Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Poultry and Pets => Chicken Chat => Topic started by: Carla on August 18, 2010, 11:14
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Just wanted to share my ex-batt arrival day count down because I'm ridiculously excited and my 5 month old and my labrador really couldnt give a fig. WOO-HOOOOOOOO :D :D :D
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Believe me when those birds arrive both will be very interested :lol:
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arh its soooo exciting for you, looking forward to seeing piccys of the new girlies, which reminds me i really must put a piccy up of my new girl :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:, ive gotten side tracked by painting the kitchen :lol: :lol: nickyx
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I cant wait Nicky, get butterflies everytime I think about them. Just imagining where they are now and the hideous life they've got, they are going to be so happy here (I hope!)
The coop went up yesterday, keep going into the garden and looking at it, the neighbours must think I've lost the plot :)
I'll try and get pics of the whole rescue process and keep updating so everyone can see how Ethel, Maud and Mildred are coming along.
What type of chooks have you got? xx
Carls x
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Hey Carla,
Have you thought about creating a blog with pictures on your journey in having your ladies? Will be a treasure to keep.
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Hey Carla,
Have you thought about creating a blog with pictures on your journey in having your ladies? Will be a treasure to keep.
I wouldnt know where to start Alan, good idea though, I'll see if I can figure it out :) It would be great for my little boy to look at in the future xx
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It's actually easier than you think.
Go to http://www.blogger.com and have a look.
Can't wait to see a picture of your coop up in situ. :-)
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I cant wait Nicky, get butterflies everytime I think about them. Just imagining where they are now and the hideous life they've got, they are going to be so happy here (I hope!)
The coop went up yesterday, keep going into the garden and looking at it, the neighbours must think I've lost the plot :)
I'll try and get pics of the whole rescue process and keep updating so everyone can see how Ethel, Maud and Mildred are coming along.
What type of chooks have you got? xx
Carls x
I have 4 ladies, a Barnevelder, a Speckledy, an amber star and my new addition is a Crested Legbar, ive just been out and taken loads of piccys so will put them up in a bit. nickyx
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The coop is up :)
Needs a new roof, having a shiplap one made because the felt is perfect for red mite (so I've been told) but the rest is ready to go. Eventually I'll have a big open run made elsewhere in the garden, but this should do them for now. After what they've been used to, it will be like a palace.
Maisy has sniffed around it for 2 days now, wait til the chickens are in it, she'll be mega confused :)
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Looks fab hun, is it only one more sleep now until you get your girls, really excited for you, looking forward to piccys. nickyx
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That looks great Carla - is that a mug of tea inside the coop waiting for them? :wacko:
What time are they arriving tomorrow? Excited? :tongue2: :tongue2: :tongue2:
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Hahaha, yep, nice cuppa nad a biccy, think they'll be needing it :)
I've got to collect them between 12 and 3pm, got to phone first to make sure the rescue went smoothly and everythings ok. Even my butterflies have butterflies I'm that excited!! Just giving my orders that I want the whole right hand side of the garden fenced off as a humungous run for them (my plan is to sneak more ladies in eventually..but shhhhh).
How high do you reckon I should go with the run? Got 10 metres of weld mesh stuff to use up, reels of green garden mesh (for covering peas and things) and a boat load of good quality chicken wire. Got to be able to do something with that lot???
This time tomorrow they'll be here WOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO :D :D :D
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Not sure on how high to go.... will you make it completely enclosed? If not, make sure they are not flighty or you might need to wing clip them. I would just get them in and all settled and see how you feel about the run after. They have plenty of room for now.
When I got mine, I was told to put them straight in the coop itself and then let them come out themselves when they are ready. They stayed in there for about 2 hours and then merged.
I held one of mine for the first time this week as only had them a week - she was ok whilst we were holding her (she is head hen of them) as soon as I put her down, you could hear her swearing at me for picking her up! I best get her used to it.
This has been their first week and one week later and they have really settled in. So do give yours time.
Al
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how many girls are you getting, with ref to the wire, make sure you dig it down aswell especially if your prone to the odd fox passing by, i doubt they will have to the strength to fly for a while anyway, and you can always clip their wings later on. Im sure your not gonna get a wink of sleep. Good luck for tomorrow and look forward to hearing how you get on. Nickyx
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Yes Alan, I'll leave them in their new coop for at least a week so they know where's home, and being ex-bats, I'm thinking they'll be mega nervous, so they'll need some peace for a while, but I'm just thinking ahead with regards to the run. If I dont get on the case while the weathers still ok(ish) I'll never do it. I'll wing clip them regardless, my house back on to a big field and then a massive drop down to the canal and if they ever escaped I'd either never find them again or they'd drown.
I'm led to believe that you should just sit in the run with the hens for as long as you can spare, occasionally stroking their backs as they wander past, then they'll stop seeing you as a baddie and accept you into their flock??
Nicky, I've reserved 3 girlies, I've been told they may not be able to walk very well, not to put the perches in the coop and remove anything they might fly onto and fall off :(
I've just been bawling my eyes out looking at pics of battery farms, thinking of my girls being in one at the moment is heart breaking. But not for much longer eh :D :D
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I'm led to believe that you should just sit in the run with the hens for as long as you can spare, occasionally stroking their backs as they wander past, then they'll stop seeing you as a baddie and accept you into their flock??
Carla TODAY IS THE DAY!
I think your husband/partner is going to have trouble getting you back into your house. I hope you have made enough room to put your bed in the coop?
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Thinking of you today, hope you got a bit of sleep last nite lol lol, safe trip to get your girlies. nickyx
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SOOOOOOO EXCTIEEEEEEDDDDD!!!!!!! :D :tongue2: :D :D
Ive told everyone I know not to bother me for at least a week, the bloke will be happy because its more playstation time for him (yawn) andif I could get the kids babysat for a long stretch, they'd be outta here :lol:
Setting off at about half 12, going to take an hour (ish) to get there and then they'll be here, free and happy. My hearts singing at the thought that at this very second, they're being fetched out of that :mad: farm.
Thanks for all the well wishes folks, there will be photos on before bed tonight and I'm going to have a crack at that blog thing Alan.
Sleep came quite easily courtesy of a bottle of plonk Nicky, thinking maybe it wasnt such a good idea today though ::)
Laters potatas (black country spuds!) xxxx
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:D :D :D :D :D xx
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THEY'RE HERE :D :D :D :D
I went for 3 and came back with 4 because there was one left over, so she had to come too.
Their characters are coming out already. There's Shell Dockley, Flo, Nelly and Sue. I put them in the run and for the 1st hour they just huddled up a corner, but they soon started pecking about and came to have a nose at us, especially the dog. Flo pecked Maisy right on the nose :)
They're really sorry looking things, but seem happy enough, they've all eaten and drank and had a scratch about, loads of stretching. They're wonderful. Sue has an egg obviously waiting to come out, hoping she's not egg bound....maybe just needs some peace and quiet to lay.
Here's the photos :)
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Oh bless, it won't take them long to get red combs that aren't floppy and some lovely new feathers :)
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Ahhhh, so cute and how wonderful that they will have a great home and a home that loves and cares for them. I think four is a great number, they always say 'three is a crowd' so four will be double 'two's company!'
The first week is always amazing on how they blossom into their home and surroundings. It's been one week for mine now and they follow me and hear me coming etc.... still hate me trying to pick them up though.
Carla, they are gorgeous and I definately want a day by day account!
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I was fascinating watching them come out of their shells (hahaha ::)) Definate personality differences already and they all had a pink fit when they heard a magpie in the garden.
They're a bit wobbly on their legs and are pecking at each other a bit, there's a boss lady already who cained all the food in one sitting. There was a right old ruck from inside the coop when I put them to bed, but they settled after about half an hour.
Cant wait to get up in the morning (words that have NEVER left my mouth before). I'll post as soon as I can drag myself away :) I've even had my 6 month old in his walker sat watching them too. My sister and her kids, the neighbours over the fence, all just gazing at them for hours. Totally brilliant.
Just hope that eggs come out by tomorrow :unsure:
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Bless them, they'll soon be looking beautiful with all the love and care they'll be getting :D Your right Carla, you can't leave one behind :D Remember lots of photos please:D
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Arh congratulations on your ladies, they are absoutley gorgeous, 4 is a very good number they are lovely. Was it a big rescue, were many ladies rehomed. nickyx
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It was only a small rescue Nicky, 500 I think, all had got homes though (except Sue, who's now with me).
Flo laid an egg on the grass about 10 minutes ago, I watched her do it. I nearly wet myself with excitement :lol: :lol:
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arh bless, its amazing after all they go through they can still lay an egg, thats brillant, now she will have to learn where the nest boxes are, you can buy those dummy eggs, try putting one or two in the nest boxes. nickyx
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I've put dummy eggs in, and one of the girls was sat in the nest box rosey away, but came back out and laid on the grass, bless. I'm sure they'll get the idea eventually.
Got 3 eggs now :) Only one that hasnt laid is the poorly one, not holding out much hope for her, on closer inspection, she's really thin too. Phoned 5 local vets, none of them cater for poultry so I'm off over Birmingham tomorrow. Joy!!
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I've put dummy eggs in, and one of the girls was sat in the nest box rosey away, but came back out and laid on the grass, bless. I'm sure they'll get the idea eventually.
Got 3 eggs now :) Only one that hasnt laid is the poorly one, not holding out much hope for her, on closer inspection, she's really thin too. Phoned 5 local vets, none of them cater for poultry so I'm off over Birmingham tomorrow. Joy!!
One of my girls was egg bound and i popped her in a bucket or you can use a sink of warm water, its supposed to sooth them and help them pass it, you could try that, it worked for my girl. nickyx
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forgot to add, make sure if you are gonna do it that the water is well past her vent area when you pop her in. nickyx
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How are your ladies doing Carla?
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Awww bless them, they've had a lovely day. Nelly and Flo have been up and down the ramp and in and out of the coop, Shell and Sue have hung back, not quite so confident, but they've still been just getting along with things. Had 4 eggs, can1 chicken lay 2 in one day?? I didnt think Sue was laying (the one with the swelling), but I've had 4, so I dunno??
The dog has ben going nuts, but they're not phased at all, they just look at her as if to say '* off u stupid creature' :D They dont like magpies though, crane their necks and look upwards everytime one calls. They've experienced wind, rain and sun today.
Sue is still ok, I picked her up again and had a squeeze of the lump and a tiny bit of watery fluid came out. Not holding up much hope for her, but while she's still happy, I'll leave her be...I phoned the vet and he said it sounds like heart problems as it's a soft lump, if it was egg peritanitis, it would be more solid. I'll take her in tomorow if she's any worse.
So all in all a good day, Sue's issues have put a bit of a dampner on things but she's better off here and if she does go, she's had a bit of happiness :mellow:
Any idea how much grit/oyster shell they eat because they seem to love it?? They ate loads yesterday and again today.
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just let them help themselves to as much as they want, they have been used as an egg factory so their own stores will need replenishing. They will ease up before long :).
Glad that they are seeing life as it should be (before people all decided they wanted cheap food).
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How's Sue today? not forgetting Shell, Flo and Nelly (my Gran was called Nelly :D)
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She was 1st out this morning, straight over to the water and had a big drink and then cained a load of brekkie, she's been up and down the ramp all day, pecking about and is happy as can be?? The lumps still there, but she's showing no signs at all of there being anything wrong, Had 3 eggs today, but dont know who off??
They're all doing really well, showing no signs of fighting yet, Nelly loves it in the coop, wanders out every now and then but takes herself off in again. Flo and Shell are just there, being chickens. They've all fronted the dog out, not phased at all, the dog doesnt know what to think because the cat scarpers as soon as the dog moves, but the chickens just dont care :) Fingers crossed they're going to be a happy healthy flock, but I'm not counting my chickens, so to say, just yet.
:D :D
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Ah bless :D
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All 4 girls have just taken themselves off to bed :D :D :D
Cant believe how quickly they've learnt, sooooo proud :)
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so clever :D
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Hi Carla
I've been watching this thread with interest. Your girls brought tears to my eyes. I was wondering how they are getting on? How is your girl who isn't 100%? Hope they are all thriving. I think its great that you have taken them - they will live out the rest of their lives living a happy life as all chooks should. :)
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Awww, thank you :) THey have settled very well, I cant believe how well they are just getting on with their new lives. They started scratching about yesterday, that hadn't done it before.
Unfortunately, Sue (the poorly one) is not well today. She's in a box in the living room, really quiet, tail down and she's all fluffed up, not eating or drinking, I think she's giving up. Booked her into the vets (20 miles away!!) for tomorrow morning, but I dont think she'll last that long.
I had braced myself for the worst, they say the mortality rate in ex-batts is high, hardly suprising really, but I was still hopeful for a full healthy flock :(
Starting work on their huge enclosed run on Saturday, Nelly is itching to get out and about, she makes a bolt for the door everytime I go in, and she's dying to attack the dog :) She'll let me stroke her now and the rest are slowly coming round. They're still laying eggs on the grass, excpet Shell, she lays in the coop, but not in the nest boxes.
So, apart from Sue, poor thing, it's a very happy story to tell.
Oh, I've just heard one shouting.....bet she's laid an egg. Bless :)
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I'm sorry to hear about your poorly girl. Keep my fingers crossed for her. I am so pleased that the others are doing so well. You must be so pleased with your girls! Keep us all informed.
Carolbriar
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Pleased they are settling into a proper chicken life, fingers crossed for Sue.
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Sounds like you have settled in just as well as your girls. Hope Sue gets better.... I dread looking on this thread in fear of bad news sometimes. :(
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Carla,
How did you get on with Sue at the vets?
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I'm guessing it must be bad news? :(
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Mmm I think you might be right TeaPots :(
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Nooooooo, not at all folks :)
Computers been down for the day so have only just seen the messages, sorry to worry you all. She was fine in the morning, but we took her anyway. The vet reckons the swelling is probably (?) down to a heart condition. He tried to drain it, but hardly anything would come out, she's not egg bound, in fact she laid today. He's sending off the bit of fluid he got off for analysis, should hear something Tuesday. He said she's just been worked really hard, has no muscle tone, is underweight and as she's particularly bald, must have been in a cage with a very dominant hen, and struggled for food. So no clear answers really. Advised me to keep her by herself for a couple of hours a day with her own food supply so she can eat as much as she wants and she's been scoffing the lot, MASSIVE crop by bed time. Today she's been shouting her head off, layed a lovely big egg and has scratched up a huge patch of grass and has been attempting to dust bathe.
He reckons she wont live to a ripe old age, but as far as he could see, she's ok, couldnt tell me why the lumps there but will know more when the results are back.
Thanks for all your concerns, she's a trooper is our lovely Sue xxx
I'll try and get a photo of her tomorrow.
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Carla,
That is such great news.... we have been waiting to hear! Sounds like she is recovering nicely in your hands and with the TLC she is getting, she will have some a wonderful life with you. She is really gonna love her 121 sessions with her mumma and all the treats you will be spoiling her with.
Be great to see an updated pic of them since you got them. Only a week, but seems a lot longer.
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Phew! :D I was worrying
Even if she goes really soon, she will have had a scratch about, seen the sky, and even had a dustbath (amazing they remember how to, after battery cages :D )
Well done, keep up the good work.....watch out for too much grass blocking her crop if she's not used to it. Everybody's crossed fingers must be helping :D :D :D
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sounds like she is starting to enjoy her life - keep up the great work Carla :)
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What a relief. Good to hear that she is alright. :D
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great news carla, i have been thinking of poor sue and how shes been getting on, photos would be lovely bless her, she sounds a right character and great advice about giving her some "sue" time so she can have her fill, sounds like you had a good vet. nickyx
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:D :D :D good news Carla and well done Sue :D :D :D
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Am I the only one sitting here with tears in my eyes? This is such a lovely heartwarming story. Please keep the thread up, with more piccies!
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Everythings still good today, managed to get a few pics
First ones of Nelly sitting in the pop hole
Second one is Nelly (at the front) and Sue at the back
Third one is Nelly...named Nelly Neck as I'm sure you can see why :lol:
Fourth is Flo layin in the nest box, clever girl.
Sue is camera shy, but she's getting better. They're all happily pottering about and being very chickeny indeed xxx
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Awww :D :D :D
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Hey Carla,
How are things going with your gals?
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Hi everyone, computers been down :( but its all up and running again now.
Girlie update...the vet phoned, results were inconclusive and he wants me to take Sue back in for another look, but it's a 40 mile round trip, which I just cant keep doing for no answers. I know it might sound awful, but until she starts showing signs of being ill, I'm not taking her in. She's fine, eating, scratching about, laying, so I'll just leave her be for now.
We've made them a massive run, fenced off half the garden, moved their coop into it and now they live there happily, the dog just harrassed them when I let the free range, trying to groom them all day and they were getting annoyed. So now they are semi-free range and happy as larry (whoever Larry is!?!)
All their feathers are suddenly sprouting through, the pecking order is all sorted and they're all laying every other day. I have 4 very happy ladies and I adore them :) Nellie and Sue let me pick them up now. They're still a bit unsure but are slowly coming round to being friends with the food woman :tongue2:
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Great to hear from you Carla and that everything is going well. Would love to see an update pic of your ladies and their new run!
Glad you're back, you can help NormandyMary to get her ladies to lay. 8)