Recent content by WunnySharbit

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    Is my rooster getting aggressive?

    I wore an unbuttoned, old flannel shirt when I went out. Whenever he would get "that look," I would lift the flannel like wings, flap a few times, and make growling clucking sounds. Sometimes he wouldn't back down, and I would have to chase him a few steps. (Can only imagine what the neighbors...
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    Comment by 'WunnySharbit' in article 'Top 10 Chicken Predators'

    Great article! Just a couple tidbits: 1) Skunks do NOT smell skunky until startled! We have a resident skunk that tools about our place after dark. My husband accidentally locked it in the chicken shed one night. Was after the eggs. Skunks are terrific mousers and beat cats hands down! Not...
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    Help! Beginner seeking advice on breeds for first mixed flock!

    I agree that personality and behavior are more important than breed. Starting small promotes quicker pecking order establishment and makes it easier to keep an eye on everyone to watch for sickness, injury, bullying, etc. For example, I usually have no problem with "americanas," but this...
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    Puppy attacks pullet and ripped the feathers out of her back but she's still alive.

    We had a hound/heeler--she'd round them up, then chase them. We introduced her to each chick (and bunny), telling her "nniiice". She accepted each as a member of our 'pack.' Now might be a good time to dog/bird bond, having them both share your time together. (And, yes, he will sniff her...
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    No tails and some bald backs and other spots.

    OK. Pause. Take a deep breath, then another. You are doing fine! I also have a naked butt hen--her name is Tush. As she preens, she plucks out the feathers at the base of her tail for a reverse mohawk. She also plucks the feathers under her wings and is bald there, too. I treat her for...
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    URGENT hen with potential water belly not eating or drinking

    Oh, yeah. COMPLETELY understand-- I'm not paying someone $300+ to tell me, "yes, that there is a dead chicken." I frequently do my own, just to see, like, worms, diseased organs, egg, etc. (One time, she had massive visceral fat; I cut back on protein, treats, etc and saved the rest of my...
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    URGENT hen with potential water belly not eating or drinking

    Did/will you necropsy?
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    Review by 'WunnySharbit' in article 'Feeding Your Chickens Oyster Shells'

    Answered all the questions I've been meaning to ask! Esp. shell v grit, sourcing, who to feed it to and when, and alternative sources. Great article
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    Chicken oddities: what’s something you wish your chicken/chickens didn’t do?

    She is calling you. Baaawk baaawk bawk bawk baaawk is your name, literally. See how she listens for your footsteps? She knows you will obediently join the flock if she calls you long enough. This is very similar to my chicken name: bawk bawk baaaaaawk bawwwk baaaaaaaàaaeeeewk. She calls...
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    Hey, Will Raccoons Eat My Chickens?

    I'm sorry if I missed this in someone else's post..... Unfortunately, a live and let live philosophy will not work with them. In addition to the diseases they can carry (rabies, distemper), they are a host for a parasitic brain worm. It is usually fatal in dogs and can be spread to humans...
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    Information Overload + Analysis Paralysis

    Welcome! Like many have said, relax and enjoy! (Watching my chickens helps immensely with my anxiety and helps me focus. Imitate them! Everything is new, interesting and worthy of rapt, focused attention. ) For your first chix, keep it simple. 1) keep babies warm and dry. There is a...
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    How to preserve insects for chix treats?

    In the fall, we are overrun by armyworms hatching from nearby alfalfa fields. We are talking millions of caterpillars! This year I would like to collect and process them for feed. I have questions about others' experiences and processing. Since there would be soooo many, the best option...
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    need advice on treating ducks that were attacked

    Oh, I just meant that some more soft-hearted readers might be disturbed by graphic descriptions. I toned it down, so it wasn't quite so bad. Raccoon damage is horrible to see and even think about. :eek::hit
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    Chickens acting very strange.....

    To answer your thread's question: Your birds are freaking out because they no longer have their leader. They are yelling : hey, HEY do we come out now? hey, HEY where do we eat today? hey, HEY I saw something moving HEY is that moving thing OK, leader, LEADER, tell us what to do. They will...
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    need advice on treating ducks that were attacked

    warning *graphic* If the head has a gash and the beak damaged/broken, injuries under the wing or around the tail--you have a raccoon. They grab the head to crush the skull, failing that, they will grab any part of the bird they can hold on to, be it the wing, feet, tail until they can hold it...
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