Torts and chicks?

[tikifrog]

Greetings All,

I was wondering if anyone out there had hens, in their backyards, that get into your tortoise's area? I'm looking into raising hens for eggs. Anyone think of possible concerns? My male sulcata is 27" scl and 129 lbs.

Thanks,

John

 

[jaizei]

As long as you're not confining them to a small area I don't see a problem with a chicken occasionally going into a tortoises pen

 

[dmmj]

Personally I am always worried about cross species contamination, and also chicken scat being eaten.

 

[Torty Mom]

I wonder if the sullies will eat the chicken poo?

 

[dmmj]

I wonder if the sullies will eat the chicken poo?

They seem to love dog poop, so chicken might be a step up for them.

 

[Torty Mom]

LOL, really!!

 

[drgnfly2265]

I would worry about if your tort ever got hurt then watch out for the chicken. Chickens are known for if they see another thing with something red on it like a cut or a sore they will peck at it constantly and eat at it. I have seen this happen a lot with chickens. Chickens will eat at another chickens wounds and possibly killing the wounded chicken. They sell stuff in feed stores now that is an antibiotic that when you put it on a chicken (or anything) it turns purple so when the other chickens see it they wont peck at it. I have raised a lot of chickens and that is one thing to keep an eye on. Oh, and chickens will peck at eyes too. Chickens are nasty...

I highly recommend to keep them apart...

 

[Tom]

I have chickens at the ranch with all my torts, but they are kept separate. Chickens are very messy and I do not allow my torts access to areas contaminated by chicken droppings.

 

[tyler0912]

Can i just say i feed tiago frozen chicks

 

[tikifrog]

I guess I'll try and provide as large of an enclosed run for the hens, when I get them, and only let them out to forage when I'm puttering in the yard.

Thanks for the advice

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Is Tiago your redfoot?

Can i just say i feed tiago frozen chicks

 

[Laura]

lots of predators go for chickens.. it will be attracting them to your tort.. rats too...
just something to consider...