A few basic health questions

[littlebirdoz]

1) I am thinking of using DE in the wood shavings in the bottom of the coop. Any reason I should not? I would like to do this as a preventative for mites(we had bird mites in the house last year...ick). I am using it in the yard to stop the ticks from getting on my babies(human ones)

2) My bantam cochin sits underneath my largest chicken all the time is this normal?

3) Is it normal to see the crop poking out and being really full frequently. They eat all the time so I never seem to see it when it is empty??? I don't fully understand chicken digestion so this might be a stupid question.

4) Is wood shavings the best bedding? And do I use something different in the nesting box or can I use the same thing all over?

5) Do chickens get ticks?

They are around 12 weeks and seem very healthy and happy.

I apologize if these are dopey questions...just trying to learn everything I can.

TIA

 

[<3ChickenForever]

2. They might be just fighting over an egg?
3. Ya the crop is almost ALWAYS out.
5. If they do they just eat them before the ticks can get to them.

And none of them are dumb questions

 

[littlebirdoz]

Oh I should have said... they are not laying yet. She just sits under her.

 

[<3ChickenForever]

Quote:
Two of my hens did that before. I didn't really understand, they were already laying but. Maybe for you there fighting over a nest box?

4. Hay, molch [sp?], shavings are good.

 

[ronikins]

1. I use DE all the time. Food grade! Make sure it's food grade. I've used it around broodies and babies and haven't had any problems. I really think it helped stave off mites until I changed all bedding and flooring without replacing the DE. I *think* I ended up with some mites. I'm fighting those now. From advice on here and where I've read, you can't get rid of mites by using it but it's good for preventing them.

3. Mine are like that too. I actually think it's unusual to see them not full and poking out.

4. I've used shaving, hay, and straw as bedding and flooring. I haven't had a problem with any! Althought, seems like I read somewhere that either straw or hay can get moldy if it's wet for a while. Not sure on that one. Sorry.

HTH

 

[littlebirdoz]

Ok I have food grade so I will put it in the bedding. Thanks