➡I accidentally bought Balut eggs: 2 live ducks! Now a Chat Thread!

[Morrigan]

To their great and undying displeasure, both of my dogs were bathed last night. I had to carry The Spaniel all the way across the house and into the bathroom -- he knew what was up and wouldn't get near it. They are so clean and nice smelling this morning.

They are still totally wiped out from the camping trip. Hiking every day, plus being constantly alert in the campsite against intrusions by chipmunks, squirrels, birds and *gasp* other dogs being walked, completely exhausted them. Poor babies.

 

[Morrigan]

I am going to practice with some youtube videos tomorrow.
I don't know a thing about yoga.

I've never tried it either. And I live in California (!)

 

[Cyprus]

California does $20 necropsies for residents, but out of state one are probably $250.

That is rediculously too much.
$120 max is what I would spend on a necropsy. I don't have a job and my account is getting lower with no new money coming in.

 

[Cyprus]

I do not think anyone understands the roadblocks I have with getting testing and/or necropsies done.
I have NO source of income and my parents will not finance my chicken expenses beyond food. A necropsy sounds like no big deal in writing and logic but when they cost over $100 that is a huge problem to me when I only have about $1200 max left in my account and still have other expenses.
Live testing is at least $20 cheaper although less reliable but my family is struggling with money and we have a $2000 deposit due today that is killing us.

So yes, I get what should be done but every dollar saved helps keep my family and other birds fed right now in this time of financial stress. I am doing what I can but I can't do everything.

I apologize for the insanity that is this post.

Cyprus

 

[Morrigan]

well the quote didn't work...but people put acv in the water to keep the biofilm down in plastic waterers.. a tsp per gallon.. which would be 1.14583 cups per 55 gal drum
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/water-additives-to-decrease-algae.558865/

If she is using well water, algae can be a real bear. My garden and coop area are on well water and it grows algae like no one's business. My algae is the kind that grows on the sides of the waterers. It is not slimy or scummy, so don't know if that kind is more problematic. The water itself is clear, there is just lots of green algae growing in the containers, even doing my best to keep the waterer shaded, periodically scrubbing out the containers, and changing the water regularly.

The good news is that the birds seem totally down with the algae-water. Their favorite waterer is actually the big 8 galloner with the most algae in it (the hardest one to clean). Everyone seems healthy

At this point, I'm just rolling with it. I've heard ACV can make birds less inclined to drink the water, and it is so hot and dry here, I don't want to risk that.

 

[ShrekDawg]

He's bleeding again and getting blood all over! The floors, rugs, etc. Looks like a murder scene but we are leaving so my dad and brother I guess are coming home to a bloody house

 

[jwyles]

Going through old pictures a friend put this one up a few years ago I hope he dosnt mind me sharing bit anyway.
Here's a gamecock for ya
This fella got a little more than he could handle thinking he was gonna have him a meal. It was his turn to get dragged in instead of him dragging out lol











View attachment 1521685

This is CRAY!

 

[Kiki]

Great. I just let him out for some run time. He's incredibly friendly.


Wow! That is impressive. You gamefowl people have me hankering after them despite it being completely impractical for me. I'll have to stay satisfied with pictures.

Run time where? In da house?

 

[Morrigan]

So yes, I get what should be done but every dollar saved helps keep my family and other birds fed right now in this time of financial stress. I am doing what I can but I can't do everything.

That is such a tough situation. I wonder if you could write to a local university, explain your situation, and see if anyone there -- even if it is just students -- would do a necropsy for free. Maybe the students need practice?

Given all the problems you have had with bird deaths, I would prioritize solving this mystery before getting any new eggs or chickens. Maybe what you save in no new feed costs, could be put in a medical emergency/necropsy fund.

 

[Cyprus]

That is such a tough situation. I wonder if you could write to a local university, explain your situation, and see if anyone there -- even if it is just students -- would do a necropsy for free. Maybe the students need practice?

Given all the problems you have had with bird deaths, I would prioritize solving this mystery before getting any new eggs or chickens. Maybe what you save in no new feed costs, could be put in a medical emergency/necropsy fund.

I think I will just pay the necropsy price. You are right, I should set money aside for these things.

I have those eggs due to hatch on the 11th which are not mine so that is something that I can't do much about.
I could have a friend care for the chicks until spring who has no birds of her own. They are bantams so might not be too much of an issue for 3 or 4 months.