[Gill and Rob]

Originally Posted by Pollster Lifestyle Block magazine are running a feature on chicken coops next month, Gill - I am waiting for that before I get some feathered friends!

Rob did loads of research on the internet, he asked people who have them how they managed and our kids went to the library. We thought we were prepared. We underestimated just how far they can fly and forgot they could escape under the house !! Thinks I have done a good job clipping Ginga wing and Rob is attending to the "escape gap". We don't have a lifestyle block, just a quarter acre section.

I have to say they are so cute !!. They seemed to like being held, and "cuddled in" when we picked them up. We felt dreadful returning them and the kids were so upset. I think we are better equiped for them now that we have seen just what they are like.


Gill

[Pollster]

Originally Posted by Gill and Rob Rob did loads of research on the internet, he asked people who have them how they managed and our kids went to the library. We thought we were prepared. We underestimated just how far they can fly and forgot they could escape under the house !! Thinks I have done a good job clipping Ginga wing and Rob is attending to the "escape gap". We don't have a lifestyle block, just a quarter acre section. I have to say they are so cute !!. They seemed to like being held, and "cuddled in" when we picked them up. We felt dreadful returning them and the kids were so upset. I think we are better equiped for them now that we have seen just what they are like. Gill

That's the trouble with animals - you think you are prepared for every eventuality and the buggers still manage to confound you one way or the other! My main concern at the moment is about a guinea pig named Martha who seems to be on the constant brink of a nervous breakdown! (bought on by the unwanted advances of friendship from an over-enthusiastic Springer Spaniel). God knows what we will be like when I get some beefies!

[Gill and Rob]

Just thought I would give a quick up date on the chicken - Ginga. She has settled really well and rarely strays further than 10 foot from the coop. We have blocked off all possible escape routes thanks to some chicken wire from Mitre 10 and are eagerly awaiting our first egg once she comes into laying. We have decided to get a second chicken and have kindly asked "The Evil Chicken Lord" {Jam and Pizza}, if we can have have one of the others back. They are dropping one in tonight.

Gill

[Toontje]

This is one of the best and funniest threads on this board.

Keep us updated, Gill.

[Gill and Rob]

Friday 10th June and we have .........2 chickens.

Ginga and Pex, who the "Evil Chicken Lord" dropped in last night. This morning I have clipped her wing and she is "confined to barracks" for the next couple of days to re-inforce to her where her home really is !!

The scary things about all this chicken keeping is..... I have turned into my Mother Back home in the UK my Mum would save all her crusts and bread scraps in a plastic bread bag, that has been rolled down, so the "bread would dry out", for her neighbours hens down his allotment. I was always trying to throw it out, but she'd insist on keeping it for "Normans hens".

Well bugger me, I find myself doing the exact same thing. I even had to stop Rob trying to throw it out, being the cheeky blighter he is, he quipped "what? are they for Normans hens??" "No pet, they're for MY HENS"

Will keep you posted.

Gill

[Pinkie Pie]

After the evening I've just had in the "granules" thread, I've only one thing to say to you about your chickens Gill....Yorkshire puddings and Gravy...yummmm

[Gill and Rob]

Thought you might like to see what all the fuss was about......Pex and Ginga

Originally Posted by Gill and Rob Just thought I would give a quick up date on the chicken - Ginga. She has settled really well and rarely strays further than 10 foot from the coop. We have blocked off all possible escape routes thanks to some chicken wire from Mitre 10 and are eagerly awaiting our first egg once she comes into laying. We have decided to get a second chicken and have kindly asked "The Evil Chicken Lord" {Jam and Pizza}, if we can have have one of the others back. They are dropping one in tonight. Gill

Your chickens wandering off reminds me of the plight of hill sheep farmers who apparently can spend years teaching their flock what is and isn't their turf. Once the adults are in tune with the virtual boundaries (because the farmer keeps yanking them back into the correct area) the adults, bless their cotton socks, pass on their London taxi "knowledge" to their offspring thereby lessening the load on the sheep farmer. If there is some nasty outbreak and whole flocks are put down, some farmers can't take it and quit, they know the huge effort it takes to re-teach a fresh flock of sheep to recognize their turf/virtual boundaries. Sadly, chickens have pea sized brains and consequently have to be kept in their area! Put up that 12' high barbed wire, trim their wings. Or to the chopping block and oven they go!

[nessie]

Originally Posted by Gill and Rob Thought you might like to see what all the fuss was about......Pex and Ginga

Aren't they cute.

[Pinkie Pie]

Originally Posted by nessie Aren't they cute.

They are extremely cute Gill but I prefer myself, (especially wrapped in a pancake with plum sauce!!!!)