What did you do with your flock today?

[McChooky]

What tried to dig into my hoop coop?
View attachment 3686033
Hole is about 3", maybe 4" across.

They hit hardware cloth.

HC saved the day!

 

[Shetland lover]

No live chick shipments in the UK? If so, is it a ban on all live animal shipping? That's kinda wonderful. I've always ordered chicks over eggs, but there's been a couple times it's been heartbreaking.

Editing to add that it's almost always a good experience! The hatcheries do get shipments done perfectly most of the time!

Sadly not but the live chick shipments that do happen are usually from a hatchery to a farmer or other chicken producer, rather than to a domestic, back yard keeper. And they are a bit more regulated than other countries, I think. For instance, they can't be shipped if temperatures are below 8°C or above 25°C, unless it is in climate controlled vehicles.
Some breeders do offer delivery of pullets. It tends to be pretty expensive (£50 Is average) unless you live in the immediate area of the breeder.
We had Pru and Clara delivered. They were about 20 weeks old. We were a little apprehensive about buying pullets without seeing them first. I know someone who had their entire flock from the same breeder and had had no issues so we decided to give it a try.

This is the day they arrived and both were in excellent condition. We may have just got lucky, though.

Live animal shipping in the UK to domestic customers tends to limited and expensive but it isn't banned I think it is becoming more popular too. I don't really have much of a problem with it for the domestic market, the shipments are a small number of animals at once and are shipped as livestock rather than cargo.
It's the big, commercial outfits I have issues with. Regulation isn't anywhere strong enough to deal with shipping conditions, overcrowding etc.

 

[Shetland lover]

It’s been unseasonably warm, so the girls got a bonus cucumber before the chill sets in. They love this treat caddy!

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My spoilt brats have to have their cucumbers peeled before they'll touch them. Unless the cucumbers are still growing on the vine, that is...

 

[Nomadicus]

Mine are spoiled too. I'm glad I don't have to remove the crust off their bread when I give them a few tidbits on my way to make rounds of a morning. Better yet I'm glad they don't poop on my shoulders when making a hard landing trying to be the first to get a treat.

I've never had a bad shipment of chicks from my hatchery that has been used since the late 50's. I bought 50 chicks from a farm hatchery and lost a lot of chicks after arrival. Poor quality as a whole. Live and learn. I have a few more to complete my flock next spring from two very reliable sources.

 

[Shetland lover]

That would be a fabulous idea. Do you have one nearby, or go through the school you take your courses from?

I've never had the need to consult one but I'd probably consult the British Hen Welfare Trust first who sponsored the course and have a free hen health helpline. Other than that it would be Nottingham University who actually delivered the course. I can't think of anything more local university-wise.
I have recently found out we have a poultry friendly vet just 20 mins away and best of all, Laura, who saved Elliot when he had to have his bowel re-section, has just joined the practice!

On the subject of the course, the British Hen Welfare Trust have launched a veterinary guide worldwide as a result of it. It's available to any vetinary practice for a smallish, one-off fee. It should really help in improving healthcare for our feathered friends. I know there are about 200 practices in the U.S have subscribed already so spread the word if you know any vets!

 

[Shetland lover]

X2 @TropicalBabies

X3!

 

[Shetland lover]

I must be impatient at heart! Ironwood texted this morning, and just like that Mojo is off to a wonderful forever home with everything a pig could ask for. . A huge hug to Ironwood pig sanctuary here! I'll have to pester hubby into making donations to them. What a beautiful group of people.

I should have gotten a goodbye picture of him though ...but I'm happy

Oh, that's such amazing news! Here's to Mojo in his wonderful new home - and you for making it all possible for him!

Oh, and I laughed so hard I cried at the video!

 

[Shetland lover]

Help me decide!

I have 5 girls that are either already laying or about to lay and 4 chicks in the brooder. Which size countertop display should I get? One holds 2 dozen and the other holds 3 dozen. I eat 3 eggs per day, hubs will eat 4 a few times per week, and my kids probably consume 6 total per week. My in-laws will likely take a half/full dozen twice a month once they’re really producing. I can’t figure out if I’ll be sad I don’t have extra space or if it’ll be so empty with the larger one it’ll look silly.

Toplife Spiral Design Metal Egg Skelter Dispenser Rack, Storage Display Rack, Black https://a.co/d/ccRBg5D

OBVIS Spiral Egg Skelter Dispenser Rack Metal Storage Holder Display Countertop Black https://a.co/d/5KKnSmG

If you come across an egg skelter suitable for bantam eggs, please let me know as I can't find anything! My existing egg tray was bought when I had standard birds

It's Victorian and cost me a princely £3.50 from our local charity shop!

I'd always say go bigger if your girls are as prolific as mine are in lay. Here's 10 days worth of eggs from 4 hens:

 

[Shetland lover]

How do you make sure you’re eating the oldest first? I have a really pretty metal basket right now but I worry I’ll leave the bottom eggs too long

My worry too. I have mine in a bowl (not big enough) and ended up writing the dates they were laid on the shell in pencil.

 

[Shetland lover]

What tried to dig into my hoop coop?
View attachment 3686033
Hole is about 3", maybe 4" across.

They hit hardware cloth.

That looks like the new rat tunnel I just found in my big flowered. Not amused
We only have rats, foxes and badgers digging holes over here, though.