The Poultry Keeper

kspencerbowden · Joined: 24 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

HELP!!

I was all set up to get 8 chickens - i had planned which house to buy, design a large enclosure with a roof on to stop any bird dropping getting in etc, then i read that anyone thinking of getting chickens now with the Bird flu 'crisis' was mad and would only be making the problem worse as they will be the ones to catch it first. I have spoken to my neighbours - who were fine for me to have chickens and some still let their free range- now i don't know what to do. Sad

bird_babe · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 473 Location: wales

I think the choice would ultimately be up to you.
If the worst does happen then you would have to keep your hens in a house and run that wild birds can not enter. a solid roof is a good idea you can also put fine mesh on the out side of your run to keep the smaller species of birds out and i believe that they are supposed to be up off the floor.
I can`t see any sense in the fact that you have been told that new birds would be at more risk than any other so don`t let that put you off. the ultimate decision must be up to the individual owner. there is a lot of fear about keeping chickens at the moment . but as long as your sensible about it why not.

George · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 5661 Location: London

So long as you are taking all the precautions you can, I don't see any reason not to get chickens.

Where ever you read that is just scaremongering Sad

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

Agree with George ~ there's always someone who will have a sad face for everything.
If you want them and can keep them safe, then go for it ~ it will be one of the best things you do ~ they really brighten your life, no matter how you feel, you can look out on the girls and you'll have a smile on your face in no time (unless of course they're eating a prize flower).
The only thing I would add to your run would be to make the roof of it sloped away from where anyone walks and overhang it by 12" , so that any mess goes away from your girls rather than down the netting to them.
Good luck, let us know what you decide and we'll all be behind you!

mojo · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:38 pm Post subject:

go for it just be sensible and use hygiene control to the best you can

westhay chook · Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 4

I am new to chicken keeping - 4 weeks. Having wanted to do it for at least 26 years I was not going to be put off by AI - after all, sensible precautions will keep it at bay. Best thing I ever did, getting my 6.
So, GO FOR IT, and enjoy!

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

What kind do you have westhay chook?

westhay chook · Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 4

Hi summayah!
a buff orpington/sussex cross
a marran/something cross
2 light sussex - spangles, or something like that it 8is reputed
a silkie
and a modern game (she's a real character).
Well, they say variety is the spice of life!

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

An excellent selection, are you able to put pics up for us to see them? Please.

westhay chook · Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 4

Sorry, no can do at the moment - may have chickens, but I don't have a digital camera (or a camera phone). Bit antiquated in rural Somerset I'm afraid! But they are lovely, although not very photogenic at the moment sheltering out of the foul (fowl? - sorry!) weather.

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

no problem...just enjoy them!

fenwoman · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:14 pm Post subject:

Alfietinker · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 82 Location: Southminster, Essex

Hi Fenwoman Smile

I don't know if it's the same article, but I heard somebody ranting about this on the radio a while back - radio 2 I think. The guy then went on to say that nobody, repeat nobody, should ever keep chickens in their garden as humans can't provide the care they need Rolling Eyes

That's the point I stopped listening Smile

nigel · Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 7:29 am Post subject:

I remember reading about that broadcast, it was some fanatical animal rights guy. Much as I respect his sentiments over the rights of animals and their need to be treated with respect. his arguments over poultry were IMHO barking.

fenwoman · Posted: Sat Mar 18, 2006 11:12 am Post subject:

I was asking kspencerbowden where he or she had read this. I don't still don't know as he/she never responded. Whoever they are simply joined the forum asked a few questions about getting chickens, goats and the like but never bothered to respond to any answers to his posts and has now disappeared off the face of the earth so I doubt I will ever know where he read the article which said people were mad to get chickens. I asked for a reason. I was about to contact the publication and take issue with the statement and offer an opposing viewpoint. I do hate when people make wild claims and state something as fact but cannot back it up.