Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[MrsNorthie]

Where I live, it's the common practice for people to have multiple dogs (as guards and companions) and also chickens. The dogs are outside all day and not kept separate from the chickens.

Dogs are pack animals, their packs often include their humans, and they typically protect anything that their humans love. When you live a communal lifestyle where the dogs are part of pretty much every aspect of your daily life, the dogs perceptibly understand what you love, and they love it too. I am sure the chickens are part of their pack. There are always exceptions, but Dogs are just pure love.

 

[MrsNorthie]

Tax. Lucio vs. Eagles

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Yesterday evening, there was a pair of eagles surveying the ground from a tall palm tree. All the chickens took cover. It was close to roosting time and Tina needs to cross a short distance of open area to take her chicks to her coop. She crouched over them and wouldn't let them move.

Lucio went out into the open area, stared at the eagles and did what I can only describe as a warpath dance.

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The eagles stayed put. They had seen the chicks evidently and were going to wait.

So my partner and I decided to help Lucio out. We each went to another spot on the open area and "flapped our wings" and imitated Lucio's posturing.

Tobias, the lead junior cockerel did the same, but staying closer to his tribes coop.

The eagles decided that four roosters was too many and flew away. Tina quickly ushered her chicks home for the night.

View attachment 3635342
"Good job, Food Lady. Now, make sure you get a pic of my good side"

What an amazing and brave boy! They are just so special.

 

[fuzzi]

Sometimes, just having them and walking them around the property, and getting their scent around deters a lot of predators.

I walk my dog around the coop, letting her leave her scent next to it. She came from a farm, was listed by the rescue as being "chicken friendly", and seems to enjoy the experience. The flock knows her, and don't get upset, but went into a major alarm reaction when two stray dogs showed up one day.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I love him

I was about to type the same! Hes soooo handsome too

 

[TropicalChickies]

I was about to type the same! Hes soooo handsome too

He's only 10 months old. Still a bit temperamental, but more even-keel the past few weeks. I think he has great potential. Most of the predators here are aerial, so if he's this dedicated to being on guard for them, that's good for everyone.

 

[MaryJanet]

Beware of sibling syndrome, it can cause many issues. Careful training is key to avoiding that, but give some thought to spacing out the pups by a year or two. Pack mentality is also something to be careful around prey animals that act flighty. Lagottos I've heard of, but the other two? I'm guessing poodle mixes? Please tell me more.

Yes, they're poodle mixes. Spaniel and Golden Retriever. They're lovely dogs and just right for the type of home I have.

I have plenty of annual leave each year, and long service leave accruing. When the time comes (I did say it would be after the cat has died and I have reason to believe that will be at least a few years yet), I'll be home to give the pups time and training.

Also by that time, the chicken's run will be even more secure than it already is as it will have deeper perimeter paving than it already has, as well as any other security measures I decide to implement between now and then. While the chicken run is excessively spacious for the hens, I like to give them the backyard to roam in each day, at least for a few hours. This can happen while the dogs are out for walks or inside the house. I'm fortunate to live somewhere with very few predators.

 

[no fly zone]

When I get stung by fire ants I put a baking soda and water paste wherever I was stung. It not only seems to help the burning, but also seems to reduce my body's reaction. I believe it is because the stings are acidic, and sodium bicarbonate is alkaline, thus neutralizing the sting. I have no scientific studies to prove it, but it works for me.

a fire ant sting contains formic acid

 

[Shadrach]

@no fly zone
I wondered if you had considered getting someone to paint a picture of Skesis. I'm sure you have plently of pictures that can be copied.
Somone I know painted this picture of Major a few days before he died. It's on a wall in my flat.

 

[fluffycrow]

@no fly zone
I wondered if you had considered getting someone to paint a picture of Skesis. I'm sure you have plently of pictures that can be copied.
Somone I know painted this picture of Major a few days before he died. It's on a wall in my flat.
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Oh this is a wonderful idea. I might have to start doing this now

 

[no fly zone]

@no fly zone
I wondered if you had considered getting someone to paint a picture of Skesis. I'm sure you have plently of pictures that can be copied.
Somone I know painted this picture of Major a few days before he died. It's on a wall in my flat.
View attachment 3635691

i wanted a nice plushie likeness of her. i already have a big photo of her framed, as well as a smaller one of the family in holiday garb with her sitting on my lap rocking her little santa hat.