Re: Keeping chickens

From: Debra Schwinn (dmschwinn_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 12/27/04 

Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 11:52:04 -0800

On 27 Dec 2004 11:32:40 -0800, <charlie.smithers@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi there,
>
> ex WGS Hamm wrote:
>> <charlie.smithers@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> > thanks both for your helpful responses! My garden is about 50 feet
> by
>> > 30 feet, I think.
>> Crikey that is a tiny garden. Will the birds be free to roam? Is it
> a neat
>> garden because they will scratch and eat your plants.
>
> Ah... I guess my idea of medium is probably rather different from other
> people on this newsgroup! Does the size sound as though it would be too
> small? I'd like to be able to allow the chickens to have the run of the
> garden really, if that's possible. I have a cat, but I'm assuming she
> would probably not be able to take on the chickens... or is that not
> right?
>
> Someone suggested I might try bantams, which I assume is because they
> are smaller - would that make them more vulnerable to my cat?

I suggested the bantams. I have 4 farm cats running around and probably
another 8 strays. I do not have a mouse problem at all. The cats do not
mess with the chickens, but the chickens will take off after the cats. I
have a couple of bantams and then a lot more large size breeds. Neither
seem to mind the cats around too much. Just take the time to introduce
them properly and make sure that one does not try attacking the other.
>
> The garden is not terribly neat, and I'm not too worried about the
> chickens eating the plants and scratching at the grass and so on. I'd
> just like to be able to get some eggs, really!
>
If you are not fussy or particular, it should go just fine. My only
concern is that you have a reliable babysitter when you go on
holiday/vacation. Your girls will need fresh feed and water everyday and
make sure they are shut up at night and let out again in the morning. The
eggs will need to be picked up daily also, as this will prevent them from
eating them.
>
>> Also try some of the poultry forums.
>> http://www.practicalpoultry.co.uk/forum/
>>
>> http://www.simplypoultry.ltd.uk/Forum/default.asp
> I'll give those a go - thanks!
>
> Charlie (UK)
> charlie.smithers@gmail.com
>

How exciting to start out with your first girls! Keep us posted and do
not be afraid to ask questions. 

-- 
Deb
Double D Homestead
Fresh Eggs from Free Range Chickens

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