Recent content by annelions

That's not entirely accurate. It depends on the size of the setup and the number of tilapia, of course, but I've definitely seen tilapia setups that have duckweed growing in them.

If you trim the feathers around the vent a little, it will keep further droppings from getting stuck. I did this after washing did NOTHING to help. The oil also helps, but trimming with nail scissors seems to have done the most good.

Those are pretty birds! I don't have any myself, but from what I understand, the wire mesh flooring is to make it easier to clean out their pens. There's nothing wrong with a solid floor at all, as long as it's clean. It may even be slightly better for their feet.

What about tilapia instead of minnows? Tilapia need a grow tank anyway while they're minnow sized, the larger ones can be fed to you or used in the garden. I don't know what minnows eat, but tilapia will eat ANYTHING. Including the duckweed, if big enough. As far as I know, they're like chickens...

I'm not sure where you are, but at this time of year I'd recommend going to the hatchery if you can. It's getting pretty warm and I wouldn't want to have chickens shipped in. I know my local feed store quits ordering them about now. I got some of the "last" chickens of the year, unless I go on...

They could be thirsty. From what I've read, chickens can't drink if they're too hot and/or the water's too warm. There are all sorts of things you can do to help your chickens cool off. Giving them ice water might help. A nice juicy watermelon might also be good. Depending on your setup, I also...

It's been long enough that, even if the coop is fine, they may associate the coop with being grabbed and tossed about. It doesn't matter if you do it nicely or not, they're not going to like that (at least mine don't). Try luring them in with something delicious. I would suggest doing this at...

According to https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/coccidiosis-how-to-treat-it you can put ACV (apple cider vinegar) in their water to help prevent any outbreaks.

4-6 weeks, give or take. They need to be similar in size, or at least big enough to not get completely picked on.

I've never had a buff orpington, but Ethyl looks pretty pale to me. I'm going to second the suggestion of giving them egg. I've also seen people suggest that you feed yogurt to chickens. If she's having some sort of digestion problem, yogurt might help. Mine are "scared" of yogurt, but if I...

If you mix them too soon, without a mother hen to protect them, the little ones will get picked on and possibly seriously injured. Best to keep them apart.

Mine are "trained" to come to the door when they hear me coming out. They know I might have treats for them. But only one of them likes/wants to be petted.

Congrats! Now you just need to get more. To practice on.

I realize that this is an old thread, but very useful! I have a chick that started having pasty butt and was very upset about it. I would be to, if it was me! I'd tried washing, but it just came back. This morning, I washed, clipped and oiled the chick in question. She's doing much better! No...

Cost aside, if you're not at least offering them something, I'd think they might get it in their little chicken heads to not come back from free ranging, if they found a halfway decent food and water source.