Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[micstrachan]

I've seen hens do it, Fan, Ruffles and a couple of others. I have no idea why.
It's a bit like the going off feed when moulting. Some chickens do, and from the poll, and my own experience; enough chickens do it to make it possibly common to all chickens in similar circumstances.
It would be a long study to give any usefull results.

I’m pretty sure I have a couple videos of some of my chickens doing it… putting stuff on their backs while laying, or even while walking around!

 

[micstrachan]

Political tax: children of Cholo and GordaView attachment 3376529Gorda and Cholo. Gorda weighed 11 pounds today View attachment 3376530

Holy smokes that’s a big girl! My biggest, a Brahma named Buttercup, weighs eight pounds, maybe less now.

 

[GregnLety]

Holy smokes that’s a big girl! My biggest, a Brahma named Buttercup, weighs eight pounds, maybe less now.

Trying to figure out what breed she is. I honestly can't remember if she was hatched here or purchased as a chick. Anyone have any idea?

 

[Ladies-Eight]

Ex Batts good morning one and all!

57 sunny 60% humidity feels like 53 rain 0%.

Have a great day!

 

[fuzzi]

Crocuses in January?!? Is that normal for you? I’m not used to seeing them until the end of March! That’s a lovely picture of Ini Mini

Mine are blooming, but it's not unusual in eastern NC. My camellias bloom in January or February, too.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Good morning x Batts, dry day.
I will attach new tax as I go to clean the coop.

 

[bruceha2000]

And you give me an excuse to post a photo of Amadeo

Stunning colors!

 

[Shadrach]

Very nice!

I was looking at Marktplaats.nl (our graigslist but far better for buying chickens) to see if there are any hobbyists who would sell certain Bantam chickens that are on my shortlist. Not to buy chickens now , but to have an adress/phone number to buy fertilised eggs in spring when I have a broody.

I found 2 different owners/breeds within 15 km (10 miles). Vorwerk Bantam and Dutch in a speckled colouring (Koekoek).

View attachment 3376619

View attachment 3376620

Since I've been going to the allotments I've discovered a few breeders and a few farms that will sell, or even give away in some cases, chickens.

 

[Shadrach]

I had a problem with stinky soil too soon after I started to keep 6 tiny bantam chickens in a small coop (2m2) + run (9m2). Even if they were allowed to free range about 2 hours a day.

I made drainage in the ground with pebble holes. Several bushes grow in the run and I added lots of autumn leaves every year. The coop and run space have been enlarged. An automatic chicken door gives acces to the run from dawn till dusk. Over the years the number of chickens fluctuated a bit (5-9). Now I have 6 bantams in a super ventilated coop (3m2) and a run of about 15m2.
The improvements made a big difference. I don’t have these soil problems anymore. And it’s much easier to maintain a happy and healthy flock.

The run is getting better and if it was less wet and windy I would have made more progress by now. Once I've got the worst of the top layer off I'll dig drain holes or a trench and that should help.

 

[Shadrach]

Thank you for this reminder. I don’t think I can bear to lose my hens, so I’ll need to rethink this. It seemed to work out ok with you, Henry and the allotment girls.

I'll come back to this. I think I haven't made myself clear.