Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[BDutch]

I tend to agree - but the situation of a new planting is different because in that case what is drawing the chickens is the disturbed soil. When mine dug up the little tree they had no interest in the tree itself but they had a wonderful time with the loose soil.

Yes the digging is one problem. Sometimes it’s the plant itself too. Or the roots who seem to taste wonderful (or attracts earth life).

If we plant or replant something in the garden we always put a hwc circular fence around it, or a triangle made of rabbit fence panels. The fences help a lot, but taking it away after 6 weeks- 6 months is no guarantee it survives.
Some plants are just too delightful /attractive . We don’t do plants that need fencing all the time.

Common sense isn't as common as it used to be. :-(

It got better when experts started planning ahead to lead the traffic diversion. With accidents it was and still is, a traffic mess IMHo

He looks so uncomfortable. He needs some really warm summery days and sunshine.

Yeah. I think we all have a soft spot for Henry. I’m hoping for a little miracle too. If I recall right, Shad gives him aspirin to ease the pain.
How much aspirin does he get Shad? How do you administer it?

 

[Perris]

There is no way to rid rats from the field and to do so would be short sighted anyway. The local foxes and I dare say other wild creatures hunt the rats and if there are no rats to eat then chicken may seem a reasonable alternative.

I think likewise. With fields on 2 sides and large gardens on the other two, they must be present here whether seen or not.

Coincidentally and rather weirdly, given that rats don't come up in conversation here often, when I went to poo pick this morning, I found a large rat dead on his back on the lawn nearby. I didn't notice it when I opened up and put out breakfast, but it could have been there then. It was stiffish when I picked it up by the tail to dispose of it. No sign of external injury. No obvious blood at any orifice. Anyone got any idea how this died? Do cats leave them like this? A neighbour's cat was spotted on the bank behind the coops a couple of days ago.

 

[fuzzi]

I think likewise. With fields on 2 sides and large gardens on the other two, they must be present here whether seen or not.

Coincidentally and rather weirdly, given that rats don't come up in conversation here often, when I went to poo pick this morning, I found a large rat dead on his back on the lawn nearby. I didn't notice it when I opened up and put out breakfast, but it could have been there then. It was stiffish when I picked it up by the tail to dispose of it. No sign of external injury. No obvious blood at any orifice. Anyone got any idea how this died? Do cats leave them like this? A neighbour's cat was spotted on the bank behind the coops a couple of days ago.

Years ago I found a dead rat in the yard. I'm pretty sure my dog Kyrie had done the deed.

Kyrie, half Boston terrier (2002-2017)

 

[ChaosMom]

I think likewise. With fields on 2 sides and large gardens on the other two, they must be present here whether seen or not.

Coincidentally and rather weirdly, given that rats don't come up in conversation here often, when I went to poo pick this morning, I found a large rat dead on his back on the lawn nearby. I didn't notice it when I opened up and put out breakfast, but it could have been there then. It was stiffish when I picked it up by the tail to dispose of it. No sign of external injury. No obvious blood at any orifice. Anyone got any idea how this died? Do cats leave them like this? A neighbour's cat was spotted on the bank behind the coops a couple of days ago.

Rat poison/coumadin-like substance? It might have died from internal bleeding, even if the blood didn’t “leak” out

 

[Perris]

Rat poison/coumadin-like substance? It might have died from internal bleeding, even if the blood didn’t “leak” out

I hope not, but it's possible one or more of the neighbours put down poison.

 

[fuzzi]

Showing off my handsome boys.

(and pretty pullets)

 

[RoyalChick]

I think likewise. With fields on 2 sides and large gardens on the other two, they must be present here whether seen or not.

Coincidentally and rather weirdly, given that rats don't come up in conversation here often, when I went to poo pick this morning, I found a large rat dead on his back on the lawn nearby. I didn't notice it when I opened up and put out breakfast, but it could have been there then. It was stiffish when I picked it up by the tail to dispose of it. No sign of external injury. No obvious blood at any orifice. Anyone got any idea how this died? Do cats leave them like this? A neighbour's cat was spotted on the bank behind the coops a couple of days ago.

I would worry that the neighbour is using poison. May be worth asking them.
Cats do leave their conquests lying around - but actually most cats steer clear of rats. It is a more even contest than you might believe unless it is a very big cat and a very small rat.

 

[RoyalChick]

Rat poison/coumadin-like substance? It might have died from internal bleeding, even if the blood didn’t “leak” out

Yes. That is what I would worry about too. The body would be dangerous for wildlife and chickens.

 

[Perris]

Ok, thanks both. I've bagged it and put it in with the food waste, so it will become fuel for an incinerator. Meanwhile Xmoor decided we needed another dustbath, in a bit of the lawn that isn't flooded...

 

[ChaosMom]

Ok, thanks both. I've bagged it and put it in with the food waste, so it will become fuel for an incinerator. Meanwhile Xmoor decided we needed another dustbath, in a bit of the lawn that isn't flooded...
View attachment 4081825

"It's mine! It's MY dust bath! You can't have it! And get away with that bag of grass seed!!!"