The Poultry Keeper

bowdenbunnyrescue · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Flintshire

Hi

We have kept chickens in the past and really miss having them.

We are really keen, but have a few concerns-

1. Will our bunnys be at risk
2. We wanted to let them wander round the garden and only be undercover when the people come round and at night when they would closed in.
3. Where could we get healthy birds from that don't run the risk of having this AF
4. What are the chances of them getting it? As we live near some large ponds.

-Should we even be considering getting them at the moment or has the media built alot of this up?

Any advice gratefully received!

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

Hiya,

Your bunny's will be fine

As for AF, a lot of it is media hype and shouldn't stop you getting some hens.

jaydee67 · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:38 am Post subject:

!. No probs - we have rabbits and hens, the rabbits can't visit the hens, but the hens can visit the rabbits!

2. That would be fine, although IF avian flu becomes a threat you may need to have a covered run for you birds .

3. Any breeder will be able to sell you birds not affected by AF.

4. You have more chance of being run over by a bus as things stand at the moment.

5. I would go for it and enjoy them (says she with eggs in a bator and more due to arrive next week! Very Happy

)

mojo · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:46 am Post subject:

more people get run over in a big city like new york or london in one morning than have died from AF in one year in the whole world so its not a great danger...do keep chickens both for pleasure and their products which will do you good .go for it

CP · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:47 am Post subject:

Sorry - can't help with locating birds as I don't live in your area, but you could look at the breeders pages in the Practical Poultry magazine for some near you.

If you do get some, make sure you are able to house them undercover/inside should we get AI in this country. You should be feeding & watering them inside anyhow, as advised by DEFRA.

Some people have had problems with keeping rabbits & hens together in the same run. Is this what you will be doing? But I don't think you need worry that the rabbits will get AI. AFAIK it's only a couple of cats that have caught it.

Good luck with your search for hens & lets see some pictures when you get them! Wink

bowdenbunnyrescue · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Flintshire

Thank you so much for all your advice. It has really helped.

We run a rabbit rescue and the hens would be separate but could nosey up their runs(attached to hutches) if they wanted to. Our neighbours are fine with us getting chickens as we are right in the country.

jaydee67 · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 11:57 am Post subject:

Just noticed where you live, my sister is in your area.

bowdenbunnyrescue · Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Flintshire

Does she sell chickens?!

Mel · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 150 Location: Gosport, Hampshire

Hiya.

Only had chickens just over a year and have had great fun with them. I'd say go for it and enjoy them!! Very Happy

jaydee67 · Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:48 pm Post subject:

Unfortunately not - haven't persuaded her of the joys of chicken hood yet!

Do you want large fowl or bantmas? There is a post in the mart about a trip Nellie (I think) is taking and she has bantams for sale.