I put dish soap in my scalding water, but I just did it because the instructions said to. I don't know why, though.
The soap breaks the "surface tension" of the water causing it to get in and around the feathers easier. A water "softening" agent like Calgon would work also but sometimes it may...
Actually what I am planning to put over our windows is "diamond mesh" expanded metal (the stuff that they use to make the floors and tailgates for small utility trailers out of). MUCH heavier duty that hardware cloth, installed with 1/4" lag bolts...should be raccoon proof and bear resistant...
I read somewhere that Mylar baloons, left tied out at various heights above the run will mess with the hawks aim...kind of like the "barrage baloons" used during WW2 to prevent fighter planes from strafing beaches.
Hey, motorcyclechick...
Remember the Red Roo that fisherlady and I came over to get from you...
Not only did he make some delicious soup and chicken chowder, he is serving another purpose...
I tied up a few flies tonight from the saddle and hackles that we preserved.
All of the...
I may be a few pages late on this reply, but about the mouse problem...
At work I use moth balls to repel mice.
Half a dozen in a small tray or dish placed where the mice seem to frequent, they don't like the vapors and stay away.
I do this in most of my mousey radio cabinets!
It kinda seems...
Depends on the type of fan and how it is wired.
I've never looked at the particulars of the incubators and how the fan is set up.
If you could maybe send me a pic of the fan, might be able to tell you a bit better.
Ahhh, yes...Star Trek theme...a few of our hens are Spock, T'Pol, Janeway and B'Lana! and 7 of 9!
I guess out of the clutch our broody is sitting on we'll have to try for a Kirk and a Kahn!
Thanks for the welcome...
About the screen name, I'm a communications/electronics technician for the railroad...if it has wires hooked to it and it quits working, they say "call the radioman".
Thanks for the welcome!
Been lurking for a while, mostly over fisherlady's shoulder...I'm her S.O. and finally decided to chime in!
Just checked and we're at a whopping 0 degrees...coop temp is at a balmy 22!
Hooked up one of those ceramic "reptile" bulbs for Gracie this evening...managed to...