Recent content by MadGardener

Rain, rain, rain. 6.76" for the month and more on the way. We'll likely beat 2021's total rainfall before the end of the month. The garden has really picked up, and I need to remind myself I've only carried the watering can into the garden 3 times this year. Not much progress. We completed...

I see the joy in your face, relish it! I'm enjoying reading about your progress. Thank you for sharing!

I recommend a thorough check for lice/mites. Also visually inspect and feel both legs & feet for cuts, bruises, swelling, or heat. It would be a good idea to separate him from the flock so he can get to food. A small enclosure like a dog crate would force him to rest. Monitor his food and water...

Thank you! Hubs said Quarter White was a bad name since she was mostly white. But at this rate I think it will fit. The dark red was not something I expected. And I feel like the yellow head makes the comb seem darker. The rest from that bin seem like OEs to me, one a very obvious...

I purchased 6 "assorted colored layers" around Easter. I'm pretty certain Quarter White is a Starlight Green Egger. This bird has changed coloring a lot, and has had me questioning gender the whole way. I don't have any chick fuzz pics, unfortunately. (S)he started as a yellow chipmunk...

I've really enjoyed this post. If you're also interested in chickens for meat I think you'll find it interesting. The OP has 2 meaty dual purpose breeds that will create sex links when bred to each other.

My dog met his first skunk a couple months ago. My entire yard reeked for about 4-5 days. The fart kitty is still hanging around, aerating my lawn hunting grubs. The smell fades quickly if it's just nearby. I try to use my nose before rounding blind corners. I didn't treat anything but the dog...

My chickens eat it. I've tried shredded paper in nest boxes and it's gone within a couple days. I'll try again in deep bedding, but not on top.

How do you like soap nuts? I've been eyeing them.

It's been slow progress. Life sure has been happening lately. I'm loving rural life, but some days I miss living 1 mile from Home Depot! Hubs spent a day getting the holes all lined up and the floor joists bolted back on. Very frustrating and he broke a couple bolts. Gladly we had extra. Some...

Small amounts of bedding get composted with poo. My property has a deep cut ravine with lots of logs in it, I assume from when the plot was cleared. I've been filling it in with lumber and cut logs that are too rotten or small to be useful for much. The wild roses, grape vines, and briars from...

Seems very similar to what I went through with my cockerel. That swelling does look pretty localized, though. I'd advise you to familiarize yourself with Marek's and Mycoplasma Synovae symptoms. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077

Same boat here, but since they're lower priced and consistently have a feed I like then I take the drive. Last time some guy was like "dang girl, you got a lot of chickens" after seeing 150 lbs of all flock and 50 lb of chick starter in my cart lol. Their staff seems more knowledgeable about...

I found I like crowing. With my windows closed it didn't wake me often. Even while my chickens were right below my window (mobile coop). I'm a relatively light sleeper. If you're allowed roosters, in a rural area, and/or far from other houses I wouldn't stress so much about it until you...

Welcome to BYC! I took in a cockerel who had some balance issues and he sat like this as well. In my case I worried a lot about Mareks and Mycoplasma, but his condition stayed fairly stable. My flock is closed for awhile due to this and limited space. I'm not an expert, but I suggest you not...