2018 Newbie Chat!

[Anna Ranieri]

Set to take ducks on the long terk to their new home tomorrow. Am very anxious, nervous and worried. We are having to set out at 4 AM to be able to fit in getting them there staying for a while, while the people settle them in and back in time to return the van we've hired. Going so early should cut down travel time due to less vehicles on the road at that time. Our hope is to get there by 9 Am as we will have to leave by 12 as van needs to be returned by 5:30 PM. It will be about 530 to 540 miles total, ducks will be travelling for around 270 miles which we hope to achieve in 5hrs depending on stops to feed and water ducks although will be putting food and water in the cage with them.
Thankfully I managed to find a van which has an opening for me to be able to see into the back of the van from the cab and has air conditioning which reaches to the back of the van too as our temps are exceptioanally high for this time of year and over heating is very dangerous for the ducks.
My biggest worries are how and if they'll cope with the travelling, the massive change and their new home. I just want them to be safe and happy. I've been promised they won't be rehomed and will live out their lives at the sanctuary which is a lovely place btw. Shortly after we arrive they will have purple leg rings attached, this is to show they are not up for adoption and rehoming so none of the farm hands or volunteers will rehome them by mistake. I've been promised regular pictures and short videos posted on the sanctuaries Facebook regularly throughout the year which I am very thankful for.
We haven't heard back from the housing company about the chickens yet and are hoping this is them "turning a blind eye" to us having them as we have asked for. @llombardo unboxed me with some great ideas at keeping noise levels down to a minimum which we have already put into practice with the chickens and is working well so if the company are turning a blind eye to us having the chickens as long as we don't get any more noise complaints or complaints at all we should be ok to keeping them. The company are unable to give us permission to keep them as they too are bound by the covenant and deed clauses but often turn a blind eye to rules broken as long as no one complains.
Several neighbours have expressed their disgust at us having to relinquish them and tell us how awful this is and do not agree with the order to relinquish our birds and a couple suggested I get up a petition however I have declined because if I make a fuss I could end up losing all 8 of my birds and as much as I love my ducks which I do with all my heart, losing four isn't as terrible as losing all 8.
For the record I'd just like to say after numerous warnings of having only two females with two drakes not working, being dangerous and will cause the drakes to over breed their girls especially in breeding season (which is now here) and causing the drakes to fight and to try breeding the chickens, my beautiful boys have proved everyone wrong. They never fight have never even had a squabble nor a disagreement of any kind, their bond is as strong as it has always been and although sometimes they "try it on" with their girls when their girls refuse them they respect that and leave them be. They still sometimes chase off the chickens but only when and because the chickens chase and peck their girls but they are not violent with the chickens.
It is a sad time for myself, my daughter and grandson who doesn't want them to leave but my grandson has accepted they have to go but has told us and I quote "they're not having my chickens!" So hopefully for us and especially my grandson, rehoming our ducks will be enough for everyone to back off and leave us alone.

 

[llombardo]

Set to take ducks on the long terk to their new home tomorrow. Am very anxious, nervous and worried. We are having to set out at 4 AM to be able to fit in getting them there staying for a while, while the people settle them in and back in time to return the van we've hired. Going so early should cut down travel time due to less vehicles on the road at that time. Our hope is to get there by 9 Am as we will have to leave by 12 as van needs to be returned by 5:30 PM. It will be about 530 to 540 miles total, ducks will be travelling for around 270 miles which we hope to achieve in 5hrs depending on stops to feed and water ducks although will be putting food and water in the cage with them.
Thankfully I managed to find a van which has an opening for me to be able to see into the back of the van from the cab and has air conditioning which reaches to the back of the van too as our temps are exceptioanally high for this time of year and over heating is very dangerous for the ducks.
My biggest worries are how and if they'll cope with the travelling, the massive change and their new home. I just want them to be safe and happy. I've been promised they won't be rehomed and will live out their lives at the sanctuary which is a lovely place btw. Shortly after we arrive they will have purple leg rings attached, this is to show they are not up for adoption and rehoming so none of the farm hands or volunteers will rehome them by mistake. I've been promised regular pictures and short videos posted on the sanctuaries Facebook regularly throughout the year which I am very thankful for.
We haven't heard back from the housing company about the chickens yet and are hoping this is them "turning a blind eye" to us having them as we have asked for. @llombardo unboxed me with some great ideas at keeping noise levels down to a minimum which we have already put into practice with the chickens and is working well so if the company are turning a blind eye to us having the chickens as long as we don't get any more noise complaints or complaints at all we should be ok to keeping them. The company are unable to give us permission to keep them as they too are bound by the covenant and deed clauses but often turn a blind eye to rules broken as long as no one complains.
Several neighbours have expressed their disgust at us having to relinquish them and tell us how awful this is and do not agree with the order to relinquish our birds and a couple suggested I get up a petition however I have declined because if I make a fuss I could end up losing all 8 of my birds and as much as I love my ducks which I do with all my heart, losing four isn't as terrible as losing all 8.
For the record I'd just like to say after numerous warnings of having only two females with two drakes not working, being dangerous and will cause the drakes to over breed their girls especially in breeding season (which is now here) and causing the drakes to fight and to try breeding the chickens, my beautiful boys have proved everyone wrong. They never fight have never even had a squabble nor a disagreement of any kind, their bond is as strong as it has always been and although sometimes they "try it on" with their girls when their girls refuse them they respect that and leave them be. They still sometimes chase off the chickens but only when and because the chickens chase and peck their girls but they are not violent with the chickens.
It is a sad time for myself, my daughter and grandson who doesn't want them to leave but my grandson has accepted they have to go but has told us and I quote "they're not having my chickens!" So hopefully for us and especially my grandson, rehoming our ducks will be enough for everyone to back off and leave us alone.

I am so sorry about this. I personally do not think the sound of chickens, ducks, roosters, dogs or even kids making noise is bothersome. I rather enjoy these sounds and I pity the people that can not enjoy the simple things. If that is what they are going to complain about they are just miserable people. Those sounds should make people smile. If they think that is bad then they should move to Chicago where all you hear are gunshots, sirens and horns honking, now that is miserable. I have learned that the ducks do get loud when happy--when they see food or water(filling up of water). They literally become like toddlers and can't control themselves(people with ducks understand) I found that if I toss treats and fill water before they come out of their house for the day limits that some. There are always those days that I don't do that because I simply need to see and hear this innocent excitement, something else people don't understand.

Just know that there is karma, nothing goes unnoticed when it comes to the innocent. Firm believer here. Have a safe trip and stay strong.

 

[Anna Ranieri]

I am so sorry about this. I personally do not think the sound of chickens, ducks, roosters, dogs or even kids making noise is bothersome. I rather enjoy these sounds and I pity the people that can not enjoy the simple things. If that is what they are going to complain about they are just miserable people. Those sounds should make people smile. If they think that is bad then they should move to Chicago where all you hear are gunshots, sirens and horns honking, now that is miserable. I have learned that the ducks do get loud when happy--when they see food or water(filling up of water). They literally become like toddlers and can't control themselves(people with ducks understand) I found that if I toss treats and fill water before they come out of their house for the day limits that some. There are always those days that I don't do that because I simply need to see and hear this innocent excitement, something else people don't understand.

Just know that there is karma, nothing goes unnoticed when it comes to the innocent. Firm believer here. Have a safe trip and stay strong.

Thank you do much and thank you so much for your great advice which is working well at keeping the chickens from being heard less.
I totally agree with all you have said above and it is sad there are those in this world who enjoy ruining other people's happiness and unfortunately there are several of those live in our neighbourhood, however there are many who do not agree and support my having ducks and who do enjoy hearing them. I've had offers off others to hide them in their garages but I'm not going to do that, as you know these beauties need and deserve fresh air and freedom and at their new home they'll have plenty of that and they will be very well looked after and cared for which is why I'm taking them so far. Places closer to us tend to just put them on a pond and leave them to get on with it!
We had a couple of private offers but they weren't suitable either, I expect them to have at the very least as good a life as they've had here, and they will get that if not better, at their new home. I love hearing them and I'm going to miss hearing them as much as I will miss them.

 

[No More Empty Nest]

I was wondering what was going on with your ducks. So very sorry they are going. I sure hope the chickens remain without problems. I had to laugh at your description of them getting all happy and excited over treats.
As impossible as it would be for the ducks, that was sweet of the neighbors to offer to hide them, lol.
Their might be a reaction from the chickens after you take the ducks to their new home. Mine were off their feed for a couple days after Amber died. Although I don't know if it would happen with 2 different species. But they were raised together, so have to wait and see I guess.
It's very reassuring that you will get pictures and videos of them in their new home. I'm sure they will adjust to the new environment, maybe make some friends! You've taken such good care of them, they have a good background to rely on.
What is the sanctuary's Facebook page called?

 

[No More Empty Nest]

Here are my girls squatting. The first time one of them did it, it was very different from anything they'd done before. Typically after they squat, they do a little shake and fluff their feathers. View attachment 1686091 View attachment 1686096

Thanks for posting the picture of squatting. It does look like what Diamond did, but unfortunately she hasn't done it since....and no eggs. She's still ornery though, bites at my hands. Which right now does no harm because I have gloves on for the cold. So I just pick her up and do the chores that I can do one-handed while carrying her. She seems more calmed down after that.
The others are letting me pet them and even pick them up here and there. Even Jade, the flightiest one lets me pet her for a short time before she runs away. Makes me happy.

 

[PNW_Peepers]

They are beautiful, will they stay black or dark coloured?

They’ll turn completely black when they feather out. Hens top out at 10lbs (very big for a chicken) and they are known for great winter egg production and friendliness.

 

[PNW_Peepers]

My black jersey giants outgrew the dog kennel brooder. Being such big birds (even at a young age) they don’t fly well, so no top needed on the new one. I made it big enough so that I can get in and interact with them, instead of swooping down on them like a predator would.

 

[Anna Ranieri]

I was wondering what was going on with your ducks. So very sorry they are going. I sure hope the chickens remain without problems. I had to laugh at your description of them getting all happy and excited over treats.
As impossible as it would be for the ducks, that was sweet of the neighbors to offer to hide them, lol.
Their might be a reaction from the chickens after you take the ducks to their new home. Mine were off their feed for a couple days after Amber died. Although I don't know if it would happen with 2 different species. But they were raised together, so have to wait and see I guess.
It's very reassuring that you will get pictures and videos of them in their new home. I'm sure they will adjust to the new environment, maybe make some friends! You've taken such good care of them, they have a good background to rely on.
What is the sanctuary's Facebook page called?

Thank you so much for kind words.
We had several noise complaints and also a neighbour who had mice in their garage blamed it on my birds, however he kept dog food in his garage but insists that wasn't what attracted them, saying they never had mice problems before we got our birds, which annoys me as they only moved in a short while before we got them. I had to go speak to him as we will be parked right outside their window as my drive way is next to their property and thought it best to advise that there will be activity and probably noise at 4 AM. It was then he told me the vermin complaint came from them but that they didn't notify the housing company but had told their landlady who then notified the company. He told me they set traps a couple of weeks ago and haven't had any more mice since then but the housing company says the vermin complaint still stands. My worry is that the mice will return and my chickens will get the blame and I be told they have to go too but I hope with all my heart that never happens.
The name of the place is called The Chuckery its at a place called Accrington - it's says that on their Facebook. It is a lovely place and the couple who own it do all out of their love for animals especially poultry.
I had wondered if my girls will miss the ducks, I think Jellybean will because she got upset when we kept the ducks in with us for a couple of weeks over winter, I'm also wondering if Roo will be upset as she spent a lot of time with them. Do you have any advice you could give me on how to handle the situation if they do pine?

 

[Anna Ranieri]

They’ll turn completely black when they feather out. Hens top out at 10lbs (very big for a chicken) and they are known for great winter egg production and friendliness.

Wow thats quite a weight, cant wait to see pics of them all grown up, they are very beautiful.

 

[Anna Ranieri]

Thanks for posting the picture of squatting. It does look like what Diamond did, but unfortunately she hasn't done it since....and no eggs. She's still ornery though, bites at my hands. Which right now does no harm because I have gloves on for the cold. So I just pick her up and do the chores that I can do one-handed while carrying her. She seems more calmed down after that.
The others are letting me pet them and even pick them up here and there. Even Jade, the flightiest one lets me pet her for a short time before she runs away. Makes me happy.

Her being ornery might be a positive sign, I say this as Pedro became very grumpy and unsociable for a while before she started laying (she didn't bite us though, just bit the others and still does sometimes) after about a few weeks or so of laying she started to get back to her usual sweet natured self but it's only recently she's been completely her usual sweet natured self and she's been laying for about 5 or 6 months. She still is a grump towards the others though.