Thanks for the replies! I'm thinking about letting another year go by before adding any chickens, at least until my willpower gets too low :)
My girls are happy to note that they're not into the old biddy stage yet--does that mean I'm not, either? ;)
I lost a chicken to a predator this winter and have since upgraded my security to the point of ridiculousness.The two remaining chickens are very happy together and produce enough eggs, at least in spring and summer, for our two-person household. What are the chances that both chickens make it...
Manderzpants, I think you've got something there: selfish and immature are indeed the same thing for many people. I suspect that this guy would have a completely different attitude if the OP had a larger, more dangerous animal that escaped and attacked his dog--in that case he'd be livid and...
I went to get the dust this morning and the owner had an interesting suggestion: lower the hanging food another inch in case the lip on the bottom of the feeder is rubbing on or breaking off neck feathers when the little guy walks around it to eat. I may as well try it, right? I'm still going to...
I'm so glad you were there to help her! I've read in this thread that parasites can weaken and contribute to a chicken's death if the infestation gets bad enough. That poor girl was really suffering.
I've also read that giving calcium-enriched layer feed too early can damage a young chick's...
I wish I knew enough to help you identify his problem; I bet people aren't responding because they're in the same boat. You could try re-posting this in the Emergencies/Injuries section where the medical types hang out. There's a sticky at the top of that section that can help you answer the...
I might be worried that the chicks would peck at the wound as well. Maybe it would help to use that Blue Kote stuff I keep hearing about? I'm not sure I'm right, but it seemed like my chicks love to peck everything. I hope your hen's wound gets better and she can re-integrate with the flock.
Thanks for the information--it's a tough decision. I did the hardware cloth circle when they were tiny, but it seemed much better at keeping the chickens in than predators out. It would not be fun to be attacked by a dog in mid feast, however, so I'll have to think carefully before I bring the...
I did a search on this topic but couldn't find anything, probably because it's common knowledge for all you experienced folks. I have a nine or ten week old EE with a bald neck patch who is continuing to lose feathers. He seems to scratch and fluff quite a bit, too, and the feathers he loses...
The egg treat might also cut back on the cheeping a bit. Cooked egg is really good for them, from what I heard, so you don't even have to feel guilty about providing it. It's a win-win situation!
Gotta love chick math!
Those babies are adorable! Did anyone else notice what seemed to be a glow in some of the chicks' feathers in the first few pics? Is that the lighting, the camera, or the glow of chicky perfection?
Many congrats! I love my EE's right down to their silly greenish feet. Have you tried telling her about the cool-looking eggs? I can't wait to get those...
New life is excellent therapy!
But seriously, try the two door method next time--it's almost foolproof. Just make sure that there are two barriers separating pups and chicks at all times. Then if one gets left open, it's just a little annoying rather than tragic. I used it with my killer cats...
Cold cucumber is a hit with mine also. I left one out too late one day and found some baby crickets finishing what the girls had left during the day--bonus protein for the girls when it grows up!
Okay, so I like to give the girls a little free-range time at the end of the day from time to time. They love it, but I know it's not as safe as keeping them in their little run. I stay outside with them to make sure I'm as much of a predator deterrent as I can be, but I don't have a fence. I...
Congratulations on your excellent decision! Chickens and cats are the best combination.
I'm not sure about your cats, but there's no way I'd put fewer than two doors between my indoor kitties and those small, rustly, peepy things that smell like chicken. You'd probably have to engage in animal...