Re: Amber Stars - Now months on

Steve Newport wrote:

My view is that Black Rocks are good for true free range but any form
of confinement and forget it.

They are fine in most garden environments. They do not need acres, just
normal daily freedom to mooch around. A garden is perfect.
I agree, they do not like to be confined for much of the time. When talking
to customers for housing etc around the country, if their needs are that the
birds are cooped up then I would steer them to the commercials, rather than
Black Rocks or pure breeds. The latter are not intensive birds, which is in
essence the conditions provided when contained much of the time. Being kept
outside but not able to enjoy the freedom is understandably frustrating and
they will exhibit the normal behaviours. Commercial birds have had their
'expectations' modified so deal with such situations with fewer problems.

The Amber Stars however, are a eral
pleasure. Still want to experiment and try other birds though; Marans
are something I want to try.

You will likely have similar problems with any of the pure breeds, unless
you can find a breeder who has not had his birds ranging for several
generations.
The likes of Marans are, generally, bold birds, needing space and freedom.

Again some of the lookelike commercials might cope.

--

regards
Jill Bowis

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


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