Re: Holiday / Vacation care

From: Jill. (news_at_REMOVETHISkintaline.co.uk)
Date: 09/28/04 

Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 13:27:06 +0100

Simon Smith wrote:
> Thanks for all of your comments, it's clear that there is no way you
> can leave chickens for even 24 hours with someone at least checking on
> them.
>
> I'll sound out the neighbours on the idea of babysitting them when
> we're away, failing that we'll stick to hamster cruelty :-)
>
> As an afterthought, are geese any better ? i.e. able to look after
> themselves for a week - I assume that they too would need shutting up
> at night. Are there any small varieties that would be happy in a
> suburban garden ?

Ahhh :~)))))))
No
Geese are much muckier, pretty noisy and not suitable for suburban gardens
!!!!!
If you have a large enough flock - 10 - 20 they can live out with out being
taken but otherwise they need some form of protection
Suburban usually means plenty foxes and often means badgers too
However - ask about at your local feed stores etc.
You may find there are other poultry keepers in the area who would swop
chicken sitting or caring with you
There are ways around it - honest -don't give up yet 

--
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
>
> Thanks again