Elderly cat breathing difficulties when purring

[House MD 221B]

 

They walk around pecking and minding there own business, but sometimes for over an hour they just sit on the windowsill looking in at us.

 

We go out there and fuss them and give them treats and poach in particular likes a good run around the garden both being chased and chasing me.

 

We have always discouraged them from getting up on the two low brick walls we have (they are internal they don't lead out the garden, we just didn't want to encourage gaining altitude.)

 

And believe it or not they understand the word "No" or at least the tone and inflection of which it is said. however they only know its naughty if we are watching them, if we aren't (or they think we aren't) they'll go and do the naughty thing with impunity lol

 

So yes back to the point.... is this normal? they're well fed happy chickens, although we're not sure if Scramble has started laying since the incident, and she different since too, although she is perfectly healthy. They get plenty of attention and fuss.

 

So why do they just sit there looking at us in the lounge? Is this normal, or is there something we should be doing. Its cute really, its almost like they want to know where we are... which is funny especially because scramble doesn't like being picked up (although she's more than happy once you've nabbed her) either way thought it would be a nice opportunity and pretext to show you Poach and Scramble.

 

 

Also 2nd question:

 

We love chickens, these are our first two, but we'd like to get some more, perhaps a bantam and one other breed.... the girls are 7 months oldish, how would they take to 2 new sisters? I shall go and look at some of the integration / introduction threads but I thought I'd ask as I was already starting a thread

 

Thanks all.

 

edit:

Hi there

 

I'm Mrs House

 

I should mention that we don't give them the treats as a response to them sitting on the window-sill or go out and fuss them because of it We're trying to ignore it at the moment. What House meant was that we give them loads of attention, so we're interested in why they do it? I think they just like it

Edited September 29, 2009 by Guest

[Space Chick]

OK, you said something very interesting within there, that when you see them looking at you, you go out and give them treats.

 

I would say that your chickens have trained you, and now view that windowsill as a "fly through" take-away.

 

I think its interesting that we think that chickens are there for our entertainment, our girls also watch us intently, so I often say that we are just a cabaret act for the girls

 

Re getting more girls, some people advise against getting bantams with large fowl. Your two will get used to having 2 new sisters, but intros need to be done carefully, although there is loads of great advice on here as to how best to do it. And having followed it strictly myself for 2 sets of intros I can confirm that it does work, just takes time

[Gelbel]

Two of my three are quite happy to sit or stand on the conservatory steps for quite a time to see what's going on.

 

They appear to like the telly - must be the images that attract them (even I can't claim they were actually watching the rugby over the weekend ).

 

They only seem to shift when I come towards them - to give me room to get out the door.

 

If they are not parked on the step they often come up and have a good nosey through the window in case they are missing something.

[fluffyknickers]

Maybe they can also see reflections in the glass that attracts them?

 

I have never done any intros (would like to though!) but know you would have to have a way of keeping them seperate for a while so you could introduce them gradually.

 

michelle

[House MD 221B]

Hi there

 

I'm Mrs House

 

I should mention that we don't give them the treats as a response to them sitting on the window-sill or go out and fuss them because of it We're trying to ignore it at the moment. What House meant was that we give them loads of attention, so we're interested in why they do it? I think they just like it

[GGLGirls]

Our girls do this too - and I like to think that they feel safe knowing that we are close by, as they can sit there for ages watching or even just preening themselves.

 

Its the same when we are in the garden with them - they will stay close by rather than wander too far away - always one eye on us (probably just incase they miss a treat)

[House MD 221B]

cool, thanks for replies, so long as its normal and they aren't trying to get our attention..... might turn the TV the other way then, give them something interesting to look at

[Chookiehen]

My three will quite happily sit snuggled up to the fully glazed kitchen door for hours. Lovely for them, but a bit mucky when you chase them, and discover the state they've left the step in!

[Valkyrie]

Ours will sit on the back doorstep, preen, chill out, but only look occasionally in the patio doors (hosepipe close by for any poopy surprises). I agree with Spacey - this door is where food comes out. Patio door is where owner rants and tells hens to get off the table, and the Christmas tree is very scarey when it goes up in that room too.

[Chucky Mama]

Ours will tap on the patio door window demanding attention and snacks (I ingore them...bad chickens )