Recent content by lizzybaxter

Can anyone tell me what you think this baby might be? A hen sat on the eggs and as far as I know there were no Guinea or turkey eggs in the pile. This is the only one of about a dozen eggs that hatched. My Guineans, turkeys, ducks, and chickens all are pretty much together and I do have a male...

I have had my Pekins since December, and raised them with some chicks. The male duck now constantly tries to mate with the 2 hens that he grew up with. It's not a very nice thing either! Long story short (and after a lot of research), it appears that if the ducks aren't raised together...

I would also try letting them out late in the day so they have a limited time to get into mischief! They will look for a safe roosting place, i.e., their coop, so they should go back in. Feeding them at this time or giving a treat as part of the evening routine is a great idea.

I think that depends on their surroundings. I can't let any of my chickens or ducks stay out at night because they would be eaten, in spite of my outdoor dogs guarding. Raccoons can smell ducklings for miles. I would err on the side of caution.

When I had a bunch of them (20+) they would go roost in a big tree that hung over a fenced in pile of lighter knots. Very safe place for them, by the security light as well as the radio that plays 24 hours a day, next to the chicken coops. Mine did the same thing, would go to hollering for...

I wasn't clear on whether these are hens pulling on hens, or roosters pulling on hens-- two very different things. The rooster thing can be a normal part of mating; however, I do "reprimand" my roosters when they do this. The hens doing this to each other is part of establishing the pecking...

Guess what? Maude answered the question for me!! After reaching Day 21 (I have been marking it on the calendar), she began setting-- even though there are only 7 eggs in the nest! So, the answer is..... they will lay 21 and then set, even if there are not actually that many in the nest. I...

I have chickens and guineas. I have several antibiotics in the barn, as my vet has given me lots of advice as well as meds. I don't know that I would go out and get some, as it's kind of a last ditch effort, you know? I did have some pain med on hand and gave it to my elderly hen as she was...

I think it works well, but figure that whatever you throw in there, you will have to remove and it will be gross. My coops are not fully covered with tin, so parts of them do get wet when it rains, but I think all in all I still just prefer dirt because it's so easy to rake, the poop sits on...

Wow, I forgot to put the quote part in. My answer above is for mruth! Sorry! Hopefully she finds it. I'm technologically challenged..... better go back outside now.

OK, I'll bite. You really should try for the 5-6 week range. I didn't do the half thing-- I let all out but late in the day and slowly increased their "out" time by letting them out earlier. They also know that I will be putting feed in their coop right at sunset, so they come in for that...

I have been through 2 hatches with my guinea pair, and I've decided this time to practice a little guinea birth control. I have left Maude 7 of the eggs she's laid (marked them), and every day when she's not looking I take the new one. We're on Day 19 now, although she only has 7 eggs in her...

I had the exact thing happen with an older hen I have. When I squeezed on her crop it made her throw up a lot of liquid. She had a poopy bottom so I washed her off, couldn't feel an egg in there. She hasn't laid in quite some time, as she is older. I gave her an antibiotic injection but it...

I know it's been a few months on this last post, but..... I had to rehome many of my guineas (long story), and I'm back to my original mom and dad, and then one pair of their babies (although they are now bigger than their parents!). I was horrified to see the male "son" chasing dad all over...

How long have you had them in the coop? If you're going to free range them, after about 4-6 weeks you should be able to let them out and entice them back in, in the evening, with a treat. What are you feeding them? They definitely need greens. Also, when they free range nearly 90% of their...