More pestilence -OT

[Nigel Watts]

I am not familiar with the ways of the countryside, but if you do any breeding dont you end up with lots of redundant males? If they are doomed to be slaughtered anyway isn't it better to turn them into a tasty meal?

If you havn't read Hugh F-W's Meat you should. The first half is simply about animal husbandry. It transformed my view of the organic movement and the moral issues associated with being meat eaters.

 

[JoceAndChris]

I am not familiar with the ways of the countryside, but if you do any breeding dont you end up with lots of redundant males? If they are doomed to be slaughtered anyway isn't it better to turn them into a tasty meal?

If you havn't read Hugh F-W's Meat you should. The first half is simply about animal husbandry. It transformed my view of the organic movement and the moral issues associated with being meat eaters.

OK, I will. As I pointed out earlier in this thread, the breed I have is not particularly edible. This is because of modern developments to the Orpington prioritising extreme feathering and bone size over good meat-to-bone ratio. Developed in latter Victorian days by appropriately named Mr Cook, from the Langshan, Minorca and Plymouth Rock breed, the bird started out as a good layer and a good table bird, though it was a far less attractive than those found in shows today:

Successive breeding for massive bone and feathering has meant that today's Orp will only lay 200 eggs per year (as opposed to 300+ in 1900), and that if you were to dissect it you would find huge bones and small breasts.

Many chicken breeders are saddened by this change and there is a serious interest in rebreeding the old fashioned kind of Orpington.

I haven't yet got my breeding plan worked out, but yes, you're right- you get a surplus of cockerels who then present great problems of what is to be done with them. This is further complicated by the fact that the Orpington does not show its sex until 6 months, by which time they will have consumed around £40's worth of animal feed. Although I'm saying Eustace is a boy I actually wouldn't put any money on it, I'm about 90% certain.

These chickens are bred as pets and garden ornaments; beauty over function.

Maybe he read your "which oven for Christmas ?" thread and had a panic attack ? he should be much better by Boxing Day!
The feline member of the household is clearly not performing up to expectations and should have access to the electric blanket terminated immediately. Dogs are much easier to motivate and some of the terrier breeds even come with a ratcatching prog factory installed. Something like a mini Schnauzer would do a great job and if you bought it some suitable clothes not even the most canine phobic man could possibly complain ( the same genes that make men tell girls to eat their pets also make them incapable of admitting terror at a small cuddly animal in a silly outfit ).

:lol: :lol: :lol: Is that your dog? Wonderful! I wonder if Chris would actually divorce me if he came home to that...

 

[Nigel Watts]

Thanks Joce - how interesting. I had never though of a chicken as a pet or an ornament. Arent there any decorative birds that can hold their own against rats and foxes? In the wild peacocks have to contend with tigers so I suppose they must have some form of defence mechanism. They are a bit noisy though.

 

[skier-hughes]

peacocks round here get eaten by the foxes just like any other bird, sadly for our neighbour.

 

[JoceAndChris]

I had never thought of a chicken as a pet or an ornament.

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

 

[philpjuk100]

CLUCK!

 

[Tom]

Successive breeding for massive bone and feathering has meant that today's Orp will only lay 200 eggs per year (as opposed to 300+ in 1900), and that if you were to dissect it you would find huge bones and small breasts.

Still useful, then? With large bones, you could get a very tasty chicken stock from them, surely?

 

[LadyArowana]

No not my dog, but my friend has a similar one that has stayed with me. Can't be trusted off leash with the prospect of rat anywhere in nearby storm drains, despite being a completely spoilt Hermes collar wearing lapdog most of the time.
Wouldn't all the other boys tease your husband if he tried to divorce you over something that looks like a plush toy ? I thought there was a code that they had to abide by, such that no matter how silly the adventure the threat of ridicule rendered it all a splendid idea.............. right up until the man in the rescue helicopter arrived.

 

[Moo]

Apparently the poor chap has a phobia. So if someone can recommend a good therapist, all Joce's problems will be solved.

 

[Schoolmarm]

Awww poor Eustace. I haven't had chickens for years so no clever advice to offer.

I would ring the vet though, it shouldn't be too expensive for a quick check up.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Successive breeding for massive bone and feathering has meant that today's Orp will only lay 200 eggs per year (as opposed to 300+ in 1900), and that if you were to dissect it you would find huge bones and small breasts.

Still useful, then? With large bones, you could get a very tasty chicken stock from them, surely?

Indeed. Some breeders do, though I'd have no appetite for it.

Wouldn't all the other boys tease your husband if he tried to divorce you over something that looks like a plush toy ? I thought there was a code that they had to abide by, such that no matter how silly the adventure the threat of ridicule rendered it all a splendid idea.............. right up until the man in the rescue helicopter arrived.

Mmmmm-spot on- here's Chris walking round the rafters after a bottle of whisky in a holiday cottage last time he got together with friends.

Awww poor Eustace. I haven't had chickens for years so no clever advice to offer.

I would ring the vet though, it shouldn't be too expensive for a quick check up.

Thanks for your sympathy, know how caring you are towards your animals.

 

[philpjuk100]

Chris has been spending too long with the chucks,the urge to roost must be discouraged! :roll:

 

[worms]

Arent there any decorative birds that can hold their own against rats and foxes?

Well, there's these guys for a start...

 

[Jon Maine]

Is it possible that he is depressed because he is not top cockerel and being kept in place by the king of the roost? I had heard that two cocks are best managed in two separate areas with their own chooks around them.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Chris has been spending too long with the chucks,the urge to roost must be discouraged! :roll:

:lol: He has been duly told off.

Is it possible that he is depressed because he is not top cockerel and being kept in place by the king of the roost? I had heard that two cocks are best managed in two separate areas with their own chooks around them.

With characteristic perception you have hit the nail on the head. But, for that, he needs another hen-house (a big one) and run- £500. We do not all have your building skills, sadly.

 

[philpjuk100]

Rats and foxes would not bother on of these! and arn`t they cute?

 

[Tom]

But, for that, he needs another hen-house (a big one) and run- £500.

£500??????? What were you anticipating using....gold plated chicken wire?


Oooo, edited...If you think he may be depressed not being top-cock and having no hens of his own, I could foster him for a while and see if he improves. Just a thought, but I'm not sure you'd want to take up the offer.

 

[Moo]

You wouldn't believe it (but perhaps you would) but for a while, after that picture of Chris in the rafters, I'd assumed that 'he' referred to Chris and that Jacqy's offer to foster him was a bit of uber-subtle wit.
I think I'd better go and lie down for a bit.

 

[Penners]

I'd like it noted, please, that depite the absolute epidemic of available double-entendres in this thread, I have steadfastly resisted the urge to attempt my usual crop of sniggering-schoolboy contributions.

I'm feeling rather proud, actually.

 

[Jon Maine]

I'd like it noted, please, that depite the absolute epidemic of available double-entendres in this thread, I have steadfastly resisted the urge to attempt my usual crop of sniggering-schoolboy contributions.

I'm feeling rather proud, actually.

Admirable, although perhaps Mrs P should check your temperature, most unlike you a bit concerned........