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Post by gordonz on Jul 17, 2010 21:49:55 GMT 8
Hi, We have never had chickens before and wanted to get a few for the kids to help look after in our backyard. We didn’t realise how difficult it was going to be. We purchased a coop and realised that it was too small so built a larger run around the outside of the coop and will use the coop to house the chickens at night-time. We live in Tom Price and can’t seem to find anyone that is willing to air freight pullets to us from Perth. So is anyone able to answer any of these questions please:
We have been told to purchase pullets but have since been told that baby chickens or eggs that about to hatch are better – can anyone tell me what is the best way to go?
What is the best breed to have in very hot summer climates?
Is it possible to air freight pullets? (The flight is only 1 hour & 40 minutes and we would pick them up from the airport)
Thank you in advance to anyone that can answer any of these questions.
Cheers
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Post by ikbokchook on Jul 18, 2010 11:18:05 GMT 8
Hi Gordonz! I am by no means an expert but I'll give you my veiw of your questions! I'd go for pullets - for eggs that are about to hatch you'll need an incubator. For new chicks, you'll need a brooder and specialised feed and have to be prepared for some of them to be roosters! I think most breeds will have trouble with very hot conditions, but if you make sure they have plenty of shade, fresh water and maybe a spinkler to cool them down when it's really hot, you should be ok. Air frieght? I have no idea if anyone does this? Or even if you're allowed to in WA? You might have some luck with road transport, if you can find someone who is willing to check on the health of the birds on the way - but I really have no clue if anyone does this either! Can you find someone close to you that are willing to sell you some chooks? Anyway, welcome to the forum and good luck finding some lovely chookies for your backyard! Can't recommend it highly enough! ;D Cheers!
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Post by linda29 on Jul 18, 2010 16:27:19 GMT 8
Hi Gordonz and welcome to the forum. I am an ex Tom Price girl (12 years) and I only knew of 5 people who had chooks in the town 10 years ago. My neighbour in north area was always losing his chooks to heat. Try and get a rooster as well so you can keep your supply going. If it was me I would organise to get my pullets when I went to Perth next and put them in cat crates/ large dog crate and have them added as excess baggage on your plane ticket and try and do this in the cooler months as getting them in summer may end up in disaster. A light breed of chook would br best ie: White leghorns or bantams, which will be tinted red in no time, ha,ha no black chooks though and dont rush it check out breeds suited to extreme hot climates on the net. Enjoy the red dust. Cheers Linda Nicholls
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Post by whoohooraloo on Jul 18, 2010 16:43:22 GMT 8
I agree with Linda. you should be able to transport them next time/when you fly to Perth. Or have rellies come. Check with your airline they will be able to tell you.
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Post by gordonz on Jul 18, 2010 21:40:23 GMT 8
Thanks Everyone, Not really sure when we will next be in Perth so may need to plan a trip. They will be very expensive chickens by the end of this exercise.
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kitty
New Member
Posts: 37
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Post by kitty on Jul 24, 2010 15:11:29 GMT 8
I am not sure how to PM you. Have you found some chickens yet. There is someone in NT who is wanting to re house his Buff Orpingtons, he has 80 of them and sent me some pictures of them. Can arrange transport for them etc. He has to rehouse them by the end of next week.
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kitty
New Member
Posts: 37
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Post by kitty on Jul 26, 2010 7:34:18 GMT 8
I have just been told that the ad/post over on the chooknet board to rehouse the orpingtons is a hoax. I had been going to take it up myself but didn't proceed further when I found out the birds were in Darwin. So disregard my helpful (not so helpful) post
Kitty
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Post by quambie on Jul 26, 2010 19:36:54 GMT 8
welcome to the site sorry I cant help you out on this one I think as with a dog you have to travel with it Trev
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Post by Rina on Jul 29, 2010 23:26:14 GMT 8
I think it may be possible, I know that you can freight chicks. Might be worth giving the airline a quick call.
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