Chicken bald back

[Purplemaniacs]

I hope you can give me some advice. As some of you will know a few weeks ago we were burgled. Since then I am finding it difficult to come to terms with things.

 

I am now struggling with the chooks, I hate going outside in the dark and won't go out in the evening if I have to come home to an empty house.

 

At the moment I am just getting the chooks done before it is dark but as the nights draw in I am not going to be able to do this.

 

I now feel I will have to give up chicken keeping which I do normally love as I can not cope with going out to them in the dark. As OH is away a lot I am on my own so no one is here to help.

 

Does anyone have any advice that may make it possible to keep them or advice of where and how to go about selling them, if I have to sell them I do want them to go to nice homes with loving owners like the omleteers.

 

Thanks

 

Chrissie

Edited December 14, 2013 by Guest

[Patricia W]

I hate the period between now and mid February too. But thinking practically, is there any way you can get a light fixed up near them so you aren't fumbling in the dark? If you can't I find a large torch very useful - especially when one of them decides to roost outside the run!

 

The only other thing I can say in comfort, is that it is only a few weeks really before the evenings start getting lighter again. Roll on spring and summer!

[Chickabee]

Oh please don't give up, you will miss it. Don't let those horrible horrible people ruin your life. Are they in a secure run if so you can leave their eglu doors open and let them put themselves to bed you don't have to shut them in. Lots of people do this. I really feel for you, I would miss my chooks so much. I wish you a very happy furture, whatever you decide to do.

[Lavenders_Blue]

I agree, please don't give up chicken keeping! Is it possible to set up strong lighting in your garden so you can go out in the dark and feel safer. Or at the very least a good head torch. I think permanent lighting would be better though.

And I second the suggestion that if the Eglu doors are left open, the chooks can happily put themselves to bed. Last night I got home from work at 6pm and I must admit that I didn't bother going out to the girls. I knew they'd be tucked up in bed. Food and water can be done in the mornings and eggs can be collected then too. Cleaning out can wait until the weekends. Chickens don't worry about a bit of poop in the coop!

I really hope you can find a way to keep enjoying your chooks, even over these grotty, dark winter months.

[gavclojak]

I know they wont be....but I wish the people who feel its acceptable to take others belongings and violate their homes reads this.....this is the consequence of there actions....its the after effects isn't it....but don't give these cowards the power to ruin your life any further......get yourself a bit of birch...I hear that smarts when whipped across the face:) but really these people are cowards and wont be back....

[jackian]

I have an outside light that goes on every time I go down the garden ....Aimed at the WIR . Make sure if they FR that they are shut in the WIR before dark and let them put themselves in and out in the morning when it is light . As others have already mentioned don't let these people ruin your way of life ,you can beat this.

[The Dogmother]

I agree, please don't give up chicken keeping! Is it possible to set up strong lighting in your garden so you can go out in the dark and feel safer. Or at the very least a good head torch. I think permanent lighting would be better though.

And I second the suggestion that if the Eglu doors are left open, the chooks can happily put themselves to bed. Last night I got home from work at 6pm and I must admit that I didn't bother going out to the girls. I knew they'd be tucked up in bed. Food and water can be done in the mornings and eggs can be collected then too. Cleaning out can wait until the weekends. Chickens don't worry about a bit of poop in the coop!

I really hope you can find a way to keep enjoying your chooks, even over these grotty, dark winter months.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

A couple of good PIR lights on the back of the house are essential in the darker evenings, and will help you to feel safe. I am mostly on my own too, and we've had prowlers down the side access alley before; I have rigged up PIR lights along there and on the back of the house, so it all lights up if anyone goes along there.. helps me to see what I'm doing too.

 

Please don't let the eejits get to you Chrissie... shall I bring my big dogs over to protect you?

[Grandmashazzie]

Second what everyone has said and could you move them closer to house and then you might feel less vulnerable.Have you thoughtof counselling especially if you are on your own so much,it must be very stressful.Good luck with your decision.

[The Dogmother]

Are you friendly with your neighbours? Perhaps they'd help out, or look out for you so you feel more secure.

[paulad]

Please dont let these vile people win.

 

I do know you feel as we got burgulared while we were sleeping in our beds - took me ages to get over it and not worry about the what ifs - my hubbie was away alot at the time too

 

BUT

 

dont let them change your whole way of life - slowly u will get over it and you will be gutted if u get rid of the chucks.

 

Infact keeping the chickens will give u a purpose - as others have said just let them go to bed at night themselves 0 im sure they are alot hardier than we think xx

 

sending lots of love

[kentuckyfried]

Everything lavenders blue said. There have been times that I have been completely unable to go out in the evening and they have been fine. I don't shut mine in anymore as they have a secure run.

 

If they need to have an extended holiday until it starts getting lighter again, then they could come here... Feel free to send me a message if that would help.

[The Dogmother]

If they need to have an extended holiday until it starts getting lighter again, then they could come here... Feel free to send me a message if that would help.

 

That's a lovely, and kind, offer.

 

Wear purple Chrissie, and to hell with them Seriously, I think that chickens are better therapy than a hindrance in such circumstances. I had a rather nasty stalker a couple of years back, and was threatened in my own home; I took solace in the humdrum chores and my animals. I'm not too far away, so PM if you'd like my number for a chat.

 

The police have a victim support network if you need professional help.

[LottyJ1]

So sorry to hear you have been finding it hard *hug*

 

I agree with all the great support on here. Security lights are great i also have one pointing towards my run and we will get another. Also its not long till the evenings start getting light again and lots of people leave the coops open in omlet housing or WIR''s.

 

Don't give up as they will have won and taken away something else you love

[Redwing]

How many do you have now Chrissie? is there anything I can do to help even short term to give you time and space to think?

[mollyripkim]

Oh dear, I agree with everyone else, if you enjoy your girls don't let them put you off and if they are in a run there is no problems with them putting themselves to bed at night.

I see you have a couple of dogs, I know they are probably soppy and would lick anyone to death but could you perhaps train them to speak on command. We had someone in our garden attempting to break in the garage last summer and I taught my very silly spaniel to bark on command, she goes running around the garden loopy then looks at me as if to say what am I barking at!! We also put in security lights including one by the WIR which makes life easier, we got it so I can switch it to say on whilst I am down there.

I wish these awful people could see the repercussions of their actions.

[Chortle Chook]

Totally second what others have said on here. Don't let them beat you. You love your chickens Use security lights, they are bril Also put chub locks on your garden gates if you have tall fencing, and grow pirocantha along the outside or inside of your fences (It's that really really prickly climber that has red or orange berries out at the moment). Also have you thought of those self shutting doors that some people put on their coops so that the chooks would get shut in automatically after they have gone to bed? I know there was a post on her at one point that said how to fit them to Omlet housing.

[redsunset]

I am so sorry to read that. I don't know if yours are in an enclosed run? If so then they will put themselves to bed if Mr fox cannot get in and saves you having to go out after dark? If not then loads of outside lighting should do the trick. I can understand the confidence being shattered in dusk/dark as I would be the same as live on my own if that happened. in fact I'd be Bl**dy angry and pity anyone who dared to attempt a run into my back garden after that (said with semi mock bravado)!!

 

Failing that move to the Scottish Isles and not worry re locking your doors. I am so sorry that people have to live in fear in their own homes/property today.

[chickanne]

Often read but don't often post. I'm with all the others who believe that the chooks are a real positive in my life -especially when the going gets tough. Was burgled last year so know how you feel and did feel more vulnerable, for a while, in the garden at night.

Have you had any contact from victim support? Our neighbourhood watch police woman got me some pricklesticks to put on fences (which I was excited about cos they are also Fox deterrent).

Totally agree with the lighting suggestions. Long run, it also help prevent slips and other problems

 

What does not kill us makes us stronger. You have lots of people rooting for you. Just keep posting the little steps you make towards a full recovery.

 

Fingers Crossed .....

[counturchickens]

I agree with what others have said, just wanted to add sending you my best wishes xx

[merlina]

Agree with what everyone else said.

 

I'd add that people do often underestimate how traumatic a burglary can be. The fact that someone has been into/violated your sanctuary is going to cause a lot of shock/fear/anger and distress.

 

I have been burgled in the past and it took me a very long time to feel safe (via sleeping armed with a toasting fork and other implements! )

 

I would suggest that you don't make any permanent decisions while you are still in shock. All the suggestions re getting someone from victim support and someone from crime prevention to look at your property are good ones - start doing something positive because it gives all those bad feelings somewhere to get channelled.

 

Hopefully those measures will make you start to feel safe enough to keep your chooks

[Sandychick]

I can really sympathise with you - I was burgled just over a year ago. I live on my own and was in the house asleep while the downstairs was burgled. I didn't hear a thing and just walked downstairs into chaos in the morning. It is so much to deal with - I had my house and car keys stolen, phone, laptop, camera, mobile, credit cards and sentimental stuff, so I really know how awful it is, the amount of hassle caused, and how insecure it makes you feel.

 

Please don't give up the chickens though - they will keep you sane through all this. Looking at a bunch of happy chickens reminds you that there is some good in the world

 

I think as others have said, do whatever you can to feel more secure. Some good lighting will definitely help. I went security mad for a while and put locks on the side gate and replaced a missing fence panel or two etc to make sure my back garden was safe.

 

Anyone who breaks into someones house and turns their life upside down for some quick cash are absolute scum. Please don't let them ruin your chicken fun.

 

It does get easier over time too x x

[jimnpaula]

What everyone else has said, don't let them cause you to change.

As an ex-paramedic who used to work night shifts I used to feel so much safer carrying a large MagLight: useful, heavy, and if necessary 'it was in my hand officer, I just reacted' (thankfully it was never needed for that purpose)

 

virtual hugs

Paula

[The Dogmother]

Funnily enough, I 'just happen to have' an axe behind my back door... for chopping kindling of course

[Bramble]

I'm so sorry to read your post. I can't add anything to what the other very wise Omleteers have already said. Please don't let those vile "people" spoil your life, they are not worth it.

 

I would echo what others have said - I am now never home at night before it is dark and I am completely confident that the chucks pack themselves off to bed without any attendance from me - I don't go out in the garden in the dark unless I need to (which I don't, usually), chuck chores are done in the morning and at weekends!

 

Have you thought about getting a dog - makes a huge difference to have that extra company!?

 

Sending big and heartfelt hugs xx

[Luvachicken]

I totally agree with what everyone has said too.

There really are some vile people out there - but don't let them win.

They are the weak ones who have taken the easy route, YOU are the strong one and will get stronger each day.

( I don't like the dark either and I don't have an excuse )