The newest member of my flock, Lila. I had a broody australorp sit on 4 eggs (rest were mutts and didnt hatch). She couldn't have hatched at a better time - I lost my biele hen Rose just a few weeks ago. The broody rejected her, and so she's getting special treatment. Gonna see about getting her...
I would just install a tray (or trays) with sand on them. I found it very easy to use as I could just use a cat litter scooper to clean it, and the birds enjoyed scratching and dust baths (plus the sand coated the droppings so less mess on my chooks). Just make sure the tray is deep enough (so...
I have had chickens seem to go mute after a trauma, instead of their usual noises, you can just hear the air coming out almost as a hissing noise. Often, they will start making regular noises again after they realize they are in no danger. While I can't say for certain she sustained no damage to...
...sweet, sugary soda. (It'd been being set out for maybe 4 nights? - secured away during the day to be safe) Found him dead in the morning. I have *no* idea what happened. ;)
If some fly bait and soda happen to end up in a bowl by your coop, just make sure all pets and livestock cannot get to...
I swear my bieles are the friendliest birds I've had, and I tell everyone they act like cats... I have to show them proof before they believe it though!
"Romeo"
"Rose"
"Buzz"
I had an Americauna go on strike for nearly 6 months, then start again, still not sure why. I wouldn't worry unless she's showing any other signs or odd behaviors (indicative of illness) and just wait it out a bit longer. I would double check she's getting enough calcium and hours of daylight...
Have to also add this gem...
Took my dog(Thor) to Petco in December to get a picture with Santa (proceeds benefited good cause) and I brought my rooster Romeo as well because there were no restrictions on pets allowed.
Well Santa was terrified that the sleeping chicken was going to suddenly maul...
I was talking with a (non-chicken keeping) coworker today and was telling a story about my chickens. They were speechless... So I got to thinking about all the crazy stories chicken keeping has brought me. And since I know I can't be alone, I was wondering if anyone had any great stories about...
Lucky you with the chicken cabinet! My stuff gets shoved (aka lost) in the shed, still haven't found my nice new leg bands lol.
I have a pretty embarrassing chicken coop building story, too. I replaced the door to my chicken coop, went inside to finish up the hinges, forgot that the new door had...
I noticed this thread picked up interest again, so I thought I might give everyone an update.
As for pressing charges on the neighbor - I wish I hadn't dropped the idea of at least confronting them in person, but as it was my senior year in high school, and I have severe social anxiety, so it...
I wouldn't worry. I had a 2 pound silkie roo that constantly tried to impress and mate with my 12 pound red ranger hen, and she put him in his place every once in a while. Unless either one starts to attack and actually harm the other, there is nothing to worry about (except some really fun...
@PeepersMama I'm in Eastern Iowa with some birds that I plan on hatching out from in February/March. PM me if you are interested - I can also send some pictures of my parent stock. My birds got all honorable mentions and champion breeding pair at county fair.
ETA - If you are looking to hatch...
One of my roosters, Buzz - Any comments on him? He is very cylinder-shaped (photo doesn't quite get it), but I don't know how to judge his tail. His sickle feathers have gotten longer, but his tail is shorter than my other biele roos... (his tail is also pictured in the 3rd photo)
I also don't...
My older brother used to claim that my silkie hen, Frodo, was imprinted on him and would let him hold her no matter what and wouldn't poop on him. I never had the heart to tell him that she couldn't see down (because of her fluff) and just waited it out. It made for some interesting pics...
So my dad was just telling me I needed to check my live trap, because he thought it was triggered.
I went outside in the rain and found my 4 year old EE hen inside the fox trap, looking very confused yet happy. Don't know how she escaped the run or how she just wandered into the trap and set it...
Someone tried to make small talk with me when I was wearing a shirt that said "I may seem quiet and reserved, but if you mess with my chickens I will break out a level of crazy that will make your nightmares seem like a happy place!"
Them: Oh, do you raise chickens?
Me: Yeah, I raise them for...