1. Can you wash a chicken? 2. Where can I buy egg cartons? 3. What is the best way to introduce new chickens to an already established flock? 4. How long do chickens usually live? 5. When meat chickens are ready for processing, can you take them somewhere to have them done or do you have to do it yourself? 6. What is the moult? 7. Do chickens smell bad? 8. What can I do to get rid of snakes? 9. How can I promote the regrowth of feathers on the back of my white wyandotte hen? I think the other hens are pecking out the emerging pinfeathers as soon as they appear. 1. Can you wash a chicken? top Yes. Show chickens are given baths often so their feathering is perfect for showing. Most people recommend Dawn dishwashing soap as it is gentle and will remove grease. Others prefer baby soap or shampoo. Chickens may have a variety of reactions to being bathed, but some seem to like it, especially silkies. You can also blow dry them on low after you're done. submitted by Joe Bird , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 2. Where can I buy egg cartons? top http://www.eggcartons.com submitted by CM , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 3. What is the best way to introduce new chickens to an already established flock? top Separate newcomers and established birds with a barrier (i.e., wire), so they can see each other but not directly interact for a period of 1-4 weeks. This will help keep fighting to a minimum. Always introduce them while SUPERVISED, so you can control any fighting. submitted by C.C. , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 4. How long do chickens usually live? top Most people say up to 10 years or more if they stay healthy. We have one hen, still laying, that is five years old. submitted by Tiffany , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 5. When meat chickens are ready for processing, can you take them somewhere to have them done or do you have to do it yourself? top Yes you can take them to processors to be killed and cleaned in most areas. Contact your local Poultry Club to find out if there is someone doing that as a business near you. submitted by Pat Mckeown , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 6. What is the moult? top The moult is an annual process in which the chickens lose and regrow their feathers. Usually chickens molt in the late summer or early fall. They may stop laying eggs while they are moulting. submitted by admin , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 7. Do chickens smell bad? top No. The only time chickens will smell bad is if they are sick or their coop is not cleaned often enough. submitted by admin , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 8. What can I do to get rid of snakes? top Well, If you can catch them, you can put them in a pillow case for safety and then relocate them far away. Remember that snakes are territorial, and will return if they can. If you feel this will not work, then dispatching them would be your next choice. Snakes can be beneficial. They will remove vermin such as mice and rats, but will also remove chicks, small birds, and eggs. submitted by Debra , answered by admin , last updated Nov 20, 2009 9. How can I promote the regrowth of feathers on the back of my white wyandotte hen? I think the other hens are pecking out the emerging pinfeathers as soon as they appear. top You can suppliment her feed with small cut dry or canned cat food three or four times a week to add protein, which will promote feather growth. To keep the other hens from picking at her, you can either separate her till the feathers are back or get her a "chicken apron" which will cover her back till the feathers grow in.. You can also try coating the area with "blu-coat" to lessen the attraction to the other hens.. Here's a link to one source for the chicken aprons as an example. http://nankins.bravepages.com/Aprons.html submitted by Linda , answered by C.C. , last updated Nov 20, 2009

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