Today I let Chili out for a free range. About 20 minutes later I heard a ruckus. Ran out to see a mangy fox trying to run off with her.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday, July 18, 2008
17th July 2008 : THE BIG BROODER HOUSE
It's been a long time since my last post. Thought it was time to bring the blog up to date with what's been happening.
Some time in late June I noticed a difference in the behaviour/personality of Chilli (my Pepperpot). In the course of 2-3 days she went from being a very friendly (always first to run up and "crouch" when I went out in the evening) to running AWAY and being impossible to catch. When I got close she made a horrible growling sound and fluffed herself up into a huge ball of feathers.
After consulting with my "friends" on the OMLET FORUM it seemed likely that, despite only having started laying a few months earlier, she was getting broody. Sure enough, within a day or so of this change in behaviour extended to her remaining in the NEST AREA in the CUBE and all attempts to remove her were met with growling and fluffing up and, occasionally, some pecking at hands.
Naturally enough we also stopped getting three eggs a day and dropped down to two. On the plus side they were kept nice and warm for us under Chilli as she would scoop them up and push them under herself and remain sitting on them all day (if allowed). It seemed to me that Twiglet and Gypsy (the Gingernuts) were not at all bothered by their house-mates
I decided, after a bit of reading, that I wasn't really into the idea of forcing her (too hard) out of her state. I could live with one less egg a day for a few weeks. Suggestions of plunging her into cool water (to lower her body temperature slightly) or putting her in a puppy crate (to make her uncomfortable and make it impossible for her to settle down) all sounded too harsh to me so I decided to let things run their course (more or less). I did, after about a week, place a large oblong flower tub in the NEST AREA so she couldn’t settle in there. On more than one occasion she out-witted me by somehow managing to get herself INSIDE the flower tub and settle happily but eventually we managed to find a way to keep her out of the nest area. She then spent all her day settled in the ROOSTNG AREA of the CUBE.
All this meant, of course, that the two Gingernuts could not get access to the NEST AREA either so they took to laying their eggs in the ROOSTING AREA which also meant we lost the occasional egg as it was rammed (probably by Chilli sitting on it) through the bars into the poop trays.
Each day, in the late afternoon when someone got in from work, we would turf Chilli out to make sure she got some food (tempted by treats of corn etc) and water (usually from a puddle rather than the nice fresh water from the Glug). On some days we shut the CUBE door to stop her getting back in for a few hours. She didn't like this at all and made her feelings quite clear.
Finally, last weekend, she started appearing each day all on her own and on Monday she stopped growling when I went near her. By Wednesday she was out and about each morning with the others and appears to be much more her old self. I've removed the flower tub from the NEST AREA and the Gingernuts have returned there quite happily to lay.
Why did I pick today to pass all this on?
Today (17th July) we got our first post-broody egg from Chilli.
It's over - Phew :-)
Some time in late June I noticed a difference in the behaviour/personality of Chilli (my Pepperpot). In the course of 2-3 days she went from being a very friendly (always first to run up and "crouch" when I went out in the evening) to running AWAY and being impossible to catch. When I got close she made a horrible growling sound and fluffed herself up into a huge ball of feathers.
After consulting with my "friends" on the OMLET FORUM it seemed likely that, despite only having started laying a few months earlier, she was getting broody. Sure enough, within a day or so of this change in behaviour extended to her remaining in the NEST AREA in the CUBE and all attempts to remove her were met with growling and fluffing up and, occasionally, some pecking at hands.
Naturally enough we also stopped getting three eggs a day and dropped down to two. On the plus side they were kept nice and warm for us under Chilli as she would scoop them up and push them under herself and remain sitting on them all day (if allowed). It seemed to me that Twiglet and Gypsy (the Gingernuts) were not at all bothered by their house-mates
I decided, after a bit of reading, that I wasn't really into the idea of forcing her (too hard) out of her state. I could live with one less egg a day for a few weeks. Suggestions of plunging her into cool water (to lower her body temperature slightly) or putting her in a puppy crate (to make her uncomfortable and make it impossible for her to settle down) all sounded too harsh to me so I decided to let things run their course (more or less). I did, after about a week, place a large oblong flower tub in the NEST AREA so she couldn’t settle in there. On more than one occasion she out-witted me by somehow managing to get herself INSIDE the flower tub and settle happily but eventually we managed to find a way to keep her out of the nest area. She then spent all her day settled in the ROOSTNG AREA of the CUBE.
All this meant, of course, that the two Gingernuts could not get access to the NEST AREA either so they took to laying their eggs in the ROOSTING AREA which also meant we lost the occasional egg as it was rammed (probably by Chilli sitting on it) through the bars into the poop trays.
Each day, in the late afternoon when someone got in from work, we would turf Chilli out to make sure she got some food (tempted by treats of corn etc) and water (usually from a puddle rather than the nice fresh water from the Glug). On some days we shut the CUBE door to stop her getting back in for a few hours. She didn't like this at all and made her feelings quite clear.
Finally, last weekend, she started appearing each day all on her own and on Monday she stopped growling when I went near her. By Wednesday she was out and about each morning with the others and appears to be much more her old self. I've removed the flower tub from the NEST AREA and the Gingernuts have returned there quite happily to lay.
Why did I pick today to pass all this on?
Today (17th July) we got our first post-broody egg from Chilli.
It's over - Phew :-)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Friday 11th May 2008 : First Deliveries
Chilli (pepperpot) and Gypsy (oldest gingernut) both delivered their first eggs this week, Chilli winning by one day. The eggs are quite small (44 grammes) but otherwise perfect.
Both have now "found" the egg laying compartment and appear happy to leave the eggs there each day. Both appear to lay just before lunchtime.
We've also had a series of escapes this last week. It seems they have found out that they can JUST make it fluttering and jumping up onto the roof of the CUBE but the favourite seems to be going under the wire. They show no signs of wandering off, just pottering around the garden until caught and returned to the relative safety of the pen area.
All of them are now very friendly, coming over as soon as a human appears. I think this is largely due to the number of treats they get in the shape of corn on the cob, apples and raisins but it makes it easier to herd them when they escape.
One of our cats (Pickles) has made friends too and somehow got inside the pen the other day. He was not bothered by the chickens, nor they by him. He had a good look round the CUBE PEN and a wander around the larger outdoor fenced off area before realising he had forgoten how he got IN and therefore needed help getting OUT.
Both have now "found" the egg laying compartment and appear happy to leave the eggs there each day. Both appear to lay just before lunchtime.
We've also had a series of escapes this last week. It seems they have found out that they can JUST make it fluttering and jumping up onto the roof of the CUBE but the favourite seems to be going under the wire. They show no signs of wandering off, just pottering around the garden until caught and returned to the relative safety of the pen area.
All of them are now very friendly, coming over as soon as a human appears. I think this is largely due to the number of treats they get in the shape of corn on the cob, apples and raisins but it makes it easier to herd them when they escape.
One of our cats (Pickles) has made friends too and somehow got inside the pen the other day. He was not bothered by the chickens, nor they by him. He had a good look round the CUBE PEN and a wander around the larger outdoor fenced off area before realising he had forgoten how he got IN and therefore needed help getting OUT.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sunday 6th April 2008 : It Snows
Well today we woke up to find it had snowed (heavily for this part of the country).
About 3-4 inches had settled on and around the CUBE.
So, wearing my dressing gown and some very fetching green wellies I slipped and slid out to ensure the chickens were OK. I opened the gate to the PEN so they could use the bigger fenced area but they sat there clucking irritatedly me at me as if it was my fault that funny white stuff was falling from the sky.
I spent a few seconds crouched making sure they were OK and then the combination of the cold draught UP my dressing gown and the snow going DOWN my neck forced me back indoors. What a wimp :-)
So, wearing my dressing gown and some very fetching green wellies I slipped and slid out to ensure the chickens were OK. I opened the gate to the PEN so they could use the bigger fenced area but they sat there clucking irritatedly me at me as if it was my fault that funny white stuff was falling from the sky.
I spent a few seconds crouched making sure they were OK and then the combination of the cold draught UP my dressing gown and the snow going DOWN my neck forced me back indoors. What a wimp :-)
Eventually the snow stopped and we all ventured outside so the kids could make best use of this so rare opportunity to build a snow man.
I joined in and made a snow chicken :-)
I won't say it was my finest piece of artwork ... but I will say it is not my worst.
The chickens (the real ones that is) did not seem offended or,. in fact, at all interested.
Sadly this artwork has now gone thanks to the warming influence of the sun. This picture is all the remains.
Such is the life of an artist :-)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Wednesday 26th March : Three weeks
Corn on the cob. THAT's the treat they love.
With a small corn cob in my hand they'll happily approach and attack it while I hold it. It's allowed me to get holdof them and check them over. No idea really what I'm looking for but they seem fine and healthy and not (too) stressed by being handled.
They also like apples. I bought a ropbust garden feeder. A sort of metal cage (about 6-8 inches tall and shaped a bit like a banana) that I can put larger items in and hang it from the side of the pen. They attack it with "gusto". Having sat and watched them demolish an apple in a matter of minutes I am glad that those beaks are not turned on me though.
Omlet tell me my new 25m fencing should be delivered in a few days which will mean it's easier for me to let them roam about a bit. A bit expensive for what it is (I think) but all I've read says it's a good product - I'll let you know.
With a small corn cob in my hand they'll happily approach and attack it while I hold it. It's allowed me to get holdof them and check them over. No idea really what I'm looking for but they seem fine and healthy and not (too) stressed by being handled.
They also like apples. I bought a ropbust garden feeder. A sort of metal cage (about 6-8 inches tall and shaped a bit like a banana) that I can put larger items in and hang it from the side of the pen. They attack it with "gusto". Having sat and watched them demolish an apple in a matter of minutes I am glad that those beaks are not turned on me though.
Omlet tell me my new 25m fencing should be delivered in a few days which will mean it's easier for me to let them roam about a bit. A bit expensive for what it is (I think) but all I've read says it's a good product - I'll let you know.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thursday 20th March : Two weeks in
Not much to report really. All appears to be well.
I've not yet been able to, safely, let them roam free in the garden. after a bit of discussion on various forums and some investigation, I'm going to buy the Omlet 25m netting so I can coral them in a specific area (saves me having to block my driveway etc etc). Hope it will arrive soon - then we'll see.
Had a couple of experiments during this last week as well.
Experiment One : Treats.
I'd read, before getting the chickens, that they are very partial to treats such as grapes.
I went out and bought some grapes and tried to coax one of the chickens to come to me and take one. None were remotely interested. Thinking they were nervous of ME I just dropped the grapes on the ground and left them to it. Two days later all the grapes were still there. They clearly don't want them.
Experiment Two : Night Time Routine.
Since getting them, I had always closed the Cube door each night after the chickens had settled inside for the night. Each morning, as I left for work, I would open it up again and they'd trot out.
In a while, I will be away for a night so wondered what was best to do. The members of the Omlet Forum advised that they would be fine with the door open in fact many people don't seem to ever close the door unless the weather is particularly cold.
I tried leaving the door open a few nights ago with no ill effects.
A success.
I will continue to close the door most nights just for safety's sake.
I've not yet been able to, safely, let them roam free in the garden. after a bit of discussion on various forums and some investigation, I'm going to buy the Omlet 25m netting so I can coral them in a specific area (saves me having to block my driveway etc etc). Hope it will arrive soon - then we'll see.
Had a couple of experiments during this last week as well.
Experiment One : Treats.
I'd read, before getting the chickens, that they are very partial to treats such as grapes.
I went out and bought some grapes and tried to coax one of the chickens to come to me and take one. None were remotely interested. Thinking they were nervous of ME I just dropped the grapes on the ground and left them to it. Two days later all the grapes were still there. They clearly don't want them.
Experiment Two : Night Time Routine.
Since getting them, I had always closed the Cube door each night after the chickens had settled inside for the night. Each morning, as I left for work, I would open it up again and they'd trot out.
In a while, I will be away for a night so wondered what was best to do. The members of the Omlet Forum advised that they would be fine with the door open in fact many people don't seem to ever close the door unless the weather is particularly cold.
I tried leaving the door open a few nights ago with no ill effects.
A success.
I will continue to close the door most nights just for safety's sake.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday 13th March 2008 : A week in
Well the first week of the new chickens has gone. They have settled well, getting used to me letting them out of their EGLU house each morning and having a good old "bruk bruk" around to let me know they are well.
This weekend, weather permitting, I'll give them the run of the garden for a few hours.
without any scrapping, as far as I have seen, they seem to have sorted out who the boss is. The Miss Pepperpot (known now as "Chilli") is a few weeks older than the other two (named by the kids as "Twiglet" and "Gypsy") and a little bigger. She definitely is in charge.
Each night, the two Gingernuts go up into the house first, Chilli (named for the Chilli Pepper rather than any meat dish of course) has a good old look around in the "cage", hops up into the "house" for a look around then down again for a final check before finally jumping up and settling for the night. Woe betide anyone who tries to shut the house door before she's finished her final checks. She will push her way out and cluck away to herself just like an old lady who has been disturbed in her garden. Once she's satisfied that all is well, she settles quickly.
All three seem to snuggle up into one corner of the house though the spread of muck in the trays suggests they move around quite a lot.
I've got shredded paper in the nest box area (no eggs yet of course - another 2-3 weeks before we are likely to get any apparently). Not seen any of them get in there yet and paper looks clean still.
Each morning when I open the door, Chilli's head is the first out. She hops/flutters down and has a wander around then, as if signalled, the other two follow her after a few seconds. Brilliant start to my day watching that.
This weekend, weather permitting, I'll give them the run of the garden for a few hours.
without any scrapping, as far as I have seen, they seem to have sorted out who the boss is. The Miss Pepperpot (known now as "Chilli") is a few weeks older than the other two (named by the kids as "Twiglet" and "Gypsy") and a little bigger. She definitely is in charge.
Each night, the two Gingernuts go up into the house first, Chilli (named for the Chilli Pepper rather than any meat dish of course) has a good old look around in the "cage", hops up into the "house" for a look around then down again for a final check before finally jumping up and settling for the night. Woe betide anyone who tries to shut the house door before she's finished her final checks. She will push her way out and cluck away to herself just like an old lady who has been disturbed in her garden. Once she's satisfied that all is well, she settles quickly.
All three seem to snuggle up into one corner of the house though the spread of muck in the trays suggests they move around quite a lot.
I've got shredded paper in the nest box area (no eggs yet of course - another 2-3 weeks before we are likely to get any apparently). Not seen any of them get in there yet and paper looks clean still.
Each morning when I open the door, Chilli's head is the first out. She hops/flutters down and has a wander around then, as if signalled, the other two follow her after a few seconds. Brilliant start to my day watching that.
6th March 2008 : Second Night
I am delighted to say that all three chickens have impressed me by getting themselves into the "house" before I got home from work so all I had to do was lock them safely in. No more slithering and sliding around in poop for me - for now.
5th March 2008 : First Night
On arrival, the delivery guy had mentioned that, for the first night, the chickens may not be too happy going up the ladder to roost overnight and might need a hand.
He had also explained, at length, how secure the "cage" is from predators.
The mesh "cage" is secured in such a way to the "house" that it is impossible for humans, let alone predators, to get into without tools and mostly dismantling the "house".
Obviously there is a doorway for them to use when they are allowed out to roam.
So I arrived home, nearly dark. They are happy enough but, even though it's almost dark, showing no sign of going "indoors" so I decide to give them a helping hand.
I opened the outer doorway and discovered it is about 18 inches wide and not much taller. Big enough for a chicken but not really designed for a, let's be honest, slightly overweight human.
My eleven year old son, good lad that he is and massive animal lover (all animals seem to like him instinctively), said he would go in and round them up. He crawled through relatively easily.
Chickens immediately made their way to the back of run (the bit under the house). My son was too big to get under the house, a little nervous of crawling under there with three vicious (?) chickens and his arms were not long enough to reach them. He tried manfully (or should that be boyfully) for a few minutes but I was getting worried that the chickens might be getting stressed so I finally got him to come out.
So now I have no choice. It's either totally dismantle the entire thing or get in there. No way I was going to dismantle it and even if I did, I'd end up with no house to put them in as it would be in parts.
So, on my knees and belly (not a pretty sight) I managed to JUST squeeze through the doorway. Had to literally drag myself into it.
Finally got all of me in and kneeling up I could just (JUST) reach them. I got hold of them one at a time and put them in the house. Some clucking and disgruntlement but no panicking or flapping about so I considered it a success.
Got the "house" door shut so they are all safe, now time to get out.
One thing (the other comes later) that I had NOT taken into account was that to slide IN, I had to lie prone and drag myself in. Unfortunately, I found it almost impossible to lie prone INSIDE the run. Using all sorts of movements that someone my age should avoid, I finally managed it and dragged myself out with my chest, belly, groin and knees on the floor and my kids shouting words of encouragement and useful things like "mind your back".
Finally out (it was a struggle) I stood up, turned around and closed the outer door. Done. Phew.
Now to the second thing I had not taken into account.
Three chickens had spent all day wandering around in the pen. As they do, they had been pooping all over the place. I had just successfully dragged myself, twice, through 3 "chicken-days" worth of poop.
I was covered. I looked (and smelled) like the swamp monster from chicken-ville.
My arms (where I'd been dragging myself), my chest down to my knees, my backside and shoes were caked in muddy poop.
My son laughed for about 20 minutes non-stop. Somehow he had managed to stay clean during his foray into the "land of the chickens".
Given the advice from the delivery guy that they may need a helping hand into the "house" for the first night "or two", I am expecting to have to do the same again. Cannot say I am looking forward to it.
He had also explained, at length, how secure the "cage" is from predators.
The mesh "cage" is secured in such a way to the "house" that it is impossible for humans, let alone predators, to get into without tools and mostly dismantling the "house".
Obviously there is a doorway for them to use when they are allowed out to roam.
So I arrived home, nearly dark. They are happy enough but, even though it's almost dark, showing no sign of going "indoors" so I decide to give them a helping hand.
I opened the outer doorway and discovered it is about 18 inches wide and not much taller. Big enough for a chicken but not really designed for a, let's be honest, slightly overweight human.
My eleven year old son, good lad that he is and massive animal lover (all animals seem to like him instinctively), said he would go in and round them up. He crawled through relatively easily.
Chickens immediately made their way to the back of run (the bit under the house). My son was too big to get under the house, a little nervous of crawling under there with three vicious (?) chickens and his arms were not long enough to reach them. He tried manfully (or should that be boyfully) for a few minutes but I was getting worried that the chickens might be getting stressed so I finally got him to come out.
So now I have no choice. It's either totally dismantle the entire thing or get in there. No way I was going to dismantle it and even if I did, I'd end up with no house to put them in as it would be in parts.
So, on my knees and belly (not a pretty sight) I managed to JUST squeeze through the doorway. Had to literally drag myself into it.
Finally got all of me in and kneeling up I could just (JUST) reach them. I got hold of them one at a time and put them in the house. Some clucking and disgruntlement but no panicking or flapping about so I considered it a success.
Got the "house" door shut so they are all safe, now time to get out.
One thing (the other comes later) that I had NOT taken into account was that to slide IN, I had to lie prone and drag myself in. Unfortunately, I found it almost impossible to lie prone INSIDE the run. Using all sorts of movements that someone my age should avoid, I finally managed it and dragged myself out with my chest, belly, groin and knees on the floor and my kids shouting words of encouragement and useful things like "mind your back".
Finally out (it was a struggle) I stood up, turned around and closed the outer door. Done. Phew.
Now to the second thing I had not taken into account.
Three chickens had spent all day wandering around in the pen. As they do, they had been pooping all over the place. I had just successfully dragged myself, twice, through 3 "chicken-days" worth of poop.
I was covered. I looked (and smelled) like the swamp monster from chicken-ville.
My arms (where I'd been dragging myself), my chest down to my knees, my backside and shoes were caked in muddy poop.
My son laughed for about 20 minutes non-stop. Somehow he had managed to stay clean during his foray into the "land of the chickens".
Given the advice from the delivery guy that they may need a helping hand into the "house" for the first night "or two", I am expecting to have to do the same again. Cannot say I am looking forward to it.
5th March 2008 : Arrival
It's a fine Wednesday morning and those nice people at OMLET have promised to deliver my EGLU CUBE and three chickens some time in the morning. Sure enough, about 9am a van turns up driven by a very pleasant chap. In the back of the van he has a number of EGLU CUBEs and in no time he is putting everything together in the garden for me. I didn't have to lift a finger (except to make a cup of tea).
For those who do not know what an EGLU CUBE is, here is a pic (from their website, not my garden).
About an hour later, it's all done. He spends a few minutes taking me round it explaining how everything works and then we go to get the chickens. I have ordered three Gingernut Rangers but he gives me the opportunity to have a mix of breeds and, after a moment thinking about how I will identify an individual when they are all alike, I accept. I'm ow the proud owner of two Gingernut Rangers and one Miss Pepperpot. Pictures will, of course, follow.
I'm shown how to hold them properly and then I'm shown how to clip the wings (the guy actually did the clipping, I just watched - this time). Seems a bit brutal at first but it's clear that it causes no discomfort to the chickens who barely even notice it is being done.
They are then deposited in the "cage" and immediately start scratching around and clucking contentedly.
Without wishing to appear as an advert for any company, let me say here how impressed I am with OMLET. They delivered everything they promised, on time, high quality product (though not exactly cheap) and everyone I have spoken to at the company has been very pleasant and helpful. When they include chickens in the "package", as with me, they also include enough food to last several months (it looks to me).
If I have one word of caution for any prospective purchaser (and it's not a gripe, just a suggestion), I would make sure you have an old, clean, sealable plastic dustbin (or similar) as the bag of feed is fairly large and obviously must be kept dry. I didn't, stupidly, consider this but was able to rustle something up.
For those who do not know what an EGLU CUBE is, here is a pic (from their website, not my garden).
About an hour later, it's all done. He spends a few minutes taking me round it explaining how everything works and then we go to get the chickens. I have ordered three Gingernut Rangers but he gives me the opportunity to have a mix of breeds and, after a moment thinking about how I will identify an individual when they are all alike, I accept. I'm ow the proud owner of two Gingernut Rangers and one Miss Pepperpot. Pictures will, of course, follow.
I'm shown how to hold them properly and then I'm shown how to clip the wings (the guy actually did the clipping, I just watched - this time). Seems a bit brutal at first but it's clear that it causes no discomfort to the chickens who barely even notice it is being done.
They are then deposited in the "cage" and immediately start scratching around and clucking contentedly.
Without wishing to appear as an advert for any company, let me say here how impressed I am with OMLET. They delivered everything they promised, on time, high quality product (though not exactly cheap) and everyone I have spoken to at the company has been very pleasant and helpful. When they include chickens in the "package", as with me, they also include enough food to last several months (it looks to me).
If I have one word of caution for any prospective purchaser (and it's not a gripe, just a suggestion), I would make sure you have an old, clean, sealable plastic dustbin (or similar) as the bag of feed is fairly large and obviously must be kept dry. I didn't, stupidly, consider this but was able to rustle something up.
Monday, March 10, 2008
In The Beginning
Ever had a fresh egg? Ever seen a really yellow yoke? Ever thought that "this egg tastes the way eggs used to"?
I have.
I have also tried and tried to find some way of getting such "wonders" in every kind of shop from supermarket to corner shop (and everything in between).
Now I've cracked it (no pun intended).
I've decided to get some chickens of my own.
I've read a number of other people's blogs before making the final decision as well as reading loads of other good websites (I'll add some links to all of this when I get around to it) and, possibly the best idea of all, I've spoken to someone who keeps a few chickens themselves, in their back garden just as I want to.
This blog will act as a reminder to me, hopefully be a little entertaining and may even inform some other intrepid searcher of fine eggs in the future.
I have.
I have also tried and tried to find some way of getting such "wonders" in every kind of shop from supermarket to corner shop (and everything in between).
Now I've cracked it (no pun intended).
I've decided to get some chickens of my own.
I've read a number of other people's blogs before making the final decision as well as reading loads of other good websites (I'll add some links to all of this when I get around to it) and, possibly the best idea of all, I've spoken to someone who keeps a few chickens themselves, in their back garden just as I want to.
This blog will act as a reminder to me, hopefully be a little entertaining and may even inform some other intrepid searcher of fine eggs in the future.
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