2014 New York Chickenstock

[My Henny Hens]

Hello! I recently found out about the chicken stock and can't wait! Count me in! I'll bring a 7 layer bean dip and tortillas to pass. For the auction I will bring handmade soap and a dozen large fowl Hatching eggs (either frizzle Cochin, or Barnevelders). I also just set a bunch of frizzle Cochin eggs in the bator and will have chicks available if anyone is interested.:cd

 

[horsekeeper]

They've been outside for two days. I gave them a pool of water. I've had to chase them in both nights. Not fun. For now they're in with the chickens, but I'm planning a ground coop of their own. One I can open and clean easily. Perhaps attached to a run so they'll have winter outing space.

I have posted them to CL but I refuse to give them away. I'll keep them rather than do that. Judging from the prices I see other charging for chicks and chickens I think it's unfair. The same with my chicks and chickens.

I have noticed an influx of chicken keepers and egg sellers so it's hard to sell either.

You can "broom train" your ducks.

Mine kept running around me and up and down the hill, just out of reach. I took the broom I use to sweep up the coops and used it to extend my reach and block them so they would turn and run the right way. I used horse training methods on them. As long as they were heading away from the coop the broom was chasing them. Head toward the coop and the broom was quietly resting on the ground. Move too slow and the broom slaps the ground behind. Try to run by and the broom turns into a scary hawk. They learned to go in the coop at the sight of the broom. Chickens, too.

No fowl was harmed, although a few tail feathers were insulted.

A broom propped across an opening makes a quick temporary barrier, as it may get up and chase a duck.

 

[rancher hicks]

You can "broom train" your ducks.

Mine kept running around me and up and down the hill, just out of reach. I took the broom I use to sweep up the coops and used it to extend my reach and block them so they would turn and run the right way. I used horse training methods on them. As long as they were heading away from the coop the broom was chasing them. Head toward the coop and the broom was quietly resting on the ground. Move too slow and the broom slaps the ground behind. Try to run by and the broom turns into a scary hawk. They learned to go in the coop at the sight of the broom. Chickens, too.

No fowl was harmed, although a few tail feathers were insulted.

A broom propped across an opening makes a quick temporary barrier, as it may get up and chase a duck.

I have a long staff that was given to me years ago I used last night. Today they're in the run where the food it. Huddled in a corner but at least inside. I'm not sure how I'll deal with them, but I must. No one has offered to pay my price which I think is more than reasonable.

 

[Lynzi777]

Rancher, no offense but I think $20 is a bit high for a single duck. I can see a pair. If you really want them gone you'll probably have to come down a bit. Especially since they aren't even laying yet and you don't know who is a drake and who is hen (the hens should he quacking by now). I don't put a whole lot of work into my ducks, they're the easiest to care for. And to be honest, if you let them out all day, you should be feeding them less because they forage all day. Mine don't get a whole lot of food because they are out and about eating bugs/slugs and whatever else they eat, grass? Who knows but they have bigger crops than the chickens when they are back from foraging. And if you have a hut for them or a chicken coop or whatever, one night in it should do the trick. The next night they should go in it with ease. But I wait for them to go in, I don't waste time chasing them in. They always outsmart me and the times I do, they end up out all night overnight. This is just my experience with ducks and I'm just offering some pointers.

 

[My Henny Hens]

Oh! And I'll bring some raw honey for the auction too!

 

[Cass]

Removed because I got help on the other NY thread...why clutter up the place?

 

[Gramma Chick]

Removed because I got help on the other NY thread...why clutter up the place?

Now I have to read the other thread to see what you erased ...LOL

 

[sonew123]

Maybe you could bring hatching eggs too.

I was for the auction praying someone else will have great luck!!!

 

[JLaw]

Sonew123 if you don't have enough you can pass me by I don't mind. Not that big of a deal for me already over ran here lol.

 

[rancher hicks]

Rancher, no offense but I think $20 is a bit high for a single duck. I can see a pair. If you really want them gone you'll probably have to come down a bit. Especially since they aren't even laying yet and you don't know who is a drake and who is hen (the hens should he quacking by now). I don't put a whole lot of work into my ducks, they're the easiest to care for. And to be honest, if you let them out all day, you should be feeding them less because they forage all day. Mine don't get a whole lot of food because they are out and about eating bugs/slugs and whatever else they eat, grass? Who knows but they have bigger crops than the chickens when they are back from foraging. And if you have a hut for them or a chicken coop or whatever, one night in it should do the trick. The next night they should go in it with ease. But I wait for them to go in, I don't waste time chasing them in. They always outsmart me and the times I do, they end up out all night overnight. This is just my experience with ducks and I'm just offering some pointers.

I realize that some would disagree, but they did cost $5 or so each and they're only recently moved outside. I've had to clean and water and feed them for the past 6-7 weeks. As others have agreed they are messy. Unfortunately no one takes into consideration the care and feed factors. Minus the cost of the duck, what I'm asking comes out to $2.50 a wk. Not much when you think about it. And that price goes down with each passing week.

Plus when I see what others are charging for chicks/chickens and ducks I see no reason I should take less.

I just paid $55 for hatching eggs.

If I really WANTED them gone I'd give them away and I refuse to do that. I just made a small trade for 6 Orps and not including the drive to PA to get them paid $110.00 for them. I don't regret it because we really like the person who got them.

My decision is also based on previous purchases from so called reputable breeders who have sent my junk chicks. Crooked toes and not the breed I was told. $180. My complete Del line was ruined in one venture. Just because someone claims to be and expert don't be fooled.

I'm sorry if some are offended but it just how I see things.

I will say this in a positive light. I would still drive to PA to Hinkjc farms for orps. Jody has very nice healthy birds. She now can be found on FB.