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  1. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    the odds are in your favor!
  2. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    Leah'sMom, any more action in the nest???
  3. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    yes. I am.
  4. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    Thanks!!!
  5. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    I have a question for the processing experts: Is there another option for a soaking solution for the resting period to help ease the toughness out of older birds, besides milk? I have quite a few to do, and milk is pretty expensive!
  6. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    Once a broody sits tight, I move her nest to a dog crate inside the coop. After she accepts the new spot, I leave it open so she can leave to eat, drink and poo. The other hens lay in the nest boxes, so there are no extra hens laying in the broody-nest. So separate but not confined away. Only...
  7. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    As I almost always have to do the job alone, I wish I knew if more hands make it more or less efficient! Though, when Auntie and Uncle OT came to tutor me, only one helped "hands on". The other stepped back and only offered verbal assistance (ie, what to look or feel for, etc)
  8. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    My situation is to not feed dry feed, anymore. I feed only at mealtime, which is an hour before dusk. Mine free range the rest of the day. I only ferment enough for about 3 days at a time, and never have to throw it away. 3 days' worth fits nicely in a 5 gallon bucket. I have 20 birds all adult...
  9. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    1- 2 years 2- half pasture, half forest over 3 acres. I let them out in the morning at dawn and pen them an hour before dusk 3- we live in a temperate climate, so not much difference at all. When the winds are extreme, I leave them in their pen (perhaps 2 days a month in winter) 4- no LGD 5- we...
  10. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    Morning routine: 7:30am wake up, let chickens out of coop to free range. Scatter feed or scratch in yard. Time- less than 5 minutes. Evening routine: Aprox. 1 hour before dusk Feed FF- pen flock Time- about 15 minutes. Add more feed and water to the FF bucket. Time-5 minutes Egg gathering- no...
  11. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    The top 5 things I do to raise them more naturally: 1. Fermented feed. I don't know if it is more natural, but it is a beneficial element to their condition 2. Deep litter in the coop. 3. UP ACV in their water/garlic for worm prevention 4. culling for health and production 5. (should have been...
  12. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    This is sooo off-topic (not Natural or a chicken), but everyone with a patient (to a point) spouse will get it. My dear friend brought us presents this morning, and one of them was a teeny little toy chick, that when pressed "peeps". She pressed it and I busted out laughing, and said "awww how...
  13. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    Merry Christmas, Natural Chicken Keepers!!!!
  14. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    He only needs the toddy at night, when he lays down and starts coughing. but, yes, he is feeling better! If I catch the symptoms right at the beginning, I pump him full of echinacea, and that usually nips it in the bud. But he didn't really complain about it until it was good and rooted in. Now...
  15. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    Basil tea will bring down a fever, as will white willow bark, if you don't like to take aspirin. For sore throats and coughs, always unpasteurized honey, fresh lemon juice and ginger slices (or dried) in super hot water. If you have rum, bourbon, whiskey or another fave high octane spirit, add a...
  16. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    Sounds like. The "factory" can produce a few weird ones while the kinks get worked out. Happens at first (and for a bit) and after coming back from broody, or a molt. Very common. Even in my limited experience. Still, it's a big 'un!
  17. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    After days and days of driving rain and hurricane force winds, the air stilled and the sun peeked out! Nice for the chooks to be able to forage without having to hang on for dear life!
  18. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    Oh Sally8, I am so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words, so Lighting a candle for comfort for you.
  19. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    I agree with all of this. Being completely prepared, beforehand, has also really helped me make it easier for myself. Having the bird caught the night before, having the station prepared, the tools laid out (and in good condition- ie, freshly sharpened) and the kettle hot in advance, make all...
  20. Rachel'sFlock

    The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

    I am soooo jealous!!!!
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