dixie chick Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 We have a rookery in the wood at the end of the garden and I have noticed recently that lots of rooks have started to use my hens' fenced in area as a 'drop-in cafe' ! My hens don't seem bothered by these scavengers - but I just wondered if there were any disease issues? Not that there is much that I can do about it anyway! Does anyone else have this problem - if indeed it is a problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 There will be potential disease issues. You could use something like a treadle feeder but the success will depend on whether your chickens are heavier than the birds stealing their food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickybaby Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 I have sparrows using my chicken run, for food and dust bathing! When the chickens are free ranging and their run door is open, collared doves have also been known to drop in. I'm not too worried about it because when my chickens are out in the garden they share it with wild birds anyway, I have loads of feeders around the garden so actively encourage them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 Last year the crows didn't just eat the hen's food they stole the pekin eggs too Had to move the pekins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylie1007 Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 Not with Rooks but being by the seaside the seagulls are very interested in s"Ooops, word censored!"s we give to the chickens, I caught two of them pecking away at their pellets earlier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
