Recent content by George McLaughlin Jr.

  1. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Anyone hatch out their own meat birds?

    It really makes sense to learn to eat the birds you raise. All flocks need to be renewed from time to time. It's a shame to waste the birds. One can't get back, through selling old birds, what they cost/are really worth. It's just good use of resources. But I know how it can be hard. I even...
  2. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Anyone hatch out their own meat birds?

    We raise Buckeyes and use them for meat. Of course, they don't grow as fast as a Cornish cross. But they are thrifty and forage well in a free range setting. One other thing, I would never consider a chicken to be too old to make a delicious meal. Old birds are packed with flavor. Never, in any...
  3. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Duckling to early??

    That's not looking very hopeful. In my experience, these little ones rarely survive, at least not more than a couple of days. I would remove the membrane, however, as long as it's not bleeding, you can go ahead and remove it. Also, I take it you are new at hatching. Please realize that this...
  4. George McLaughlin Jr.

    What am I? Boy or girl?

    Being able to tell at such an early age is greatly affected by breed. Most breeds, with which I've worked, are somewhat able to be sexed this way. But there is ALWAYS a far degree of error when I try. It makes me cringe when I sell small chicks and the buyer asks me to sex them.
  5. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Comment by 'George McLaughlin Jr.' in item 'Norfolk Grey'

    Reminds me somewhat of the Kraienkoppe. I bet they make great mothers and are predator resistant.
  6. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Heat Lamp?? Yes or No

    Most chickens really don't need a heat lamp, as long as they are protected from the wind and wetness. They fluff their feathers and cover their feet while sleeping. Using a heat lamp also introduces some risk of fire. So, if you do use one, be very careful that you set it up in a way that it...
  7. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Ear mites in Meat Rabbits

    I can't say for sure. But I suspect you can breed immediately. Here's why, and I know it's not scientific: we raise dairy goats and have done it over the years with no problem.
  8. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Ear mites in Meat Rabbits

    Here's a link on using Ivomec. I have very limited experience with this, having only just used it for worms, a couple of times. I wouldn't be afraid of it, as long as the doses is correct and one doesn't butcher for the prescribed time...
  9. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Ear mites in Meat Rabbits

    I've had rabbits, most of the time, for decades. There have been times that ear mites showed up, especially when we were living in Mexico and had to obtain stock wherever we could. Mineral oil has worked every time, without exception. I don't think it's so much the composition of the oil...
  10. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Please advise when is lockdown for my duck eggs?

    I'd count back from 28 days, making it day 25. It's not that critical. I've had eggs hatch fine, which I forgot to stop turning. Don't worry about the air cell position. Just lay the eggs in the hatching tray. Good luck!
  11. George McLaughlin Jr.

    George McLaughlin Jr.

    Thank you. I'll check it out!
  12. George McLaughlin Jr.

    George McLaughlin Jr.

    Thank you!
  13. George McLaughlin Jr.

    George McLaughlin Jr.

    Howdy folks, It seems like ages since I've joined a new Internet forum! I was looking at Backyard chickens as a resource we could recommend for people who are new to chickens, and decided it looked interesting enough to join. My wife and I have been keeping poultry most of our lives. For...
  14. George McLaughlin Jr.

    Broody?

    She's broody. I'd just take the egg. You can get her out of being broody if you put her in a cage with no solid bottom, only wire. Keep her in there a couple of days and she'll stop. This is called breaking up a hen. She won't lay eggs for at least a couple of weeks. But this cuts down on how...
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