We were ready to pick up some chicks from a poultry breeder recently. Checking in weekly to see if the chicks were in good health and to see when they would be ready to join us. It gave us time to learn a little about how the person who bred the chickens, always lovely to meet new people, they encouraged us to ring, were very caring and wanting to do the right thing. Wonderful. Except on week three some other little chicks in their flock became ill and died. The person being a good poultry keeper recognised the symptons, the disease and had the vet step in for help. Red flag, that particular disease spreads easily amongst chicks.

We were very grateful for the poultry keepers honesty. A week later the poultry keeper wanted to sell us our chicks, while I’m sure the person had the best intentions, there was no guarantee if our chicks would be carrying the same disease the other little ones had died of and if the disease would spread to our own flock. We politely declined the sale. It is ok to do this and while it might feel hugely disappointing and a bit uncomfortable at the time you can never be too careful. There is no need to be rude about it, these things happen. Tip: If something like this happens, ask what disease it is, do some research, use your commonsense, the risk is loosing your flock and favourite birds in the flock. Ask yourself – How would you feel or your kids feel if this happens?

We have been stung before by trusting a poultry keeper, again, they had the best of intentions, not wanting to cause any ill harm. But never the less, it was distressing and not something we want to experience again.

I’ve written several posts about Hen Keeping.

Here are the links to some of the different posts.

Six tips to consider when designing a hen house. Read here.

Roosters in the hen house. Read here.

Poultry Breed book recommendation. Read here.

Growing food for hens. Read here.

Poultry and pest management. Read here.

Hen house changes. Read here.

Tips for buying poultry. Read here.

Each time I write a Blog Journal entry it is added to the relevant category. Have a look at the top of the page to see the different tabs:

Animal care.

Country life.

Good to know.

Homeschooling.

Homemaking & Handmade.

In the Kitchen.

Interviews.

In Our Wildlife Friendly Garden.

Darling Plum, she is the oldest and largest hen in the Henhouse. Her presence is very calming amongst the younger hens. On the colder nights when we check, the little Pekins and Silkies snuggle up around her. Very sweet.

Wishing you a gorgeous day.

Much Love, Jude x

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