Hey.... Lets keep Chickens..!

Gigervamp

We have a corner of the field sectioned off where we put the new girls for about a week. They can all see each other, so they get used to each other and there aren't too many problems once they integrate, other than the usual, "You're new so you're below me in the pecking order." pecks.

The marans that we got 3 weeks ago managed to escape the sectioned off area after a few days and immediately integrated and also decided that they were going to sleep in the same coop as the warrens and the goth girls! It's a bit squashed in there now, but they don't seem to mind. Not sure why they chose that one as there's plenty of space in the big coop.

Shortie

Okay, so I'm only as far as page 14 out of 100-odd (:rotfl:) but this thread has been an excellent source of info so far, and when I finally get to the end I might have a couple of questions left to ask if no-one minds...

Sooooo excited though - I was told last weekend that I can collect 5 ex-batts on 31st March (I've already named them but I've given in trying to find anyone who gets the pun in the naming, lol) and this weekend OH and his brother spent both days emptying, dismantling, moving and putting back together our 10x10 shed, to give the 6x4 shed behind it space for a permenant run to be attatched. It's starting to feel real now - wooo hooo!

Money_maker

Money_maker wrote: »

And to add to the mix, no eggs from my ex batts since long before Christmas. Think they have chosen retirement.

Well, I'll be blowed. Just had 2 eggs from our ex batts in the last 5 days:j. Might not sound much but it's the first we've seen in probably around 6 months:D

Fruball

Quick update from me - Only 3 of the quail eggs in the first batch candled fertile so I am really hoping all 3 hatch ok.

Got another batch in there which will hatch about 3/4 days later and 9 of those look really good :j

Expecting the first lot to start pipping and hatching this weekend!!! :j

crimson.addict

Shortie wrote: »

(I've already named them but I've given in trying to find anyone who gets the pun in the naming, lol

You have to say what the names are now, otherwise my brain will be constantly trying to think of what it could be!!! lol

Frugal wrote: »

Quick update from me - Only 3 of the quail eggs in the first batch candled fertile so I am really hoping all 3 hatch ok.

Got another batch in there which will hatch about 3/4 days later and 9 of those look really good :j

Expecting the first lot to start pipping and hatching this weekend!!! :j

OOO how exciting. Would you PLEASE post pictures when they hatch

Mojisola

Frugal wrote: »

Quick update from me - Only 3 of the quail eggs in the first batch candled fertile so I am really hoping all 3 hatch ok.

Got another batch in there which will hatch about 3/4 days later and 9 of those look really good :j

Expecting the first lot to start pipping and hatching this weekend!!! :j

We had one batch of quail but they are so stressful! They react to anything unusual by doing vertical take-offs and bash their heads on anything in the way - be prepared for a few to damage their brains from impacts. The males are very aggressive and will fight to the death over females if they're not separated. We also found them to be expert escape artists - they are small and quick and fly fast.

Fruball

Mojisola wrote: »

We had one batch of quail but they are so stressful! They react to anything unusual by doing vertical take-offs and bash their heads on anything in the way - be prepared for a few to damage their brains from impacts. The males are very aggressive and will fight to the death over females if they're not separated. We also found them to be expert escape artists - they are small and quick and fly fast.

I will be keeping them 1 male to 4/6 females in a converted rabbit ark with same arked run attached with perches, branches, tunnels and toys - thoughts being that as the roof isn't flat, but angular, that they hopefully won't be able to do much damage to themselves when they boink upwards. Or I can line the top with bubble wrap to soften the blow!

The run will be on grass but will have chicken wire stapled to the base of it to prevent them from escaping.

Once they have hatched and are settled in the brooder, I will be hatching some pekins and bantams

Mojisola

Good luck with them. We found them such a contrast to our tame chooks who come and sit on us and eat from our hands that we didn't replace the quail after that batch went.

Happy_Hermit

Hello Frugal

Do please keep us updated with how the quail hatching goes. I'm in two minds about giving quail a go and am very interested in reading how you get on.

Shortie

crimson.addict wrote: »

You have to say what the names are now, otherwise my brain will be constantly trying to think of what it could be!!! lol

Lol, sorry - I'm expecting the virtual blank looks I've been getting from home and friends.... Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme (yep Scarborough Fair)... and Magrat! Hehehehehe There is a connection, along the herb line I promise, but even when I've explained it to people they still don't get it :rotfl: