Introducing myself before I dive back into reading

[KDbeads]

We live in Mason, TX... the middle of nowhere, a very small town. I've been in animal rescue for as long as I can remember and recently the little town I'm in has been having a problem with a loose flock of chickens, actually I've counted 3 separate flocks. No one knows where they came from. Animal control has ok'ed me catching the hens if I can get close and they are on my section of the block.
Well... after watching the little flock closest to us I began noticing their travel patterns. After a day or 2 I caught one. She's thin and has been scraped up pretty bad by the roo that was with them and she's partially plucked. My great dane mix has taken an undue interest in her since she's been in the garden and after having to remove the dog several times I put the hen in a large wire dog cage to keep her safe and out of direct sight. The 5 bassets on the other hand could mostly care less.
The rest of the little flock has taken to sleeping in my side yard so I'm positive I can catch them as well once the coop is built.

I grew up raising banties, I think they were dutch type but really can't remember for sure. So this isn't totally new to me. I had just forgotten a lot in 20 years. Off to reading again, making sure I haven't forgotten too much

 

[Imp]

from Washington

Good of you to help those chickens

Imp

 

[eaganchickens]

from MN!

 

[KDbeads]

Guess I should add what I do etc....

I'm an engineer though currently unemployed due to no jobs here in this little town. I have way too many hobbies, quilting and beading being the top 2. I'm a member of one of the last hand quilting clubs in the state. Currently owned by a dane mix, 5 basset hounds (2 of which have been fosters for a year now), 8 cats and have 3 bottle baby kittens that are being fostered until they can go out for adoption.
Trying the garden routine this year and having decent success so far but I really wish we had fewer 100+ days this summer, yields would have been higher and the freezer a little fuller by now. Also trying to get my peach trees through this drought without losing another one, lost one last year and one earlier this summer.

 

[fldiver97]

from WI. Thanks on behalf of all your critters for all that you do!! I hear your pain about the garden..... I have planted more and gotten less so far, here it's not because of the temp of 100+. Hope it will improve some. Good luck with your new flock, I'm sure you'll do jsut fine.

 

[Darlasmum]

Seeing loose flocks of chickens and backyard coops while on vacation got me interested in having some of my own. My triplets are the best entertainment. Just couriuos- why do you have to rangle up the street walkers? vs just letting them be.

 

[KDbeads]

I've seen at least 10 killed so far this summer, cats, cars, trucks, even the little yorkie on the corner bagged a rooster the other day. Personally I'd like to see that stop, no reason for these chickens to be killed like that. The city office is also getting lots of complaints and animal control doesn't have a place to put them if she can round them up. So far livestock is permissible inside city limits, within reason, but if people keep letting their goats and chickens roam the streets they'll put a stop to it. This way at least, if we can catch the hens, they won't be needlessly put down or ran over or chased by dogs or cats.

Besides, I've been wanting chickens for a while and with the economy the way it is at the moment I can't justify the shipping charges on day-olds when I could use it to spay a cat or pay for Kelvin's monthly blood test (my basset with renal problems). In fact he's the reason I've been wanting chickens again! I have to make his food and the only animal protein he can have is eggs and we are going through 3 dozen a week.

It would be a win-win situation if I can get them all rounded up.

 

[b.hromada]

amd

from S. Florida! Great to have you here! Sounds like you have a very busy life! So kind of you to take in the homeless chickens like you are doing. I'm sure they appreciate the kindness!

Keep us posted on theirs and your progress!