Hello people,
We got 4 exbatts yesterday (20/09/08). They are doing really well, too well in fact. They are already starting to fly. One has managed to get on top of the table that is in the enclosure. that is 1 m high,the perimeter fence is 2m high, but the table is next to the fence and can't be moved.
I cut my right thumb off a few weeks back and I am struggling with only using one hand,also , I have never clipped a hens feathers before(was going to think about it next week maybe). Is there anyone out there who could come and help us out please? We are near Burton on Trent DE13 7AX. We are quite happy to pay.
Thanks
Andrew.
Will post some pics very soon,,,,,,,,
Hi Andrew,
I remember your post regarding your thumb, hope you are recovering well.
I too was a little worried about clipping my hens wings, when I asked on here most people seemed to think it unecessary as they will still 'jump' quite high, eg your table will be no problem ! so I didnt bother.
My enclosure has a 5ft fence around it and they never seem to jump or fly over that, the only problem was my coup has a nest box on the side and they got on top of that and then onto the top of the coup and over the fence! I now put something like a couple of large heavy flower pots on top of the coup to stop them and I have no problems now. Maybe you could put something like that on your table and then you wont have to worry about clipping their wings as I think they will jump up anyway.
Andrew
Good to hear that you are up and running with your girls!
What about putting some lighweight netting over and attaching it to the wire. I have done this so even if they fly they cannot get out!
It is quite easy to do and in theory just needs holding in the corners until you and your thumb are more agile to fix it along the sides properly!
Good luck anyway - Sorry can't Minehead in Somerset is too far away!
Old Bird
;D
Go to www.backyardchickens.com.
I clipped my black-rocks and had no more problems.
I'll second putting wire over the top of the enclosure, if the chickens can jump/fly out then the fox can just as easily get in, they can't fly but they can jump and climb!
Thanks for all your useful replies. A friend came over today and clipped their flight feathers for me. I have made a smaller table that is away from the perimeter. Also, I have got some crop protection netting to see if I can make a cover over the run at the weekend.
We have only had the girls since Saturday,but already we have noticed that the eggs are getting bigger and the yolks are a lovely orange colour.It just goes to show what some care and attention can do(and all those worms under the slabs!).
Andrew
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f162/rykneld38/PICT0064.jpg)
Wow they certainly look happy!
They are not in as bad a shape as some that come out of the farms. They have most certainly landed on their feet with you looking after them!
Old Bird
;D