Thank you, that is what it sounded like to me. And I do wish to take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of our chickens, although I am sure many of my ideas of what constitutes "reasonable" and "safe" probably differ drastically than that of the speakers.
Our chickens are all very much loved pets, and it
will be devastating when we lose one. While we have escaped that tragedy thus far, I realize that because of our decision to free range, that day is all but inevitable. It terrifies me, but I know in my heart that I really believe the quality of life they are leading is worth it. I know that if / when something happens, I will still believe that they had a better life this way than if they'd been "cooped up" all the time, and "safe". It only takes watching them for a few moments out there, running around the property in their little flock, getting into things, getting up speed and flapping away to cross larger distances, wandering off in pairs, and calling each other back to reunite to remind me of this.
Things like taking care of where you get new birds, quarantining, and taking care with bio-security between the flocks are
definitely within my bounds of reasonable. And their coop and run are so crazily secure, in almost humorous contrast to their daytime free-ranging, they are super safe at night in "Fort Clucks"
I do sometimes shut them in when we are going to be gone all day, or if I am not positive that we will be back before the sun hits the sack. Normally, though, I am home all day and that gives me some comfort, even if I do have a panic attack every time the crows make a fuss.
Speaking of which, anyone know why the quarantine time the speakers gave was 21 days? I have been told all over the place that some diseases take up to a month to show up. Is that just a general estimation compared to the 21 days?
Here's the exchange for those sitting on the edge of their seats in suspense. LOL!
