The Poultry Keeper

susyrosyworzy · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 45

I'm going away for the summer - May to Sept - leaving my son in charge of the livestock, which is fine. Only thing is, what if the avian flu business comes here while I'm away. The hens have an ark, which they can live in, although they dont like it - used to tearing up the entire garden, but they would have to lump it - I dont have anywhere else, and no time to build an enclosure suitable for AI protection. I dont want them put down while I'm away, as I would want to see it done properly, if at all. Will the ark suffice, despite restricted room for an extended period - only 4 hens, and when I'm out all day, they have to stay in anyway. They would have loads more room than battery hens of course. Other suggestions?

jaydee67 · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 4:46 pm Post subject:

It would need to have a solid covered top that wild bird droppings cannot get through and small mesh sides that small wild birds cannot get through.

mojo · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 8:52 pm Post subject:

a plastic greenhouse (cheapy job)well weighted around edges with ark inside is one option ....quick and demountable or moveable

Lisa · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 11:59 pm Post subject: Re: going away

If they have to stay in the run then try to give them more things to do their to ease their confinement: eg something more to scratch in (regularly changed straw or wood chips on the floor, with scratch feed or wheat mixed in), a dust bath in the run, things to peck at such as veg hung up, etc.

If I understood you correctly, then there are times they stay in the run already. Maybe you could extend those times a little in advance, so they get used to it more? And put goodies inside the ark run, little and often, so they start to see it as a nice place to be and go of their own choice?

Just thinking of the top of my head here....

CP · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 3:12 am Post subject:

Good ideas as usual Lisa. Very Happy

susyrosyworzy · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 45

thanks everyone!

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

If you go for the greenhouse option, then maybe consider painting out some of the side to keep the sun out and taking out a section, replacing it with mesh to give them plenty of ventilation rather than getting overheated.