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Post by debbiem on Aug 16, 2007 11:02:55 GMT 1
I don't let them out until 8-9, 4P - I know it's a bit late but with all the nattering that goes on when they come out, it won't disturb anyone then and their noise merges in with everything else. They've got water and layers pellets in there with them. If they have a choice they'll go for mixed corn , with I give them a couple of times a day, a few handfuls but they need the pellets as they have all the nutrients so keeping them in that bit longer ensures they'll have some, if they're as hungry as I am first thing in the morning!!!  They've also discovered the glory of scraps - I must admit I've led them into bad ways, as they were completely flummoxed the first time I offered them some - that's another reason they hang around outside the kitchen door I think.  |
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 16, 2007 11:05:20 GMT 1
They're not bad ways, they're frugal and housewifely ways!
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Post by debbiem on Aug 16, 2007 11:08:12 GMT 1
They've discovered spaghetti now - there's no going back! |
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 16, 2007 11:12:44 GMT 1
Sounds great to me! I think you get eggs soon enough...
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Post by debbiem on Aug 16, 2007 11:16:25 GMT 1
Thanks. |
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Post by debbiem on Aug 22, 2007 8:16:10 GMT 1
Look who decided to get brave last night - the whole bunch had been flighty all day, but just before their bedtime they first of all walked bold as brass into the kitchen from outside, and after disgracing themselves on the floor and being herded back out again, with the bottom part of the door being closed behind them, the resolute pair did this;  then this;  and then we ended up like this; she flew right into OH's arms;  |
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 22, 2007 8:44:35 GMT 1
Brilliant! I love it. Chickens with gumption.......oh, I miss my Beryl doing that sort of thing...she used to come and peck the back door if she thought it was about time she got some scraps...you are lucky!
PS Your family look gorgeous. I do hope to meet you all some day....
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Post by debbiem on Aug 22, 2007 10:36:55 GMT 1
Thanks 4P, same here. |
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 22, 2007 11:01:43 GMT 1
I'm still thinking about a camping weekend in my orchard next summer Debbie.......you said you'd never been to Norfolk....
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Post by emseypop on Aug 22, 2007 11:12:46 GMT 1
clucking marvelous! ;D
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Post by sweetleaf on Aug 22, 2007 12:02:55 GMT 1
Absolutely brilliant! The pics made me smile, your family look lovely Debbie,(and the chickens) when will we see you ? <pensive smiley>
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Post by debbiem on Aug 22, 2007 14:25:55 GMT 1
Thanks SL -oh, we'll meet one day, gotta happen. |
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Post by debbiem on Aug 22, 2007 14:26:27 GMT 1
I'm still thinking about a camping weekend in my orchard next summer Debbie.......you said you'd never been to Norfolk.... Sounds lovely! |
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Post by debbiem on Nov 3, 2007 10:39:53 GMT 1
Hooray, HOORAY!!!! We found our first egg in the henhouse this morning, and since announcing this on the Banterbox we've found egg no. 2!!!!!!!
It's Spot, one of our Speckled Sussex who's caved in and started laying. ;D
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Post by 4pygmies on Nov 3, 2007 10:52:32 GMT 1
Hooray, HOORAY!!!! We found our first egg in the henhouse this morning, and since announcing this on the Banterbox we've found egg no. 2!!!!!!! It's Spot, one of our Speckled Sussex who's caved in and started laying. ;D That's fabby! Oooh, I bet it tastes gorgeous too.......but who gets to eat it??? |
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Post by emseypop on Nov 3, 2007 12:00:12 GMT 1
Hooray, HOORAY!!!! We found our first egg in the henhouse this morning, and since announcing this on the Banterbox we've found egg no. 2!!!!!!! It's Spot, one of our Speckled Sussex who's caved in and started laying. ;D Did I or did I not predict this! |
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Post by debbiem on Nov 3, 2007 13:05:34 GMT 1
You know, Emsey, I'd forgotten all about you prediction - that is soooo spooky!!!! Are there any clairvoyants in your family?  She's in the henhouse now working on no. 4.  |
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Post by debbiem on Nov 3, 2007 13:06:21 GMT 1
Hooray, HOORAY!!!! We found our first egg in the henhouse this morning, and since announcing this on the Banterbox we've found egg no. 2!!!!!!! It's Spot, one of our Speckled Sussex who's caved in and started laying. ;D That's fabby! Oooh, I bet it tastes gorgeous too.......but who gets to eat it??? The way things are going we'll have one each by the end of the day.  |
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Post by emseypop on Nov 3, 2007 13:48:19 GMT 1
WHOOHOOO!!!!!That's fabby! Oooh, I bet it tastes gorgeous too.......but who gets to eat it??? The way things are going we'll have one each by the end of the day. Chuffed for you mrsb, cheese souffle flowed by lemon mirrangue for tea then! I have been prone to predictions, but only silly little things. |
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Post by debbiem on Nov 4, 2007 8:57:27 GMT 1
Egg number 4 was there this morning - I'm not sure if it's both Speckled Sussex's laying or just Spot, the other being Kitty. They definitely seem to be in the swing of things now. Maybe the other's will follow now......a little bit too optimistic there I think. ;D
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Post by 4pygmies on Nov 4, 2007 9:01:34 GMT 1
Egg number 4 was there this morning - I'm not sure if it's both Speckled Sussex's laying or just Spot, the other being Kitty. They definitely seem to be in the swing of things now. Maybe the other's will follow now......a little bit too optimistic there I think. ;D I wouldn't be surprised Debbie - never under estimate the power of peer group pressure! They will probably lay intermittently all through the winter now - you lucky thing! Are they getting layers pellets and grit still? But also this may bring the dreaded rodents in, don't forget...........eggs and good food are a real bonus for them in the winter - sorry to be a gloom merchant! Every silver lining had a dark cloud.................get the poison ready..... |
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Post by debbiem on Nov 4, 2007 9:41:34 GMT 1
Egg number 4 was there this morning - I'm not sure if it's both Speckled Sussex's laying or just Spot, the other being Kitty. They definitely seem to be in the swing of things now. Maybe the other's will follow now......a little bit too optimistic there I think. ;D I wouldn't be surprised Debbie - never under estimate the power of peer group pressure! They will probably lay intermittently all through the winter now - you lucky thing! Are they getting layers pellets and grit still? But also this may bring the dreaded rodents in, don't forget...........eggs and good food are a real bonus for them in the winter - sorry to be a gloom merchant! Every silver lining had a dark cloud.................get the poison ready..... They'll eat layers pellets out of our hands - they seem to be warming to them a bit more all round now. The grit, corn and pellets are all in airtight containers but sometimes I forget to clear up any corn I may have sprinkled on the ground, and I know that's asking for trouble so I'm either going to scatter some on the lawn or just keep in in the feeders. We also have two excellent mousers but I'd rather not rely on that.....ugh..... |
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Post by 4pygmies on Nov 4, 2007 9:52:22 GMT 1
I wouldn't sprinkle it on the lawn if you can avoid it - maybe try and establish a regular corn feeding time in the middle of the day or at least while it's still light and then remove it after they've had enough......sorry, I sound proper bossy but I AM the Rat Killer Queen.....once the rats know food is there all the time they'll be on it like locusts......I wouldn't want your pleasure in the chooks to be ruined by the rodent hordes like mine has been every winter...
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Post by debbiem on Nov 5, 2007 16:28:16 GMT 1
You're right 4P - it's all in the feeders now, and any scraps aren't left around for long and definitely not overnight. There's also the seagull problem and I don't want them lurking around either! I'd better observe some simple rules of hygiene now, else the Rat Killer Queen's going to have to send me round one of her Umpah-Lumpahs. They're good at that kind of thing aren't they? : |
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Post by bogmyrtle on Nov 7, 2007 12:22:48 GMT 1
I've always wanted to keep chickens but not practical at our house, but in preparation did a course with Francine Raymond, have my 'starter' kit ready! I know sad, but in the meantime, can I enjoy your 'Tales from the Chickens'?
Took hubby to a nursery in the summer on a farm and they had chickens wandering round as we were choosing the plants and he began to see why I am so keen on keeping some (apart from the eggs).
Myrtle
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