The Poultry Keeper

CP · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 12:04 pm Post subject: RSPB on Breakfast TV today

Saw Breakfast TV this morning. They had an interview with a man from the RSPB & also Kate Humble from Springwatch (& other wildlife shows)

They were saying the risk from the coming migratory songbirds is very small & it still seems to be the waterfowl who are most at risk.

Please do not stop feeding wild birds in your garden as they really need the help this time of year.

www.rspb.org.uk/policy/avianinfluenza/spreadeurope.asp

Dixie Chicks · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Posts: 281 Location: Cumbria

I was woken this morning by the most beautiful bird song! There is no way I could stop feeding the birds, I've just moved their feeders away from the chickens - much to their

as they loved clearing up any spilt food!

Please please don't stop feeding the wild birds - they really come to depend on a regular food source and many would inevitably die if it suddenly stopped.

Edited to say - blimey where did that funny blue face come from?!? The word I typed was d i s g u s t !!

Zooey · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 82 Location: East Sussex

We're feeding the wild birds more than ever. They have 2 large seed feeders and 3 large fat ball feeders, plus up to 4 litres of mixed corn on the path every day. They get through a 50 tub of fat balls in under a week, which is a bit frightening, but they're more than welcome Smile

Nursie · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 162

Now chaps, glad others saw the BBC thing, because unless I was hallucinating (early in the morning - ever a possibility!! Shocked

) didn't they say that for those of us with 'Back Garden' hens, it would be acceptable to let the ladies still patrol the garden as long as the food and water were kept firmly away from wild birds?

If so, that is good news, surely, as it means we don't have to imprison our ladies? I also skimmed a link to an organic producers website someone sent to me regarding organic poultry and it seemed to say the same thing with regard to hens in gardens.

I'll try and work out how to post the link to the organic site, but for those who saw the BBC item what are your interpretations???

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

sorry, I don't have a television. Which station was this programme on and can we find it on line?

CP · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:32 pm Post subject:

It was on BBC1 Breakfast show this morning summayah. I have looked at the website but there's nothing on there about the interviews this morning! Shocked

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/programmes/breakfast/default.stm

The BBC News does have several pieces about it though, which you can get to through the Breakfast site.

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

No I can't see anything either, what a pity. Sometimes they hold the tapes of the programmes and rerun them on the sites

Dixie Chicks · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Posts: 281 Location: Cumbria

Hi Nursie

There's no actual requirement for us to keep our chickens under cover at the moment so your ladies can continue to free range. However, it is a good idea to be prepared as I have read that we will have 24 hours notice to get them under cover - whenever the powers that be decide it's necessary.

I haven't shut mine in just yet as I want to enjoy them free-ranging for as long as possible. I am pretty sure we will have to shut them in soon enough and I have got my arks covered in preparation.

I know that some people have got their chooks under cover already, either neighbour pressure or as a precaution because of their location. And you are right about their food and water being inside, to avoid contact with wild birds.

So don't panic, be prepared and keep reading the forum for news Smile

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2072 Location: North Cornwall

I know some of you have thought the way I am going with my ducks is overreacting. I have even been criticized on the PP forum where I dont post anymore. So feeling very guilty I phoned DEFRA for advice on getting them in and how long I would have to do it. They said if it comes to it, 24hours only. I said I didn't think I could do it in that time. They said as I knew they would, shoot them. I have now spent four days trying to catch them and have caught 7. Only about another 60 to go. I just hope the order doesn't come within the next 30 days.
While I'm here, did anyone hear the lady on the Farming Program at 5.45 this morning talking about the dead swan.

NannyP · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 11:55 pm Post subject:

Jan, don't feel guilty, you have a business to consider and I'm sorry you've felt criticized on the other forum. I know there are 2 posts on there supporting you!
Sorry it's taking you so long, it sounds awful, is there now way you can tempt them, or like hens are they easier to catch at night when they're sleepy?

CP · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:03 am Post subject:

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2072 Location: North Cornwall

Nope. If I go down at night any that are on the banks just head for the water, and its pitch black so a torch stirs them up. I got my first Call today, but he did have a bit of a limp.
I keep trying to find out what is going to happen to the ducks in park and gardens but no one gives an answer.

CP · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:13 am Post subject:

Wonder what they will do with all the pigeons in Trafalgar Square? I know they aren't water birds, but people will panic about any bird if it gets here. Confused

kittoch · Joined: 02 Jul 2005 Posts: 165 Location: glasgow

probably nothing will happen to the ducks on park ponds etc, as many would fly off if shot/scared, and the general public/press would have a field day, dont suppose you could claim they are wild/feral mallard types, and therefore not yours?? Rolling Eyes

..............will they hang about if you cut down the feeding??....or youve mabye tried that?? Confused

............i know thats what "mayor" livingstone is hoping for in london with the pigeons!!

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2072 Location: North Cornwall

I have been cutting down on the feed, but not so that they fly off. I have slowly moved the feed pans into a rearing pen, tied a string to the door, I hide and when they go in pull it shut. Thats the theory anyway, and I am getting better at it. By having the pans empty by morning I think they are more likely to go in for the feed when I fill them up. If I catch any of my 'specials' Im going to clip their wings and let them back out, so if- perish the thought- everything has to be housed, the much reduced number will not be such a nightmare.