range in. I'm planning to try it and see how it works, but if it all turns into a mud bath then I will be getting a walk-in run. Husband doesn't knowthat yet of course! Good luck to you and your chickens whatever happens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 If you can cover the area with hardwood chippings on the ground and/ or a cover to stop some of the rain you will find it much easier and not slippery. I have always had woodchip down, even before my walk-in-run, and it was fine. I agree, muddy ground is a nightmare but you really don't have to have it, honest! Let us know how you get on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deb68 Posted August 24, 2009 Author Share Posted August 24, 2009 Thanks for the replies everyone Here is another problem I have.....i have my two original warrens, then i had two Black Rocks..They looked pretty!! However they are bullies. One in particular pecks the others causing nasty wounds, she has also pecked all the back feathers off her Blackrock sister and the two others. I then had two bantams, it took a long time to introduce them to the gang. eventually I think they have learned to run and pick up the s"Ooops, word censored!"s that are left behind. There is often a loud squawk and feathers around.... If I kept them all in the run i worry that one of them is going to get seriously hurt. The warren had a deepwound that I can only guess from what I have seen them do previously is they all gang up on one..stand on her back and peck her really hard. Oh what to do..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 24, 2009 Share Posted August 24, 2009 You have two problems here: pecking, and the run. As far as the first is concerned, you really need to confine them to a covered area, at least during wet weather. If the area is too big to cover altogether, then maybe you could restrict part of it and put a cover on - personally I would want a roof on the run because of foxes. Once you have a dry area, then use aubiose, hemcore or similar as bedding - as long as it's covered and dry, it soaks up poo and mud and will transform the area that they're in. You can let them out to freerange in the rest of the area when the weather is dry, and they'll be quite happy. Unless you've got a garden the size of a small field, the area they're in will inevitably get muddy and trashed in wet weather, so restricting them to a covered area is essential in my view. If one of your hens has had what you describe as 'a deep wound' rather than just some missing feathers, then you've got a real pecking problem. You can either fit bumper bits to the 'bully' hens, if you know which ones they are, or try spraying them all with anti-peck spray. You could also try removing the bully and isolating her for a few days if you have somewhere safe to do this, and then reintroducing her in the hope that the pecking order will change. I know someone on here has posted that this worked for them. Personally I'd go for the bumper bits - a pain to fit, but it will stop the bullying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Olly has put is perfectly - I would fit bumper bits straight away to as many of the chickens as you think need them. This will at least prevent real damage being done. Purple spray really helps too, as does anti-peck spray on those who need protecting. Hope it sorts itself out soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 I would put a bumperbit on the bully asap. That will solve that problem quickly. I agree with what has been said about woodchip etc in the run. It will make a huge difference. Have a look **here** for another solution. I agree that hens can wreck your garden, but keeping them confined to their own area means that you can enjoy the garden too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Just out of interest. How big is the area you have your six hens on? Troy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legend21 Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Debs I know what you mean about the garden, mine live in a cube with 2 extensions, that are covered and have auboise on floor, but they free range most of the back garden, garden is now just mud and when it rains me and the chickens slide about as the back garden is now just mud. I hate the look of the back now and would love a WIR but 1. they love all the space they have (they dust bath under the trees). 2. a WIR would not be big enough and like you mine would go back to some serious bullying. I never knew they would strip the back garden bare, any pictures I see people have lovely gardens. Saying all of this I love them to bits and I feel so sorry that you may have to part with them Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deb68 Posted August 25, 2009 Author Share Posted August 25, 2009 Hi Guys, I have asked my hubby and he says I have around 32 square metres for my six chucks to potter about in. It is surrounded by a six foot brick wall and outside that a seven foot hawthorn hedge. What is a WIR? I may sound a bit daft but I dont know what bumper bit is either. There have been some great ideas, I will let you know how I go on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 WIR = Walk in run. Check out the Eglu and Cubes section for pics A bumper bit is a plastic 'bit' that goes in the chickens mouth and ois secured in her nostrils, it doesnt hurt them and they can still eat but does mean they can't peck or grab at the other chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 Have you thought of dividing that area in two. I did that and sewed grass on one half while they were on the other, then when established changed it round. This keeps the ground fresh as well but I do only let them out for evenings and most of weekend. I would lay a path as well if you haven't got one, because I find I chew up the ground more than the girls do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
