Keeping hens and ducks chat.

edwink

Hi everyone

Not the latest news on bird flu in the following link but useful links, info and phone numbers if needed so worth a read.

http://www.bhwt.org.uk/avian-flu-prevention-zone-put-place-england/?mc_cid=7407303bf4&mc_eid=[UNIQID

Edwink

edwink

Hi everyone

Hope everyone is ok and you are all managing since the Bird Flu outbreak (yet again).

We have now installed another light in to our hens coop as felt it was way too dark in there since covering it with the new green tarpaulin. Its funny because the blue tarpaulin we had before ended up making it so much lighter than it is with the green one. We thought there would be some difference but not the amount it has actually made. So they now have 2 energy saving bulbs in there which are 18 watts each which equates to around 150 watts between them so now it looks much better and I in particular have stopped worrying about them being in a dim light all day.

Added more shredded straw to the ground in there too today as that brightens the place up and keeps them busy foraging as we mix in a couple of handfuls of sunflower hearts and corn in with it. Also put a long flower trough in there and filled it with tasty weeds that they normally would forage for from the veg beds. Added some cooked Brussel sprouts and mixed them all in. That will keep them busy for ages I hope.:)

All for now

Edwink

SisterAnna

I love some of the pictures and photos that have been put on this chicken thread. I've not got chickens but would like some one day if and when I move so I have the space.


How long does the ban on letting them out last for? is it months at a time or just weeks? I don't know much about flu in birds.

Pyxis

Pyxis

edwink

SisterAnna wrote: »

I love some of the pictures and photos that have been put on this chicken thread. I've not got chickens but would like some one day if and when I move so I have the space.

How long does the ban on letting them out last for? is it months at a time or just weeks? I don't know much about flu in birds.

Hi Sisteranna

Last time the ban was months. There is no saying how long it will be this time. I just keep up with the news on certain hen welfare sites and with any new cases that are found within the UK means that the ban will go on for longer. It is when then are no further reported cases in the UK that they then start to consider lifting the ban. Unless another case is reported that is.

It all depends on the keepers set up to how difficult a ban is on them and their poultry. Those that have small holdings etc. will be able to keep their hens undercover in a barn for instance with plenty of room but for backyard hen keepers it is more difficult because covering the coops over then means their hens are not quite in the dark but there will be lack of daylight for their hens with the coops covered over.

Hope that gives you some idea about what is happening as you are obviously interested. Thanks for posting.

Edwink

edwink

Thank you for the pics Pxyis. Where do you get your hen pics from? Just interested

Pyxis

edwink wrote: »

Thank you for the pics Pxyis. Where do you get your hen pics from? Just interested

I think I just googled something like 'pecking chicken image' and just kept scrolling down until I found a suitable one that was a gif.

Edit... it might have been 'animated chicken' I googled!


Here's another one I just found!

edwink

We lost one of our old ex batts in the night. She went to hen heaven in her sleep which is the best way for her, bless her.

Its been rather quiet on here lately I do hope that everyone is ok and their hens too.

Just off to change my signature "again"

Edwink

Beckyy

So sorry Edwink She would have had a great retirement with you though.

We are getting lots more eggs now! How about everyone else?