Recent content by aCoolChick

Question: You mentioned in your additional notes that one hen died after some of this food tipped over onto her? What in the world would cause her death? Surely she didn't drown?

Hi, PioneerChicks -- Thanks! You've convinced me to try this! I have one hen who always a little wonky ... seems to have more problems than normal. This diet sounds like it might be the ticket. However, I am curious: If a hen of yours tipped over a bowl and got some of this food on her, why...

TO GALVESTON WADER: Follow the advice and make that run impregnable! I have two hens in a store-bought coop (given to me -- the price was right). I lock the outside door, then pull over a heavy steel 4x4 ft cage to block the door further. ( Raccoons are good at opening doors with slideing...

Past and Present names: Pepper, Spice, Nutmeg, Sultan, Whiffles, Calico, Cricket, Honeybun, Flyboy, Angel, Summerset, Star, Grumpy, Holler, and Sage. Others I can think of: Squish, Fish, and Wish. Venus and Mars. Sunshine and Moon. Blue and Oceana. Queen. Prince. Wooky. Crank. Knit and...

Update: Topaz, the hen above, has had her ups and downs, but she is still kicking. The ball in her throat has diminished in size, and she is eating more. She did lose quite a bit of weight -- her breastbone was getting rather sharp -- but she is now putting on weight. Both my hens...

Um ... I can try ... I live alone, and I don't know how I can hold the chicken, get her beak open and hold it open, and handle my phone camera all at the same time! I have not examined her today, but she "talked" this morning for the first time in two days, and immediately began to eat, so...

I need some advice, fast! I have a hen who has been off feed for two days, has not been "talking," yesterday drank a lot of water. Today I tried to examine her in my lap, and she has a very hot head, and pale reddish-gray comb, and a pea-sized round nodule in her neck just behind her throat...

After ruining I don't know how many pairs of nice sandals and slip-ons I use Wellies, that great Brit import. Had to cut the top front, because they were too tight, but I can now slip into and out of them without even bending over, and use a hose to clean them off outside the mud room. Problem...

Clean and low-heat shells (long enough to eliminate bacteria) and crush egg shells to provide calcium. Hard boil the eggs and chop them up for protein. This will get them through until you can provide a really good amendment to their diet.

Hi, Polish I have the same problem! I have a 4x6 ft. coop and a large (say 15' x 20' fenced run for two hens, one female duck and a rooster who was a nice pullet until s/he grew some really big tail feathers and developed a cock's crow. The fence is rather loose wire -- by that I mean it is...

No I do NOT use the deep-litter method because I can't keep it DRY! My stupid rooster (once named Lucy, now Lucifer) and my stupid Khaki Campbell duck both upend it within minutes of putting down a bowl of water. Apparently, neither species can do anything to control their feet! And yes, I...

Having lived in the Bay Area for most of my adult life, I definitely agree with those above. YOU DO NOT NEED HEAT! Not unless you live, say, at 13,000 ft in the Sierra. Please!! Avoid a heater, you do not need it, your chickens do not need it, and it is definitely a fire hazard!

This rooster is saying "I didn't do it!" Maybe it's a virgin birth? Those two little chicks may be very special!

When I lived in N.M. I heard some wild quail, and was absolutely enchanted by the sound of the coo's that they make (just males?) It was a stunningly beautiful, sweet sound. I have wanted some ever since. I was hoping this long video would include the voice ... but alas, it didn't. Can...

Are you sure it is not a female? Maybe guarding eggs in that woodpile or someplace else? You might check, since s/he seems reluctant to leave.