Recent content by navajas

Hey folks, We've got a small (now very small) flock of free range chickens living with us on five acres of mostly extensively wooded land. I thought the amount of tree and shrub cover would be enough protection, but after starting with 10, we're quickly down to five. Lost two to an owl, and the...

Always say I'm going to have 6-8. Always end up with 8-10. But, that's what I think I remember from my old coop: I made two nice, double nest, boxes and about 95% of the eggs were laid in just two of them. I think I'll split the difference and make one box of three. Is there an easy link of...

Hey folks, I'm about to construct my first new coop since moving so long ago away from my pride and joy. I'm trying to apply some things I learned about taking care of chickens in the mean time. As per my last build, this design will be based as much as possible on uncut lumber, so, the coop box...

Thanks. I'll keep an eye on her. My husband is the chicken whisperer and I'm not well versed. :)

Hi! My 21 week old Cuckoo Maran began making a weird sound. Sometimes she sounds wheezy or like a duck. A couple times it sounded like hiccups. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated. This just started in the past couple hours. She was fine earlier today.

For what it's worth I just slaughtered our five Andalusians. We ended up with two splash, two light blueish/grey and one really, exceptionally gorgeous dark blue. I moved these hens along after only a year and will not order them again. They are extremely flighty (over the fence almost daily)...

I want to thank everyone for their concern, time and advice. A day in isolation seems to have really made a difference. His crop is definitely coming down, and the poops I'm finding are definitely his. I massaged his crop a few times and hour and gave him some olive oil. I think he's going to be...

Still really full though. I guess as long as he's pooping, and his crop is full, and he has water, and his behvior is normal, I should probably just wait it out. At least that's what I'm thinking anyway. Seems reasonable. I have given him a few drops of olive oil though.

Well, he's had a couple of poops. That's got to be a good sign, right?

Dang it, so NO ACV in the water? Ugh! This is hard enough without all the different contradictory opinions. Or... well, my ignorance on what exactly is the problem. Any hints on how to dropper these bits of oil down his throat? If I get back in his mouth will he just swallow? Olive oil is a good...

Regarding being careful, that I've got in spades. I terrified to do anything here. That's why I'm asking / hoping for some sort of step by step if I need to do any of this.

He is in isolation with water + ACV, no food, but grit. I'm thinking grit while his crop is full was a mistake. Removing the bedding is a good idea, I'll go do that.

Right, so, since his crop is still full from last night something is certifiably wrong, correct? The lady at the farm store recommended ACV, but I smell nothing amiss. I don't think it's infected, it is just full. I'd rather not have this little creature die on me, so, short of opening him up...