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Post by brigadier on Oct 2, 2014 20:52:49 GMT
I have three little fancy thingyerels which I havent had the heart to dispose of,they were in a coop but were spare to requirements so I let them out to have some freedom, although Ive kept on feeding them. They are only little but feisty little things, and Ive had fun with them all summer as they chase me up and down the stable yard but are too small to be significant. Two of them roost with the ducks but one of them roosts on my hay or sometimes on the fence near the chicken coop.
Well the other night I heard a terrible scream. I thought to myself that a rabbit had been 'got' but this morning I found a few sad feathers, all that remained of the little warrior! A sad end for a cheeky chap.
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Post by solomon on Oct 2, 2014 21:03:53 GMT
Ah that's a shame, bird of prey? Or fox?
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Post by brigadier on Oct 3, 2014 18:55:08 GMT
fox I would have thought but could be an owl.
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haffyfan
Administrator 
is pressing random buttons...sorry guys
Posts: 7,391
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Post by haffyfan on Oct 4, 2014 18:42:42 GMT
oh dear, poor little thing x
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Post by racaille on Oct 6, 2014 8:13:09 GMT
Oh dear, yup, it's always sad. But unless you wring their necks to eat them (I can eat them if the OH despatches but can't do the deed myself) there is little to be done, is there? They eventually fight viciously among themselves. I once found that I had about five big boys too many so took them all down to a copse far enough away and let them go. I thought they'd be a treat for the hunters and at least the end would be swift. But really, I should have eaten them myself. Need to man up.  |
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Post by brigadier on Oct 6, 2014 9:32:46 GMT
I often see thingyerels wandering around at the side of the road where they have been dumped. I suppose its one of the joys of country living! But Im not sure its the right thing to do- better to kill them out right as they would starve to death over the winter I think, or just get sorted by a fox. Ive just let three of our home bred male ducks go to a friend in return for a favour, one will come back oven ready! I cried for ages as she drove away. One of them was smaller than the rest and although Ive been careful not to make pets of them, I always singled him out for some extra corn. I was hoping he was female but was sad to see the curly tail feather emerge. :-(
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Post by racaille on Oct 6, 2014 12:14:33 GMT
Yes I know it wasn't a great idea - but it was hunting season and they wouldn't have lasted a day. Still, really feeble of me. I wish I knew someone who would do an exchange like that Brig, I'd be very willing to pass on spare boys (I love the forum's auto correct to thingyrels  ) . I understand why you cried to say goodbye to your ducks - I howled when mine were massacred by the blooming fox. They are very lovable - more so even than hens and I am very fond of them. |
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haffyfan
Administrator
is pressing random buttons...sorry guys
Posts: 7,391
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Post by haffyfan on Oct 6, 2014 16:16:27 GMT
aww poor duckies...we still have our two boys, they are quite happy living together and now breeding season is over and Lou's a bit calmer they are able to go outside and mix with the girls again.
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for so much hard work we thank ye!!
) . I understand why you cried to say goodbye to your ducks - I howled when mine were massacred by the blooming fox. They are very lovable - more so even than hens and I am very fond of them.
