CO laws on poultry care? Animal neglect in a public park, CO.

[HensSweetHens]

Flock turnover rate would be more telling.

They lost 7 so far. 1.5 yrs ago there were 19 birds. The museum is planning to bring chicks and a couple of turkeys this spring.

 

[HensSweetHens]

Well, I re-read all the posts last night. Know I am a bit behind on responding to the posts (I apologize), but I am really grateful to all of you for such great suggestions on the possible next steps. I made notes reviewing your ideas and I'll share with the my friend volunteer today.
Since shutting down the program is not my intent, I think the museum people, volunteers and myself are on the same page about it at least. Some posters here had said there is a risk they won't mess with renovations and all the associated hassle and get rid of the chicken program. So, I guess it's good to give another shot to sending an email to the museum. I'll write to them with all your guys' suggestions (or perhaps ask my volunteer friend). Perhaps when we mention that there are a few effective ways to preserve the historical buildings (feeder modifications, digging in chicken wire around the perimeter, reducing the amount of treats/scratch, etc.) and solve the health concern issue to the visitors (esp children) posed by rat infestation, maybe they'll get interested and see our attempt to collaborate, and not fight. Then hopefully they'll be more open to other suggestions on the list like: partnering with a local feed store, check list for volunteers/log to note abnormalities or health concerns, revamping chicken training, frequent vet visits, etc.

I also super appreciate the advice of others here who suggested calling the Humane Society, Animal Control, local newspaper/news channel, PETA, other authorities. If we keep seeing alarming situations at the coop, we'll have to take that route.

 

[IamRainey]

...maybe they'll get interested and see our attempt to collaborate, and not fight.

I think that's the way to approach it.

I hope we've contributed some helpful ideas and the museum program and environment for the chickens and the guests can be improved. When that happens I hope you're proud to have been the thorn in the saddle that got it rolling.

 

[HensSweetHens]

How does the park's poultry care regimen compare to what was done during the interval they are trying to recreate? What needs to be done to ensure the birds being in good health when using the old technology? Complete feeds were not yet available at the time so how can the park make available complete nutrition without using complete feeds? Then have complete feeds as a fall back. I can make for balanced nutrition without feeds, but it cost more in terms of materials, labor and may require more free-range time than practical with the park's current resources.

As I understand it, from the website, this is essentially a Living History Museum/Park.
Such places have mission statements (should be publicly available) and they also have guidelines under which they present their "experiences" for the public.

So: are the animals housed and cared for as they would have been in the era the museum is seeking to replicate? ***If so, that's where to start.

Generally speaking, change is best approached when one works WITH an institution's principles.

I really like what you're saying. It makes a lot of sense to start with that, because of the nature of the museum's responses up to now regarding medical treatment/coop management.

 

[PirateGirl]

Yes, thank you for your efforts. I know at moments this thread was a little heated, but I hope you have gotten some good ideas to present to the museum. As long as you continue to offer useful advice and can avoid being combative, I think you have some good things work with going forward. I think we have all agreed that first and foremost is the rat issue, and the rest will follow. Also ask your friend to look at how and where the excess feed and bedding is stored. Perhaps something as simple as moving the excess feed and bedding away from the coop would help eliminate a food source for the rats and eliminate some hiding/nesting places as well. Good luck in your efforts. There have been some signs of positive change. This will take time. Don't give up.

 

[HensSweetHens]

I think that's the way to approach it.

I hope we've contributed some helpful ideas and the museum program and environment for the chickens and the guests can be improved. When that happens I hope you're proud to have been the thorn in the saddle that got it rolling.

Absolutely! You all did - 100% You guys also helped me see that they might have been reluctant to fix the drafty coop because of rules/law on preservation of old historical buildings... I get it... it's just strange to see their garden plants getting more attention/care than the animals (there is always someone there gardening during the day).

I am not sure they are entirely running things at the coop the old traditional style, though. They have pellet feed, modern style water heater/feeder, an electric lamp (with red glass) in the coop (although it's a huge risk of fire), vet's occasional visit, etc. So, logically they should be open to improvement ideas, esp free of charge from people.
Hopefully they will

 

[HensSweetHens]

Yes, thank you for your efforts. I know at moments this thread was a little heated, but I hope you have gotten some good ideas to present to the museum. As long as you continue to offer useful advice and can avoid being combative, I think you have some good things work with going forward. I think we have all agreed that first and foremost is the rat issue, and the rest will follow. Also ask your friend to look at how and where the excess feed and bedding is stored. Perhaps something as simple as moving the excess feed and bedding away from the coop would help eliminate a food source for the rats and eliminate some hiding/nesting places as well. Good luck in your efforts. There have been some signs of positive change. This will take time. Don't give up.

Thank you PirateGirl! I will keep trying

 

[HensSweetHens]

Well lit and dry?

The dust box in front of the coop/wooden fence gets about 3.5 hrs of sun in the summer, and maybe 1.5 hrs in winter. The other one - out near the chicken wire fence - is well lit, except in winter when the sun is on it for about 2 hours and then shadow comes from the adjoining shed. For the first whole year of my visiting the coop there was hardly any loose dirt/sand/ash in both boxes. They added a lot of sand this summer when some commission/important people of sorts came into town.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

WATCH OUT for a loud noise at the end of this last video.
Ok, no more rats videos. I think it's apparent there are a lot.

Is it possible for you to get pictures of the chicken(s) limping with bumble foot or even pictures that show the scabs? It might also help to get clear evidence of the chickens with sour crop, worms, mites, etc.

 

[HensSweetHens]

Most definitely! I will keep trying to get more proof on the bumble foot. Oftentimes when they're sunning far away from the fence my phone camera zoom would to weak to focus, it also refocuses on the chicken wire in front of me a lot. I go there once a week only now. But I'll keep trying.
I've asked a few volunteers (sometimes whenever I'd met them there) to pick up a chicken or two and see the scabs, they said they don't know how to pick up a chicken and don't wish to cause stress to the birds.