@Margaret, thanks much for taking time to share all of that useful info.
When it comes to sanitizing footwear, does it involve soaking the bottom of your shoes in disinfectant and scrubbing the rest? (I ask, because I’ve done that before entering caves, for instance, to avoid spreading other stuff to bats.) If so, and if I do a sit with chickens, I could bring my rubber shoes, in case.
I’ve read a little bit about avian flu on birdwatching groups, which include folks who normally feed birds, but will stop and take precautions when outbreaks are reported. I’ll pay closer attention and see what I can learn.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Also, it’s great that you’re staying informed about avian flu and taking precautions when needed. Learning more about it can definitely help in keeping our feathered friends healthy. If you’re interested in learning more about what chickens can eat, this article might provide some useful information Unraveling the Diet of Chickens: Can They Eat Grapes, Tomatoes, and Bananas?.
I have sat in many places with chickens (chooks we call them) and agree with what @Crookie has said. At least in Oz that is exactly how we would look after chickens, very easy and straightforward.
My son had two as pets when little as we couldn’t have a dog and they were THE best pets and we got a constant supply of fresh eggs. Definitely the most important thing is to make sure they are locked in their home by dusk to avoid attacks by predators which can sometimes be dogs. Let out early, fresh feed and water, daily pickover of poop and lock up at dusk aaaaand repeat every day
@andrealovesanimals - Woops! Somebody jumped in a few days back and I didn’t realise it was a golden oldie Haha yep you got through April so no coffee, back to the headbanging now
“My” five chickens here had only one egg today, only two yesterday, when there used to be five or six. So I messaged the HO, and explored possible causes. It turned out that the automatic watering system had run out of water.
Poor things, they were thirsty! They immediately went back in the coop when I had put a bowl with water there. I hope they will recover soon.
@pietkuip I am so glad you worked out that there was something wrong and quickly fixed it. Auto watering systems are great when they are working but can be deadly if not checked which is why on farms we always checked the water troughs every 2nd day. Not just for the animals sake but also could be wasting precious water if there was a problem.
Yes, I am relieved too. I had been told that the chickens were really easy, that I did not need to anything except collecting the eggs, so I hardly looked at the water or the feeder, did not even really know what to look for.
Now this morning they had kicked over the water bowl that I put in the coop last night. So I found a wider one. Not a real drinking bowl, just something I could find in the shed that looked suitable. The HO will return tomorrow afternoon.
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