Ribh's D'Coopage

[MaryJanet]

This is Tribe 3 minus Knock who is laying an egg in the coop. Knock is just about to go broody.
Anyway, Donk, the black and white hen is the hen I've been concerned about. She's not eating enough and going to roost without filling her crop properly. I don't think she's physically ill, or at least nothing I can see. She ate this morning and again at lunch time but her behaviour is not the usual Donk. She is moulting but it's very mild.
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I hope it's her hormones and not a more serious sickness.

 

[BY Bob]

I can't try to discourage people from buying breeds like Campines from hatcheries enough.
The expense and import restrictions for the less common breeds are prohibitive, particular given not that many people will know the breed or want to keep them. This almost inevitably means there are a few breeding stock supplying what demand there is. That means usual or worse hatchery quality birds.

There may not be a lot of other choices. It would be a decision you make after weighing the risks. I truly understand what you are saying. I did find one breeder. I'm sure there are more but @featherhead007 has to make his own decision and really his own research. I was just trying to provide hope since he seemed so interested in getting some.

 

[BY Bob]

A hopeful Moon. She's hoping a) I'll give her walnuts and b) I'll move my arm so she can sit on the chair and spy on me again.
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Sansa pecks me for walnuts. That starts to hurt after a while.

 

[BY Bob]

Hello guys

Howdy stranger! Nice to see you around.

 

[BY Bob]

Ugh we are literally doing that as I type

Those are tough days. It doesn't last forever. It's only a temporary inconvenience.

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

Those are tough days. It doesn't last forever. It's only a temporary inconvenience.

Yeah

 

[Ribh]

There may not be a lot of other choices. It would be a decision you make after weighing the risks. I truly understand what you are saying. I did find one breeder. I'm sure there are more but @featherhead007 has to make his own decision and really his own research. I was just trying to provide hope since he seemed so interested in getting some.

It's a bit of a catch~22. I too understand what Shad is saying. @ the same time I don't want to see a really rare breed die out, as it very nearly did @ one point. Only a resurgence in Britain saved it. And there are not so many options sometimes. My goldens come from a breeder & their quality is evident. The silvers came from a hatchery ~ not such good quality though they seem to be hardier overall. Either is better than a dubious backyard breeder. As always the big problem is people's attitudes towards chickens. So long as people primarily see them as a disposable commodity there will be people doing the wrong thing.

 

[BY Bob]

It's a bit of a catch~22. I too understand what Shad is saying. @ the same time I don't want to see a really rare breed die out, as it very nearly did @ one point. Only a resurgence in Britain saved it. And there are not so many options sometimes. My goldens come from a breeder & their quality is evident. The silvers came from a hatchery ~ not such good quality though they seem to be hardier overall. Either is better than a dubious backyard breeder. As always the big problem is people's attitudes towards chickens. So long as people primarily see them as a disposable commodity there will be people doing the wrong thing.

I agree. This is not a simple thing. The most important thing is that you examine everything before making the best decision you can.

Until peoples attitudes on chickens change, eggs will remain dirt cheap.

 

[Ribh]

Ha'penny is number 4.

I found the nest before she went to lay.
There were 2 white eggs & a brown. Somebody besides Ha'penny has designs on sitting!
Summer hasn't even arrived yet. No, Shad. I am not flattered.
This is a right royal pain.
That is one fierce momma look.

 

[Ribh]

Some of you may remember I talked about the way our native bees deal with unwanted honey bees.
Well, here's the proof.
Take a close look.
The front legs have been chomped off this one!