Hello Everyone, My name is Wendy & I live in SE Queensland Australia. I am new to Chickens and started off with 6 pullets & 1 Rooster but we had a visitor. A 1.5meter Goanna. How do I know how big because it was in the coup when I checked on the newly purchased chickens. Yes we only had them 4 days when we lost 4 in 2 days. We now have a Jurassic park Raptor fence around Jack & Jill. We have barb wire on the outside of the 2 meter high fence on the top centre and bottom, and we had to remove all branches which hung over the wire. So far it's been 3 weeks and the Goanna has not come back. We have used mainly recycled items from our local recycle land to build the nesting boxes. They are old covered dog carriers which we have scrubbed out & painted to look good. I have pallets which we have put chicken wire around and a tin roof to protect and we have added natural gum tree branches for perches. I have made feeders out of old plastic buckets with the sides cut out and placed piping over the cuts so the chickens don't cut themselves. Same with the water feeders. We used the water feeders under the bucket and placed 3 around the bottom and placed on an old brick so they are off the ground and they are working a treat with very little wastage. The real fun will start once I replace the chickens that we lost and they all start laying. Can not wait for my own eggs. So much to learn but so excited about this new experience.
Hi Wendy and welcome to BYC. Like you, almost all of my chicken kit is recycled - might not look too pretty, but my flock hasn't complained so far . There's quite a few Aussies here at BYC and if you would like to meet them, I'd suggest you join the thread "Australia, six states and that funny little island". all the best CT
Hi Wendy Glad you could join the flock! I'm sorry to hear you lost four so quickly, that must have been devastating for you I hope your new "Jurasssic park" measures keep your flock safe from now on The learning centre has some great articles on predator proofing, here is the link ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center Wishing you the very best of luck adding new members. Enjoy BYC and all the chicken chat
We recently had another Aussie chickener say she had just lost some of hers to a goanna. I think they are a lizard. Please correct me if I am wrong. I know someone showed photos before but , I am old and when I file a memory away, it's pretty much gone for good.
Welcome!!! What a way to start with chickens! I would love to see pics of your feeder and water. I also have recycled nearly everything for my girls and boy. I am always looking for ideas to steal!!! When the first egg comes it with make up for everything!!! Wishing you the best from Texas!!! - Kim
