UK Member Please Say HI

[Gge23]

I remember reading about your struggle with Dave !
You couldn't've done more.

Tell me more about the cockerel you're talking about.

He looks a lot like this:

 

[Rudies Roost]

So I realise foxes are only doing what's natural, but it's very sad. I'm sorry about Rudy x2...
My 5-yr old took it pretty rough - her favourite girl 'Mrs Brown' who always came up to and said hello to everyone also died. Postman, builders, amazon delivery guy - everyone loved her. I'm hoping one of the girls I have left will turn broody and I can slip some eggs under. Baby chicks would be very cute and might help her bond with another. Is broodiness a completely natural process, or can it be encouraged?

I know it's natural but it doesn't make it any easier (especially where the kids are concerned, my 12 year old daughter was beside herself for weeks, thank goodness, she didnt see the aftermath, we lost 7 altogether, 5 of which were just bodies in the garden. I had to scoop the bodies up....vile task). With regards to broodies, I see no way of making them do the deed. Each season, I have had different hens, i only have 1, a Partridge Wyandotte who sets every year, twice if i let her. I've even had a hybrid (Speckeldy) raise chicks the year before last, they aren't even meant to go broody, but she showed no interest at all last season other than a sniff around last years chicks..strange.

Sorry, I have no ideas, other than buying a Silkie or Silkie cross. However, I have 6 Silkie hens, none of which have gone broody for me, they will be properly mature this season so maybe they'll do the job. I do understand that Partridge Wyandottes are very good too, as I mentioned, mine is excellent but i didn't know that beforw I bought her! Best of luck x

 

[PaulaMc]

So I realise foxes are only doing what's natural, but it's very sad. I'm sorry about Rudy x2...
My 5-yr old took it pretty rough - her favourite girl 'Mrs Brown' who always came up to and said hello to everyone also died. Postman, builders, amazon delivery guy - everyone loved her. I'm hoping one of the girls I have left will turn broody and I can slip some eggs under. Baby chicks would be very cute and might help her bond with another. Is broodiness a completely natural process, or can it be encouraged?

Once read a post that was quite pragmatic, and have never had to deal with what you have, but hope if I do will help -foxes only kill to feed cubs in winter. Nature is kinder than humans. They only kill to survive.

Not sure about other hens as initially got ex batt hybrids who have had broodiness bred out of them bless. However, get a silkie love. They are broody about 80% of the year ha ha. They will try and hatch anyone's eggs tee hee. This might entice your other ladies. Not an expert by any means x

 

[Rudies Roost]

@Gge23 Sorry about Dave. I too lost a battler (Milo, he was a Thuringian) the same day we went on holiday. Mareks got him in the end but he fought everything from Mycoplasma, Conjunctivitis, Damaged tendons and bullying. He too was 6 months old and my most friendly chicken by far. We can only try, and we did to the best if our ability. Well done for sticking with him x

Here was my Milo fighting Conjunctivitis at the end of last Summer. He came through really well afterwards but couldn't get through the Winter:

 

[PaulaMc]

@Gge23 Sorry about Dave. I too lost a battler (Milo, he was a Thuringian) the same day we went on holiday. Mareks got him in the end but he fought everything from Mycoplasma, Conjunctivitis, Damaged tendons and bullying. He too was 6 months old and my most friendly chicken by far. We can only try, and we did to the best if our ability. Well done for sticking with him x

Here was my Milo fighting Conjunctivitis at the end of last Summer. He came through really well afterwards but couldn't get through the Winter:

So sad when you lose your babies. Milo looks gorgeous even though poorly bless.

Had to have Mabel PTS after 1 week with sour crop. Broke my heart as she was a rescued ex batt. At least she had a week in the sun and got to dust bathe and flap her wings.

I think we always have to think that if we are doing our best -which we all obviously are-we are giving our babies the best that we can.

 

[Rudies Roost]

So sad when you lose your babies. Milo looks gorgeous even though poorly bless.

Had to have Mabel PTS after 1 week with sour crop. Broke my heart as she was a rescued ex batt. At least she had a week in the sun and got to dust bathe and flap her wings.

I think we always have to think that if we are doing our best -which we all obviously are-we are giving our babies the best that we can.

Thank you. I really miss him xx

 

[Gge23]

@Gge23 Sorry about Dave. I too lost a battler (Milo, he was a Thuringian) the same day we went on holiday. Mareks got him in the end but he fought everything from Mycoplasma, Conjunctivitis, Damaged tendons and bullying. He too was 6 months old and my most friendly chicken by far. We can only try, and we did to the best if our ability. Well done for sticking with him x

Here was my Milo fighting Conjunctivitis at the end of last Summer. He came through really well afterwards but couldn't get through the Winter:

Oh he was a fine looking chap! Love the colours! I'm so sorry that he lost his last fight

We do our best for them everyday, though sometimes I think they're just not meant to be no matter how hard we try. All we can do is love them, and hope they understand and love us back

 

[Rudies Roost]

Oh he was a fine looking chap! Love the colours! I'm so sorry that he lost his last fight

We do our best for them everyday, though sometimes I think they're just not meant to be no matter how hard we try. All we can do is love them, and hope they understand and love us back

Thanks @Gge23 I still have his sister with us but she is black wih ginger tipped feathers unlike Milo with his cream base. She too is really friendly but Milo used to sit on my wellies whilst I walked around. Think he imprinted on me bless him. I've lost quite a lot the last 12 months but his loss is tugging at the heart strings! Need more Thuringian's! Anyone out there that can help???

 

[Gge23]

Thanks @Gge23 I still have his sister with us but she is black wih ginger tipped feathers unlike Milo with his cream base. She too is really friendly but Milo used to sit on my wellies whilst I walked around. Think he imprinted on me bless him. I've lost quite a lot the last 12 months but his loss is tugging at the heart strings! Need more Thuringian's! Anyone out there that can help???

Awww bless him! None of mine seem to like to get that close with me, they'll only come up and see me if they think I have food! Was only really Dave who would come for a cuddle.
I can't say I've ever actually seen any Thuringians for sale anywhere! Are they quite a popular breed?

 

[DancingWthDucks]

Awww bless him! None of mine seem to like to get that close with me, they'll only come up and see me if they think I have food! Was only really Dave who would come for a cuddle.
I can't say I've ever actually seen any Thuringians for sale anywhere! Are they quite a popular breed?

I know that Manor Farm Poultry (in Lancashire) have quite a few different colours of Thuringians, although it might be too far a drive for you....