“Share Helpful Backyard Poultry TIPS” a Random Posting CONTEST Thread ~ Hosts, Mike & Sally

[Gwynny7]

I found using white millet is a great training tool for getting guinea fowl to come when called. I learned that white millet is like candy to guineas from the following book:

"Gardening With Guineas" by Jeannette S. Ferguson

http://www.guineafowl.com/

Jeannette raised chickens with guineas so the book does have chicken related information! It is mainly about guineas but still useful guide to have in my opinion. I am new to raising birds and this was my first book!

 

[chickenjoe12]

Here's a dresser brooder I threw together over the weekend.

love it all brooder is a wheel barrow if i hatch using a incubator and a compost bin with a bottom and a window and a cage with a opening door if i hatch with a hen

 

[copper2]

Mix red pepper powder in to chicken feed to keep mice eating it.

 

[mlm Mike]

 

[aart]

Mix red pepper powder in to chicken feed to keep mice eating it.

Mix red pepper powder in to chicken feed to keep mice FROM eating it?

Supposed to jump start laying too.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

Wood Ash For Mite-Free Hens

save your fireplace ash (no BBQ coals, etc) for mixing up a dust-bathing pit
http://untrainedhousewife.com/wood-ash-for-mite-free-hens

 

[mobius]

Chick Tip:

As of today right this moment:

I am super excited to learn recently about an Electric Fencing Incentive Program. There are many bears in my neighborhood and they are waking up. New chicken owner here....

No food outside, no garbage, food taken in every night, coop like Fort Knox...hardware cloth? Doesn't matter. Perimeter fence, chain link? Doesn't matter.

Do I want to do this? No...but I have to. I live in the base of the Rockies, smack up against the west foothills, 60 miles from the Continental Divide. Is it gorgeous? Yes. Are there bears here? OMG.

So I researched the living you know what out of electric fencing. I was uber lucky to talk with the local head of Fish Wildlife and Parks a couple days ago at a friend's party. He said: Electric Fence. I said: Ick, really. Well, short story long, that discussion spurred me on to research the heck out of it ( and I am not fond of electricity). Yup. Gotta do it. He was right. Grrrrr....izzly....

OK. Then.

I run across an amazing incentive program: 50% of cost up to $500 will be reimbursed (meaning I believe you could spend 1K and get reimbursed $500). Doesn't matter if it is just around coop or around perimeter fencing, or a new fenced area. Talked to the gentleman today and with some paperwork, receipts, etc, I will get reimbursed. He will even help with a materials list and planning if I send him pics. This is for black bears , grizz, you name it.

The Incentive Program covers Montana, Idaho, Washington State, and Wyoming (specific counties). Colorado also has this program and I don't know where else, these are the ones I have found.

I know, I know, you all want a link:

www.defenders.org/got-grizzlies

http://bearsmartdurango.org/electric-fencing/ (for Colorado)

I am floored and quite happy: I can get expert advice, protect chickens (and bears), and get reimbursed!! Ya gotta LOVE it!

It is first come first serve. Don't wait til the money runs out. I got a next day pleasant, informative response to my voicemail inquiry. Neighbor coming over tomorrow to do a bid.

 

[mobius]

New idea!

Wiffle ball with microgreens inside. This should be interesting!



The dog is not pleased. That was HIS wiffle ball.

 

[mobius]

I have been doing field trip for the last week with my now three week old chicks! I think it gives them room to flap and exercise wings and run around...they have almost outgrown bathtub brooder....and this is easily moved and "monitorable"...

Chicken TV!

 

[mobius]

Mess-free (hopefully) fermented food feeder for chickies (my little invention):