feral chickens

I would be inclined to start a goodie pile somewhere. Very sorry to hear of your knee, but perhaps if they were getting in the habit of being in a certain area at a certain time you could even get someone else to corral them. Good Luck.

Grownut, Yes this was earlier suggested and it seems the logical thing to do. It's just that I'm afraid to get too close to them since a hen flew up at me when I was trying to catch the chicks. I'm esp. afraid of the roosters and their spurs, which are quite long. If one would fly up at Owen, he'd run it down and ring it's neck. I'm too tender hearted to do that. Owen said if it weren't for our cats, he'd poison them to which I replied that if he did, I'd take some, too. Not serious. It's just so frustrating. I'm waiting on the roosters to start crowing, now that I have on the light in the orchid room. They are very wary of people but will fight if cornered as I found out. Thanks. Lee

I think perhaps I misspoke? If I'm repeating myself ad infinitum, please forgive me -it's not malicious...

Some place they can see but DON'T frequent
A juicy pile of chicken bait
Potential to build a closing enclosure
More chicken bait

I was not thinking of getting near them -I was thinking of getting them near a corral (to be built when you can) which could be closed remotely. In fact your being near them would rather make them wary and harder to catch. If you usually see them near [A] at 5:00, bait the target area at 3:00, etc.

Again, please forgive if this is merely redundant...

Grownut, please pardon my misunderstanding. Yes, I now see what you mean. It makes sense. Get them used to a particular spot, the build the enclosure, Right? Or am I a complete simpleton and am not even understanding that. ? I don't know but you are of help to me. Keep them coming. Thanks, Lee

Essentially, yes. That was my thought. If your knee were better, it might be easier to get the enclosure going and start by placing feed close, but I couldn't stand the wait and as most creatures seem to follow their own schedules, it seems like becoming a part of that schedule in a controlled manner would be the first step to controlling them.

So afraid I was flogging that dead horse...but in those situations any help is SOME help.

oh, grownut, I do so appreciate your help. Having a bad morning, Not from the chickens, just life in general. You know, I've been so preoccupied with the pain that I haven't even heard a rooster. Having to get pain meds refilled this a.m. Ran out last night. Maybe that' s the way to get chickens off my mind---stop pain meds!!! Leeflea51 Too, do respond anytime. I enjoy hearing from you l

Know the feeling, hang in there!! I just this morning quit a volunteer position that was ruling my life to the betterment of someone else's politics. At least the nice ones are the one's you get to hang with when you're "hanging by the skin of your teeth"(as Mom would say..) Cheers!

volunteer position, can you elaborate. I admire people who volunteer. I would, if I weren't so selfish and self centered. Send me a peronal d-mail if you care to elaborate. I'm really a very good listener. I don't tell people what to do. I just share my experiences, if it's appropriate. Lee

Thank you for the kind offer but...some cans of worms are too full to open.

yes i understand and honor you for that. Warmly, Lee

But chicken slaves loooooove worms! OK, I'll stop EVIL GRIN ; )

listen to you patchouli78 lol. Leeflea51 :))

Ok, Patchi, precisely when and how were you going to catch my worms?! >)

Hi George,
I know exactly what you mean about all the pens to keep up with. And, had my share of 'broken necks' and knocked out birds. Learned the trick a bit there, but the upkeep!
Some day I would like to get into more of the pheasant family. Need to be set up for it though. Really like your garden idea! Would think I am in a professional bird garden. That sure would be a site!
I have a few questions regarding peafowl, and peafowl & dogs. Do you mind if I d-mail you?

Lee, I really like grownuts idea. Think it will work, working your way into their schedules. hope your knee feels better soon. No way to live, with pain all the time. My culprit is migraines. Almost got them under control & no meds! Down to a few a year vs at least once a week.
Cheryl ~ Pea

PFA, Yes, grownut's ideas are good ones. He seems wise and as soon as things get better with me, I'll put some to use. No. Pain is terrible. I've never know chronic pain and never took routine meds except the ones for the manic-depression. One of the meds I take for pain has a bad reputation. Don't know why as I don't even know I've taken anything except the pain diminishes but never truly goes away. As a teen and into my 30's(I'm now 51), I had migraines regularly. Now,I only have one about once a year. I have the visual disturbances like I'm seeing a flashing herringbone pattern, nausea and vomiting, and of course the horrible, horrble headache on the right side on my head. Never been able to abort one before it realy hit. Sumatriptan caused a bad reaction for me and I'm afraid to take any of the other triptans. Good luck with yours. Lee

Gee thanks y'all. For the nicies while I slept. (BTW, Lee, I'm a mother of one, and you're welcome to call me Kelly ;-)

Know about the migraines. Got heat exhaustion once and been susceptible ever since. Slugging distilled water and staying away from refined carbs has them mostly under control. Now I just have to beware of any high pressure system coming through as they seem to be what triggers it. Anyone else have that experience?

Lee -perhaps those birds are being helpful trying to distract you from the knee? They don't seem to have been very well brought up and, you know, those from distressed homes don't always have a good perspective on these things. Hoping your knee is better today and leaving you energy to curse the birdies again.

Grownut ... does this mean you are a Kelly in Clarkson?


Kelly in Moxee

Cindy and Photographer, I wanted to contact you two and the others on this forum that I don't think I'll remain on this site as I have just been told off by someone re: my dislike for cow birds. I didn't know there was a garden pest forum or I would have done so there. I had so highly recommended this site to so many people but now I'll have to tell them the caveats. All the ideas I've received here from you all, I'll remember. If I have neglected anyone, I'm sorry, didn't mean to. Leeflea51 Too, I didn't think anyone would be allowed to bully another as I have just been.

Hey Cheryl!
dmail me anytime. That goes for anyone else also.
George

leeflea51,

FWIW .... I like cowbirds and dislike crows. The cowbirds are a bit too delighted when it comes to eating my free chicken feed. So for that I like them less but I honestly think they are kinda pretty and sorta friendly; especially compared to the crows and ravens. We have quite a few Red-winged Blackbirds here too. They are even prettier and their call is something else.

Kelly in Moxee

Hi leeflea51--I wouldn't worry about what one person said. Everyone gets off topic sometimes. I am practically the poster child for thematic deviation.

Lee
Don't worry about one person. I have been "scubbed" by admin and also had threads removed at my request because they got too much to deal with. I have also had people Dmail me and TRY to tell me what their opinions are and what they think is best. I will tell you a secret. There are 2 people on this thread right now who I have had 'ISSUES" with in the past. Stay with us. I just tell people to mind their own business and have sometimes told them where to get off! LOL
George

Tell them where they can "stick it" lol! Just kiddin, just ignore them : ) Too many entertaining/nice/intelligient people on here to let one bad attitude having monocha ruin it for me!

And YOU've got Moxee?! Kelly!lol

Definitely, what they said, Lee. There's too much good to be had here to worry about the occasional irritant. And we are probably all (no offense meant, thunk, etc) irritants to one another at some point or other. I greatly enjoy the comraderie(sp), but have probably committed some offense or other myself. It happens.

This message was edited Aug 26, 2008 7:13 PM

Thanks George!

Today has been a bit trying for me. I will gather myself tomorrow after meds and new tooth helps all feel better.
I will say the same as George, feel free to dmail me. I just dmailed Lee, requesting (really wished I could have demanded, just not my style) to come back here. We all learn from everyones opinions, experiences and thoughts.

Nite all
Cheryl ~Pea