Recent content by Boiled Octopus

Thank you! I have no idea how this critter managed to get my sebright, but my eyes are peeled and cameras are on their way...

80 yard shot - I've had lots of practice! Once dissected I found a red gloopy mess in its stomach. I was expecting a more dry, perhaps seed-like content. Pic below (took picture after I threw it over the fence, but contents shown on top over fur):

How awful. Just shot a rather large rat and even opened the stomach contents up to see if it was the culprit. Not sure whether a rat would actually chase a bantam in broad daylight and then eat half its breast. I've gone into revenge mode.

I think I may have to as I know how lonely they can get by themselves. Problem is, all of a sudden I have a predator who will likely target them. I may have to sit around with a rifle for a bit before any decisions are made.

Thanks. Friends don't really realise how attached you can get to these little things. "They're only chickens", they say! I only have one left now, and she is clearly traumatised by this whole thing.

So today my little silver sebright bantam was attacked and died. She was 7 years old, and I assume it was a fox who waited when I was on the school run with the children, and killed her. Apparently they are that cunning and will watch movements of humans. It took me two hours to find her little...

Hi Colorado - My chook looks identical to yours, in fact they could almost be twins! Mine was mid-moult last year and still hasn't grown her feathers back properly. Now she has the yellow comb and skin. She always has lots of meal worms but her weight has definitely dropped and seems lighter...

Thanks for response Judy. Weather is getting much colder here now, and it looks like she's pushing out a few more feathers, albeit slowly. She seems perky and healthy enough, so hopefully she'll be fine...

My bantam hen (Puff) has seemingly been moulting for an absolute age - it must be almost three months now. Weather is getting colder here now after a ridiculously warm September/October and she is still rather bald. Her appetite is completely normal, crop full at night, no signs of distress...

One of my bantams has laid an egg with curious markings. Almost looks like a map of The UK and Ireland! I am assuming this is some sort of strange calcium wizardry going on?

Thanks Suzie. I never thought I'd get so attached, but when these little feathery things are in your care, you grow so very fond of them. He went to the vet twice, and it just got to the stage where he was just not functioning at all really. It was most definitely the most humane thing for me...

Well...it is with a mixture of sadness and relief that I write to inform that I had to dispatch of my little fellow this morning. One swift hard chop to the neck with a hatchet and his suffering was over. When I went to check on him on waking up, both his legs were fully extended and rigid...

He is a lot perkier this evening. I am very surprised, but still not holding out much hope. I just can't seem to envisage him using his legs again. He just had a massive meal and drink. Will update tomorrow, if he's still alive!!

Well...slightly earlier update than announced... He seems to be doing better, just gave him some scrambled egg with sweetcorn and meal worms, and his appetite was quite veracious. Much more alert, although still gaping and not moving his legs. I might leave it a bit longer and see if the drugs...

I'm almost at the end of my tether. Not sure how much longer I can keep him alive without thinking he might be in too much stress/pain. Current symptoms: Gaping, extending neck, can't use his legs to support himself and now pretty much lying down. I took him to a vet specialising in poultry...