Australia - Six states..and that funny little island.

[Anniebee]

True Annie, the first 2 x batches of healthy Devils were released ridiculously close to civilisation, perhaps the wildlife inspectors were reluctant to travel into the ' wilderness ' to monitor them.

the south west wilderness is a vast area.

Fancy ... wild life inspectors need to get their act together and 'man up' a bit .... the wilderness is what it is, and always will be ( I hope ) .... and if they can't hack that, then they shouldn't be in the job. !!

I have been in the south-western area myself, several times, and yes - it is rather daunting, gotta be careful there - but heck - these guys should know how to handle those conditions with safety equipment, caribiners, ropes, proper protective clothing etc. to keep them safe.

They need a good Search and Rescue Team leader to instruct them, if they can't hack the wilderness for the sake of these remarkable animals.

( I love Tassie Devils - even though they sound and look so ferocious at times - not sure I would handle one though, without appropriate clothing !!!

).

Thanks for the reply Fancy ...

Cheers ....

 

[Anniebee]

Is there a way to find this early, by giving them a "feel" every day, or something? I just assume they are ok when they come running and are interested in their dinner and they walk around pecking and "act normal".

This is what they eat, I think it's supposed to be good. I'll have a look at the packet to see whether it has those specific things in it, but it says it's got all the "stuff" in the advertising
http://weston.westonmilling.com.au/animal-range/poultry/layer/product/premium-layer-crumble

Had a look at the link potato chip ... and it sounds ok, but have never seen that brand at any of our stores / produce and stock merchants ( Victoria ). So maybe it's a West Australian group that produces it.

'Feeling' things, won't necessarily tell you whether a chicken is egg bound or not. ( unless there is a part formed egg stuck very near the vent ). Up further, don't think it's possible to diagnose ( Fancychooklady and others, would know more about that than I do ).

For my part, if my chickens are 'doing normal' - running to eat something that is interesting - and if there is no obvious signs of hiding, tail continually down, staggering gait, ultra pale comb or wattle, inertia, or just general malaise, I think perhaps not to worry would be the best.

Problem is, chickens can be 'difficult'. Rather think most would agree with that here. From my own experience, I had NO idea that raising chickens could be fraught with so many dilemmas. I learned the hard way ( and with much help from friends here on BYC ).

For example : .... My Mandy Welsummer moults at the rate of about three feathers a day !!! ....... always a very long moult. During that time, she almost gives me heart failure, with her tail down, slow action, retiring to bed during the day - etc. I bring her inside, wash her butt, clean her up, press very warm cloths ( but not burning hot ) to her underbelly and vent, and the next day she is back to normal. Other times, if she is docile and happy enough I leave her and hope I don't find her in dire need in the morning. So far, it all works itself out. She's interested in different foods, scratching about in litter and dirt, dust bathing in the garden, and being with her BFF, Molly RIR. But - there are many times I wonder ( and worry ) about her. She is a very large chicken, and I have read that they can have some specific problems ( being so large ).

We can only do the best we can, and hope for the best - - - when it comes to chickens.

Cheers ........

 

[Anniebee]

Does anyone else find that their hens can 'pause' the egg laying process? I've come downstairs many times with treats and called out to the girls, only to notice one is missing from the initial rush. Suddenly whoever it was on the nest getting ready to lay, jumps off and comes running out of the coop to gulp down whatever food was on offer. Once there's nothing left to eat, they go back to the nest box, lay their egg and proceed with the rest of their day. I've had both my older girls Ada and Annabelle do this. It seems to me like the equivalent of pausing mid labour to have a kit kat break or something, then get back to dealing with contractions and pushing.

Love the 'kit-kat break' bit Fizzybelle....

Yes, it seems they can interrupt laying, but at what stage I am not sure. ( I think it must be early in the laying process ). I don't think my girls would stop when just about to lay ??? But i am not sure. I have however, seen them get up off the nest, come running out - return when I retreat inside, and continue with their laying.

It often takes quite a while for an egg to be ultimately released ( I have noticed from my hidey hole in the laundry ). On the other hand, I have been able to stand and watch the entire performance ( towards the end of it anyway ) ... when so much "purring", "tick-ticking" and straw grabbing goes on, etc. They ( apparently ) tend not to move away from the nesting area ( wherever that may be ) when the last stages are in progress.

Interesting, to say the least.

 

[Anniebee]

Hey satay yep, I have my letter all penned and in the envelope ready to post. I took photos and have witnesses who will verify that the car was not moved between the issuing of the infringement and taking of pictures.

As you cannot request a review on line, you have to type, print and post the review request and colleagues have mentioned that they issue the infringements in the hopes that you will not be bothered to fight it and just pay it .. they picked the wrong person this time

If it was $40, I probably would do just that, pay it and get over it but I am not forking up $117 when I did not commit the alleged infringement.

I will let you know how I go. Funnily enough, if they do waive it, I will be more cranky because that would just prove it was an attempt to gain revenue

Good onya Teila .... for fighting this outrageous sneaky ploy for money to the Council / Shire / whoever.

Problem might be, that they have changed whatever they like - in their laws - to include a grassed areas as a 'footway'. Nothing would surprise me.

But you have every right to fight this ---- and good luck to you - I hope you win in spades, and teach the mob responsible a lesson or two ( for hopefully an hour or so - they are not exactly responsive to positive thoughts for better treatment of their citizens ) .

... Cheers ...

 

[Anniebee]

Actually it's illegal to park on a nature strip at all. Didn't know that.
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/parking.html

If you are in front of the fence does that technically puts you on the nature strip?

To Teila ... ( from appps statement ).

Forgot about that .... if that grass verge you were parked on, was considered to be a 'nature strip' ( for their own money grubbing, selfish reasons ) .... then perhaps the same applies as it does here in Victoria.

Several friends / family of my son and his wife ( who live on a reasonably busy road ) .... have had the Council come around and fine them for parking on the 'nature strip' .... but it is in fact a 'nature strip' ( as it is known to be now ) - between gutter and pathway, in front of residence fences.

Sadly, no telling what a Shire or Council might consider ( on a day by day basis ) to be a 'nature strip' . Having said that, am supporting you having a real go at them - and I hope you win.

It can be done. There are times when the simplest of tasks is beyond the every day staff at Councils - and they are more likely to fold and acquiesce, than fight you on it.

Best of luck to you.

.... Annie.

 

[Anniebee]

The other thing Teila is that, because there is a paved footpath, you obviously didn't intend to block foot traffic. Technically, that bit of verge may be classified as a footway, but it isn't needed as a footway the way it would be it if made people use the roadway instead.

If they do waive it, it doesn't mean they didn't have a sound basis to issue it, it just means that they accept your mistake/explanation.

Meanwhile, my new run is up. It's meshed on top as well so no more pigeons and crows joining in cleaning up anything the chooks don't want. It's attached to the new house.

In behind the big tree, you can't really see it from the front

They come out the back here, under their house. I'm going to make a proper little door so that I can shut off the opening if I want to separate them or stop them going out into the run. I'll put some shade up for them, probably just some shade cloth to start.

Great news potato chip - that you have your runs up and going, according to the way you want.

Things should be more smooth sailing from now on.

Very well done - congrats.

........ Annie.

 

[Anniebee]

Hi There

I hope you don't mind me jumping in the conversation, I was directed here in the welcome threads. I am from the the Wild West down in Tassie.

After a few weeks of preparing to go and purchase some new chicks to add to our family, building, researching etc today we became the loving family of 10 beautiful DUCKS. Lol, no mistake, we were offered them a few days ago and we thought what the hell. They arrived today, 9 of the are three months old the 10th is the daddy duck, George. I was so excited when hubby brought them home today, I expected them to be a little skittish, due to being up rooted from their familiar environment, but deep down I was hoping that they would just love me straight away.

They didn't.

I think I spent a good three hours sitting in their large yard reading a book today hanging on to lost hope that they'd come up to me and bounce around like a new puppy would. haha, I can see that they are going to be marvelous for my lengthening patience. It was really wonderful watching them waddling around, pappa 'George' being the leader and barking out directions. Know I just can't wait for them to love me! And looking forward to eggs to feed us and the neighbours. We are still going to be getting some chicks but will let these ducks settle on us first.

Here is a group picture of the 3 month olds we have been given, to be honest I am not 100% on what breed they are, and I didn't take this picture, it was taken by previous owners, well because my ducks don't love me yet and I can't get close enough to snap a decent pic haha



Anyway, I am really looking forward to hanging out here a little and getting to know a few people

Welcome littleindie ... I am sure you will enjoy this site / thread.

Love the photo of your new ducks. .... Sorry, I have no clue about ducks, ( still learning about chickens - after 3.5 years ). ....

Would be interested to know what breed they are - hope you can find out ... from a duck breeder. Satay suggested they be mallards. Cannot agree or disagree, but from looking at photos of mallards on-line, seems you might have a fair few female ducks there - if they are mallards. Mature mallards become very pretty - with greens etc., upon maturity ( from pix on line !! ) ... Can see a couple that might morph into males in colour !!!

Figure if they were ducklings, they'd be more inclined to cozy up to you. The age they are at, might well be 'flight or fight' stage for ducks.

You will eventually win them over - they will see you as a 'food machine on legs'

... and respond accordingly ( I think ).

Cheers .....

 

[Anniebee]

“HELP, monster, HELP, monster” was all I could hear as I raced out the front door half asleep and half dressed.

A flaw of mine is that while I make a good Chicken Servant, I apparently do not make a good Chicken Body Guard because I failed to see anything even remotely monster-like on my 15min surveillance of the property and perimeters.

So, as it was not quite the scheduled Princess Breakfast Time, back to bed I went.

“HELP, monster, HELP, monster” .. luckily, this time while back to half asleep, I am fully dressed as I once again race out the front door.

My bad … with all the noise they were making, I was looking for anything over at least 60cms tall or 60cm long, may be aerial, may be furry etc.

I mistook the “HELP, monster” alarm for the “Princesses do not receive non breakfast bearing visitors before 9am" alarm … Bazza had dropped by for a visit.

With hubby’s help, because the whole household was up, Bazza was escorted off the premises and was last seen making his escape across the fish pond; most likely regretting his decision to visit uninvited and wondering if they make industrial strength ear plugs in cane toad sizes

I always wondered what the gals would do if they encountered a cane toad; now I know ... scream for Mum to save them

Hey kat79 yep, worked a treat, your Silkies and Duckies are cuties and did put a smile on my face.

potato chip yeah, when I said that their waiving it would be an indication that it was just revenue raising it was because I believed I had not done anything wrong. Now I know that apparently parking on the ‘nature strip’ is prohibited, I do not feel that way and just hope that they forgive my ignorance.

Your new run is fantastic!! If the soil is anti plant, maybe some pots around the inside or outside. You could get a couple of sleepers down one side [outside], fill with some good soil and plants.

How/What is Marcy doing now?

Hi there littleindie, welcome to the thread, lovely to meet you. I have no experience with ducks but yep, as appps mentioned, treats! With treats and time, I am sure they will grow to love you as much as you do them.

See --- I told ya so Teila.

Fancy has said the same thing - you are brilliant at fun descriptions - and should write a book. You've got heaps of stories to tell.

As for the "HELP - Monster" story ---- it was

Still having a great laugh here ..........

" and wondering if they make industrial strength ear plus in cane toad sizes" .... ???

WRITE THE BOOK ... FOR GOSH SAKES.

Cheers ........

 

[Anniebee]

Thanks Satay! I posted the question in the D'uccle thread, and got another vote for quail Watching her grow and change is going to be exciting

Question about broodies, as I've never actually had one, but am anticipating it with Agnes ( given the reputation of Silkies) and Esme (my Pekin who should start laying in a month or two). So is summer the season they go broody, or just warm weather basically? I'm guessing if that's the case they calm down over winter then? Just so I know when to potentially expect it. Thanks.

Have found that moulting heralds Autumn Fizzybelle.

Well - in my back garden it does ??

But I think they can start to shed feathers in extremely hot weather too .... but stand to be corrected on that one.

They moult in Autumn or a tad later, to prepare themselves ( at least I believe this to be the case ) .... during winter in growing new feathers, to begin their best reproduction time in Spring.

Have never figured out why chooks and birds in general want to lose their feathers when it's coming into the coldest of months .... ( never will figure it out !! ) Magpies do it too - and feather up in winter - as late winter is their breeding season. Magpies look magnificent, come breeding season.
But back to chooks - they can be very weird at times. !!

Cheers .......

 

[User395221]

I had NO idea that raising chickens could be fraught with so many dilemmas.

No, and it doesn't help hanging out on forums where you see lots of posts about what can happen.... I get a bit paranoid that some awful fate will befall my "babies". I found out today which is the hen with the egg problem. It's the one with the white/light feathers. I wonder if the 2 things are related.
Quote: I've still got the yard and other chicken house to move yet, but at least the new house is better sorted. I put some shadecloth over the end, it's much nicer with just that little bit of extra shade.