bad day

[Nicos]

I spotted fox footprints around the perimeter of my electric fence yesterday

....they must be getting really hungry by now.


Sorry to hear about your loss raine xx

[RedThorn]

Thanks Suechooks....going to look at making an electronic circuit to boost a car jump start battery pack for electric fencing....that way, you clip the clamps off, put the second pack on and bring the first back in for charging.....

[Glutton4...]

It's easier to have two batteries - one in use, one on charge. 2nd hand batteries are free if you know anyone in the motor trade. They don't have to be leisure batteries, car/lorry/bus batteries will do the job.

[frias]

The electricity in your house is 240 volts but think that would kill a chicken and even a person. The electric fence says 500 OHMs but has to run through a 12 volt transfomer so I think the maximum shock would be 12 volts. My fence runs off the house mains so I don't need batteries but I still have to use a transformer. My OH has touched the fence several times and it does give shock but not enough to harm.

[raine]

cats and electric

what happens with cats and the fence? Our two cats co-existed quite nicely with our girls-bit worried that they would get zapped too.

Also worried about Zelda. She has not moved out of the coop today. She ate only a tiny bit that I put in front of her and very little water. She has no wounds that we can see. She also laid a shell less egg (i think that its due to stress). Immediately after the attack I brought her inside and she was walking around quite happily but I'm not sure how things are going to pan out for her....

[Eco-Chic]

Raine, the cats would get zapped and Zelda too, if she touches the fence, but it will only happen once unless they are particularly thick.

My chooks took about 4 days to get over the shock of the dogs attacking them. Zelda is probably missing her friends too. She may feel nervous and lonely on her own so look to getting her some company ASAP.

[Suechooks]

If Zelda is on her own she may be feeling cold - most hens snuggle up to each other at night. Could you make her a snuggle box - cat carrier or something while it's so cold? You could put it in the coop so she doesn't get disorientated.
A couple of my young Warrens put their head through the electric netting the first day it was on - they haven't touched it since! Local cats keep away too as does the allotment site fox - so far!
{{{Hugs}}} for Zelda from us!

[tlck9]

Hugs to zelda, must be really lonely....

I do worry that if Curly gets better, then she will get a hard time from my original chickens, I'm wondered if she gets released back to the group, if I should add in two more to make her feel as though she is going abck in, in a group

[Suechooks]

Hugs to zelda, must be really lonely....

I do worry that if Curly gets better, then she will get a hard time from my original chickens, I'm wondered if she gets released back to the group, if I should add in two more to make her feel as though she is going abck in, in a group

Tick - when I've had an unwell chook at home and returned her to the group I've either put her in separate accommodation adjacent for a while and let tham free range together or Ive got a couple of younger POL and started a new "flock" and then integrated them later. Either way there'll be some bullying and reorganising of the pecking order.

[its hilly]

I use 12v fencing and just swop batteries. It gives a fair jolt, but you're supposed to encourage your livestock to touch it while you're there when you first put it up or introduce new stock. So they know what it is. Most things wont touch it twice, and from observation horses and dogs can tell its on without touching when they know what it is. My borrowed stallion walked up stood near and put his nose about 2 inches off. Then turned round and walked off! The farm next doorsdogs just jump through on their sides so they dont touch..not stupid these border collies.

[raine]

Hi all- bit of an update on zelda. She refuses to leave coop at all. I've put food and water in the coop and she seems to be using these to a certain degree. In herself she is a bit more perky and willtake mealworm and treats if fed by hand. However no pellets are being eaten (perhaps too many other things but i just want her to eat something) and I dont think enough liquids. Tomorrow, because we are home, we will offer only treats and will move her bodily into run- does this sound ok?

[frias]

Poor Zelda, she must be really traumatised. I have no experience of this but can't see it matters what she eats at this stage as long as she eats something. Bramble Poultry has a recipe on here in the health section for gloop. What about trying that?

[its hilly]

Raine there are others more experienced than me who may say different, but if it was me I would say
Food, try soaking some pellets with a little hot water to make them into a mash, and add treats into it..like mealworms or sultanas say. Dont make a lot at one go as it doesn't keep like dry pellets, but the pellets have the goodness/vitamins etc she needs to help get over shock and stay healthy. If you have any add poultry spice or Bachs rescue remedy. Treats added are to tempt, not to replace. And they looovvee hot mash. Other treat to try could be a little bit of porridge, lots of vine chooks love it. Also mash gives some water content too.
As for putting her in the run..could you stay with her? Cuddles outside. Then let her go back in if that's what she wants. And company will be good cos she'll be lonely. I think putting her out and leaving her could just send her into deeper shock. Especially if anything scares her, even a cat or whatever.

[Eco-Chic]

Raine, I second the notion of making a mash from her pellets with the treats added in.

When it was bitterly cold I gave my girls just plain hot mashed pellets to set them up in the morning. They love it. Also holding the bowl for them is a nice cosy thing while they eat.

I hope Zelda perks up soon. Are you able to get her a couple of companions in the near future?

[Suechooks]

Give her some cooked egg and live yoghurt maybe with a few dried meal worms in. Its a recommended diet for poorly chooks and I've found it works a treat.