I couldn't bear the stillness any more at the bottom of the garden. We have been doing our best to make the chicken area as unattractive as possible to the foxes, following advice from seasoned chicken keepers, since we lost our other two ladies on Mothers Day. So the eldest two daughters and myself drove off into the wilds of Surrey yesterday with a couple of cat baskets to collect some new ladies.
I had a 'hot cross bun moment' - ie like my husband when out shopping 'accidentally' allows a packet of hot cross buns to slip into the trolley and then denies all knowledge of them being there... We couldn't make our minds up between the ladies, so despite me planning to get 4, I came home with five! The run and coop are plenty big enough although I may need to add another perch inside the coop.
We are all very excited to have them, except the cat who doesn't like chickens because they peck her!
Mr D's snaps of them yesterday :-
Ginger, Hedwig, Bluebell, Primrose and Maggie x
They're all still a little nervous but I don't think they'll take long to settle in.
How wonderful, they look great another step towards independance, our problem has been buzzards we ar down to 2 chickens we have manged to buy a poly tunnel frame off ebay its going to be covered with bird netting and the chickens will be set up in there, so until its secure I am not get any more, get hubby to pee around the garden boundrys on a regular basis, male urine is suppose to help deter foxes :-)
ReplyDeleteThe chap I bought them off said the same thing about birds of prey - they are taking the smallest regularly. We have parakeets so I'm not sure that's an issue!! Mr D has been peeing at night daily and will continue to do so. Last time it was our fault entirely so we will do our best to be consistently vigilant this time. I've also tied bags of human hair around the boundary which they don't like either apparently!!
DeleteWelcome to your new girls, I hope Mr Fox keeps away.
ReplyDeleteMe too. If he comes again I will have to call it a day until we move!
DeleteGood luck with the chickens. I know a lady who lives in the country and her chickens are in a large covered run, presumably to keep the foxes and birds of prey out. Not sure if this would help you? x
ReplyDeleteI think a lid is the only way to go! I've been trying to work it out today, but it's a lot more work again. That or call in the local gamekeeper!!!
DeletePerhaps try on Gumtree, Freecycle or your local paper for a second hand chicken run? Just an idea x
Deletelovely to see your multi coloured ladies. Every time I read about fox problems I wonder how we have got away without for so many years. Electric fencing is what we use. Powered by mains in winter and a battery in summer and the peeing and human hair things and shutting up at dusk we do to. But I still keep fingers well and truly crossed.
ReplyDeleteWe'd done fine all year long, but had got distracted on Mother's Day and not shut them up soon enough :(
DeleteHello, just found you. We used to live in Surrey (near Epsom) so can instantly relate to the fox problem and the parakeets. We moved down to Wiltshire for a simpler, slower life when 4th son finished school, and have loved every minute.
ReplyDeleteJoy xx
Welcome! Nice to hear that someone has taken the plunge successfully! X
DeleteI found you today, we have foxes in our village but on the old railway line. There are chickens around and all are well fenced in, with top covering as well, we also have Buzzards. I am toying with the idea of a small group 2-4 but need to make a secure area for them first, that will be a bit later in the summer, if it happens. Your meal plans are very appetising and have galvanised me into action. I have made a list of what is in the house and will hardly need to shop at all for a month. I may be able to put the saving towards a chicken hut and run. I retired at the end of 2013 and since moving to Wales last May have learned to think before I rush in, most of the time, and do what needs to be done then enjoy my time. I hope that your new girls thrive.
ReplyDeleteWelcome! You must have built up a good store cupboard! It's good that you've been able to slow down and have time for yourself.
DeleteHow lovely! Can't wait to hear their names!! We don't have chickens ourselves but I always buy my free range eggs from a village near Newark, Notts - the lady just leaves a cool box full of eggs in boxes and an honesty box. They are £1.10 per half dozen - and I think she always seems to sell. The eggs are delicious.
ReplyDeleteFresh eggs taste so much better don't they?
DeleteOh My Goodness aren't they lovely.
ReplyDeleteAre they a special type of chickens, do they lay speckled, green or blue eggs ?
I especially like Ginger, the white one with black tipped feathers. I like reading mrsnebitt's space and The Weaver of Grass when they blog about their chickens.
cheers, parsnip
They are settling in well so far x they are all hybrids as they are the most reliable layers. I chose different colours to add some variety and to help with remembering their names!
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