A moorhen in my garden

[Wendi]

For the past week, possibly in refuge from this freezing weather, a moorhen has taken up residence with my little quartet of chickens. It is such a delight to watch them pottering about together, pecking at the icy ground and warming themselves in the sun. I have no idea where it has come from as I don't have a pond....should I put out a large bowl of water for it?

[nightshade]

No need (except for drinking) That must look quite comical with its long legs, compared to the chickens, does it roost with them inside?
Our Bantams (five Partridge Wyandotts and one black Silky) drive most large birds off rushing around like little old ladies but they will sit and watch the smaller birds bathing.

[faz]

hi wendi
welcome to WAB nice to see a moorhen in your garden and as nightshade says water for drinking if it wants a bath it will find the nearest body of water hope you enjoy the site

[Brocakat]

I know it's a bit unlikely to get just for this short noticed, but a old 'Belfast Sink' full of water will do 2 jobs;- supply water & also be deep enough to give a Duck / Duckings / Moorhen a stretch of their right muscles for swimming . No old-kichen sink? A stainless steel one , burt sunk into the ground & the stopper fixed-in permanently, then.

[faz]

Originally Posted by Brocakat

I know it's a bit unlikely to get just for this short noticed, but a old 'Belfast Sink' full of water will do 2 jobs;- supply water & also be deep enough to give a Duck / Duckings / Moorhen a stretch of their right muscles for swimming . No old-kichen sink? A stainless steel one , burt sunk into the ground & the stopper fixed-in permanently, then.

with some rocks in to help any wild life that should fall in to escape

[Wendi]

Many thanks for your posts. I happen to have a belfast sink...will create a small pond...good idea. The moorhen doesn't sleep in the coop...I think it naps in large clumps of grass nearby

[Cowgirl]

Beware! The Belfast sink will lure you in with its interesting wildlife, but before you know it you'll be trying to recreate Lake Windermere in your back garden.

This advice comes from one who knows as this is how I started! Only the fact that I'll maybe be having to move house next year is preventing me from planning Stage II Wildlife pond. Hubby sighs in relief cos it's him that does the digging. He hasn't really cottoned on yet that any new garden will have to have ponds, as I'm not leaving my fish or wildlife!

[Wendi]

Good point ...but I also have one of those useful 'diggers' hanging about the house...so Lake Windemere here I come! Good luck with the move