Re: Chickens in the desert?

From: Jill (news_at_REMOVETHISkintaline.co.uk)
Date: 09/11/04 

Date: Sat, 11 Sep 2004 23:19:20 +0100

Flatspin wrote:
> Thanks to everyone for the advice, I like the idea of ducks even more
> than chickens.

hmm
I would say talk to locals
You will have to find a feed store to get your feed from - and some do young
birds as well we over here gather.
Ask there for the details of their most knowledgeable chicken or duck person
Ducks will have a high water demand - what water do you have? - does it cost
a lot? is it completely freely available on tap?
They need it for drinking but they also need alot for just keeping clean and
it needs to be clean water.

 I am a total newbie and was under the mistaken
> impression that locating birds versus eggs would be easy.

Not sure I get what you are saying here
Where you buy birds will depend on the local or shipping suppliers
As to finding eggs that are laid - chickens are much better than ducks
Ducks have a habit of laying them where they happen to be. Chickens go back
to their nestbox in the main
As to strains - ask locally - seriously
None of us are any use to you what so ever unless you get a poster who is in
your locality
Within each breed there can be many many strains - you are offering quite
extreme conditions so need to ensure that the birds are capable of living
there. I would definately start with birds that have been brought up in your
area - preferably for at least 2 generations as you are just starting
Chat to the feed merchants and from there chat to other keepers in your
locality to find out their hints and tips to keeping birds well and
productive in your area.
Most poultry and waterfowl keepers are happy to share their knowledge and
hobby / business with you

I thought I
> could build a henhouse, drop in a few hens, add the food, water and
> misters and have at it.
>
> Obviously I was wrong.

Why - that seems to be what folks are saying
And as long as you have a good bit of space you can perfectly well have a
familys worth of chickens and the veggies with no problems
Its basic management

Bearing my complete lack of experience and new
> preference for ducks, can anyone point me toward some place I can get
> more edumicated.

There are all your local folks - they are invaluable as you can SEE what is
happening
There are lots and lots of websites
There are plenty of books

 I don't want to kill my little garden helpers on day
> one. Better to ask the questions ahead of time I believe.

Folks here are great on specific questions

>
> Since I'm in a suburban area, excessive quacking will likely be
> frowned upon. What is a good variety of low quack duck for an
> inexperienced person who is looking for assistance in the garden and
> eggs (Idn't thar one I kin just plug in?)

last question first - NO - but you expected little else :~))
they are still livestock !!
Most ducks are pretty quiet except Call ducks which are very very noisy.
With all the others - if they are disturbed or stressed they are noisier but
there is nothing that is breed specific

>
> I know you're all rolling you eyes (oh lord, not another one of these
> morons) or climbing back in your chairs after falling out laughinbg,
> but I'm admitting ignorance and asking for help and advice.

There are lots of places for general research and the best place is hands on
experience especially in a more extreme environment
Otherwise the internet is FULL of information and as I said - folks here are
great at answering the specifics

Have fun 

--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment,  Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Holidays in Scotland and Wales
http://www.kintaline.co.uk

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