2018 Newbie Chat!

[Anna Ranieri]

My black jersey giants outgrew the dog kennel brooder. Being such big birds (even at a young age) they don’t fly well, so no top needed on the new one. I made it big enough so that I can get in and interact with them, instead of swooping down on them like a predator would. View attachment 1687542

Gorgeous girls

 

[No More Empty Nest]

Thank you so much for kind words.
We had several noise complaints and also a neighbour who had mice in their garage blamed it on my birds, however he kept dog food in his garage but insists that wasn't what attracted them, saying they never had mice problems before we got our birds, which annoys me as they only moved in a short while before we got them. I had to go speak to him as we will be parked right outside their window as my drive way is next to their property and thought it best to advise that there will be activity and probably noise at 4 AM. It was then he told me the vermin complaint came from them but that they didn't notify the housing company but had told their landlady who then notified the company. He told me they set traps a couple of weeks ago and haven't had any more mice since then but the housing company says the vermin complaint still stands. My worry is that the mice will return and my chickens will get the blame and I be told they have to go too but I hope with all my heart that never happens.
The name of the place is called The Chuckery its at a place called Accrington - it's says that on their Facebook. It is a lovely place and the couple who own it do all out of their love for animals especially poultry.
I had wondered if my girls will miss the ducks, I think Jellybean will because she got upset when we kept the ducks in with us for a couple of weeks over winter, I'm also wondering if Roo will be upset as she spent a lot of time with them. Do you have any advice you could give me on how to handle the situation if they do pine?

Mice?? Mice are everywhere! Chickens and ducks don't have to attract them, they're around already! We always get a mouse or 2 in our house every fall, they're looking for warmth.
After Amber died, I just gave them a little extra attention and some healthy treats like greens and hard boiled egg. Not too much tho, lol. I let them out of the run longer too. It didn't take very long for them to be back eating as usual. Just 2-3 days I think.

Her being ornery might be a positive sign, I say this as Pedro became very grumpy and unsociable for a while before she started laying (she didn't bite us though, just bit the others and still does sometimes) after about a few weeks or so of laying she started to get back to her usual sweet natured self but it's only recently she's been completely her usual sweet natured self and she's been laying for about 5 or 6 months. She still is a grump towards the others though.

It would be nice if she got back to normal again. She's fine with the other chickens.

 

[llombardo]

I still have a mouse in my dryer based on poop.

When Sunny my duck died the other two ducks were depressed. They walked around in a daze. I felt so bad for them. I immediately got the two new girls. Instant life back for Lucy and Ricky. Literally 30 seconds and they were best friends. It was amazing to watch.

When Prince almost died all the girls were right there, very nervous and vocal. They new something was really wrong. They watched like cheerleaders as I worked on him.

 

[Cbarr00]

@Anna Ranieri I hope things go good for your girls from now on. Maybe now they realize it wasn't the chickens and ducks that brought the mice. since the mice are gone but chickens and ducks aren't. My neighbor has always had chickens next door to us and every time we have a mouse I know it's just their nature and never would've thought to blame the chickens. I would understand if it was filthy terrible living conditions but we all know you take exceptional care of your birds. I'm glad you've updated us I've been waiting to hear how it is going. I followed that facebook page as well just to follow the ducks journey.

 

[llombardo]

I went to get oyster shell today and there were baby chicks everywhere...there were golden laces, olive eggers, Easter eggers, jersey Giants, welsauners, leghorns, and about 10 othef kinds. It was hard for me to remember how small they are. Such an amazing things. I was pretty adamant that there would be no more baby chicks because I really hate that integration.

Well anyways, here are the four I ended up getting because no one was there to talk me out of it. I ended up with 2 Easter eggers and 2 polish. I was really checking out the jersey Giants..

I got absolutely no will power or self control when it comes to animals of kids. I got to work on that, I really do, but seriously how can you pass on little tiny helpless baby chicks?

The older ones are interested in the little chirps. I put them right next to them in a big bird cage.

I am hoping this group are as friendly and confident as the first group. The second set are still not super friendly, well the light brahmas anyway. The faverolle and Easter egger are pretty friendly.

I think Prince will be staying in that corner a lot.

Can everyone pray they are all girls? I am so nervous about that with my luck.

 

[No More Empty Nest]

I went to get oyster shell today and there were baby chicks everywhere...there were golden laces, olive eggers, Easter eggers, jersey Giants, welsauners, leghorns, and about 10 othef kinds. It was hard for me to remember how small they are. Such an amazing things. I was pretty adamant that there would be no more baby chicks because I really hate that integration.

Well anyways, here are the four I ended up getting because no one was there to talk me out of it. I ended up with 2 Easter eggers and 2 polish. I was really checking out the jersey Giants..

I got absolutely no will power or self control when it comes to animals of kids. I got to work on that, I really do, but seriously how can you pass on little tiny helpless baby chicks?

The older ones are interested in the little chirps. I put them right next to them in a big bird cage.

I am hoping this group are as friendly and confident as the first group. The second set are still not super friendly, well the light brahmas anyway. The faverolle and Easter egger are pretty friendly.

I think Prince will be staying in that corner a lot.

Can everyone pray they are all girls? I am so nervous about that with my luck.

View attachment 1688495 View attachment 1688496 View attachment 1688497 View attachment 1688498 View attachment 1688499 View attachment 1688500 View attachment 1688501 View attachment 1688502 View attachment 1688503

Too cute!! Watch for the EEs pecking the Polish's head feathers. Mine did that. But some have no problem with it. Crossing my fingers for all pullets!

 

[llombardo]

Well add a cinnamon, jersey giant, sapphire gem and an Oliver egger to the list. I've gone mad I say.

If the polish get picked on I can put them and a couple others in with the other rooster(Duke) my older ones just made a year.

I am never going back to that store. I'm ordering all chicken feed online from March to JUNE--starting next year.

 

[llombardo]

My son is going to kill me, good thing he is in Texas. I'm not saying a word. When he does notice I fully intend on telling him I have no clue what he is talking about.

 

[CannedMonster]

I got chicks today!!
I have 5 assorted bantams (straight run) and 2 buff Orpingtons.
I went to TSC knowing full well they had chicks today and I wouldn’t be able to resist.
DH just shook his head at me like I’m hopeless.
It doesn’t look like Bootsie and Minnie’s eggs are viable. I’m going to try to see if they’ll adopt the chicks tonight.
The BOs are SO FLUFFY!!
They’re the fluffiest chicks I’ve ever seen.
Especially the darker one.
They’re supposed to be sexed pullets.

Out of the bantams, I have 4 Cochins and one porcelain D’Uccle that I’m raising for my friend.
They only had one of those at the Tractor Supply so I took it with mine since she couldn’t buy just one chick.
They only had buff and red Cochins so I got two of each color.
Several of them had pasty butt and as I was cleaning them I noticed one of the red ones has five toes?!?
Cochins don’t have five toes.
It can’t be a Silkie because Silkies have black skin and this chicks skin is clearly and obviously yellow as a Cochin should have.
?????
What bantam breeds have yellow skin and five toes?
None that I’m aware of...
Well if it turns out to be a breed I don’t want it can go to my friends flock with the porcelain D’Uccle.

Pictures will be forthcoming soon.
I’m trying to get them used to my heat plate instead of a heat lamp.
They’re currently staying under the plate and won’t really come out to eat and drink.

 

[llombardo]

I got chicks today!!
I have 5 assorted bantams (straight run) and 2 buff Orpingtons.
I went to TSC knowing full well they had chicks today and I wouldn’t be able to resist.
DH just shook his head at me like I’m hopeless.
It doesn’t look like Bootsie and Minnie’s eggs are viable. I’m going to try to see if they’ll adopt the chicks tonight.
The BOs are SO FLUFFY!!
They’re the fluffiest chicks I’ve ever seen.
Especially the darker one.
They’re supposed to be sexed pullets.

Out of the bantams, I have 4 Cochins and one porcelain D’Uccle that I’m raising for my friend.
They only had one of those at the Tractor Supply so I took it with mine since she couldn’t buy just one chick.
They only had buff and red Cochins so I got two of each color.
Several of them had pasty butt and as I was cleaning them I noticed one of the red ones has five toes?!?
Cochins don’t have five toes.
It can’t be a Silkie because Silkies have black skin and this chicks skin is clearly and obviously yellow as a Cochin should have.
?????
What bantam breeds have yellow skin and five toes?
None that I’m aware of...
Well if it turns out to be a breed I don’t want it can go to my friends flock with the porcelain D’Uccle.

Pictures will be forthcoming soon.
I’m trying to get them used to my heat plate instead of a heat lamp.
They’re currently staying under the plate and won’t really come out to eat and drink.

I just got done checking all the butts too..lol. I'm not fond of the heat lamp, but I won't have time to go by a heating pad that stays on before Monday.