Its time for another 50 lb bag of feed which lasts our chickens for a while. I asked someone this question before, but my chicks were still kind of young, and I just remember that I was advised to give them the chick starter feed for a while longer because it had higher protein. I have since put...
That all makes sense, and I think at least I understand it better. I don't have any fertile eggs, though(we had 6 roos in our original bunch of chicks and when they all started crowing this summer, they had to go!), and I don't want any more chickens so getting some fertile eggs is out of the...
I have read about it on this forum, but hadn't actually experienced it until recently. Two of our 5 Silkie hens laid themselves a "clutch" apparently. Of course we took the eggs, but they remain on their nesting boxes inside the coop, where it is totally dark, and refuse to move or join the rest...
I know, I really don't like tail extensions either, even the $300 one that a friend lent me did not look natural! I decided not to use it. And Appaloosas are known for their sparse manes nad tails, so I guess I have just gotten used to it and really don't mind it, I prefer a natural look over a...
Um, Resolution, I don't have a "cycle of infection and disease", I am just being careful so as not to get any. As for hearing a couple of sneezes, I got all worried and posted on here right away. Was assured by many that the occasional sneeze is not unusual and not to be worried about it unless...
Redcatcher, cutting a mane is done for many different shows, I and my daughter both compete in Western and English, and I judge all breeds, it just depends on what kind of classes and disciplines you are showing in. In some classes a long flowing mane is beautiful and acceptable, in others its...
Thanks! So far, they all try to sleep in one nesting box, even though hubby made 6. I find it amusing that they nearly succeed! 4 of them squish themseves into one box and then 1 perches on the top of the nesting box divider, so it is basically on top of the other 4. I will have to look into...
To the OP, he is a fine-looking horse. Since I am a certified judge, that should count for something, LOL! All breeds are judged on their conformation differently because they are all built differently. And I guess I think a short mane looks fine because many breeds are expected to have manes...
Mrs AK, thanks for that info. I do watch the weather like a hawk. I have horses too with no shelter, they are fine with very cold temps, but they have to have blankets if we are going to have freezing rain or sleet, since they have no way to keeep dry. I was just thinking that I should perhaps...
Oh, okay. No, I have never smelled ammonia, I was just worried about it becasue of what I have read, and my daughter said she has heard an occasional sneeze, so I got a little worried, and wanted to make sure the coop is clean enough. From what everyone has said, I think it is, although I think...
Umm, does this also hold true for Silkies? These are our first (and ONLY) chickens. I am addicted to horses, not chickens, lol! Anyway, I've heard they are more suceptible to the cold, but I don't really know. Its in the 20's here at night, and I put a 100 watt bulb in their coop, but only turn...
Not sure why you would suggest that I sell the chickens. They are no problem for me, I just want to make sure I am having daughter clean the coop often enough. I think the chickens are quite cute and interesting. I just don't want anymore "pets" for myself. We have 5 horses, 2 dogs and have had...
Wow, mine are the opposite! They go straight to the coop as soon as its dark, and you can't get them to come out. Then, soon as its morning, they act like they are dying to get out, they are all scrunched up against the door waiting for me to unlock it, like they're a bunch of prisoners. : )
Thanks for the heads up! I never thought about them being "bullied". Out of the 5 we have, 3 were chicks that we got together(started with 9 but had 6 roos!), and 2 were a few months old when we got them. I noticed those 2 are the "low men on the totem pole", so I will have to keep on eye on...
Wow! Thanks, that is a great idea! I think my daughter will really like the idea as well, since it will be easier for her and she will therefore do it more often. Now why don't I think of things like that!? Thank you, thank you!
We have 5 Silkie hens and a coop that is big enough for10 easily. I say this partly because although my husband made 6 laying/nesting boxes, they ALL try to cram into 1 every night. And they almost succeed! They are also in the coop only at night, they stay in the run or free-range in the...