ALABAMA!!

[huntinwidow]

I'm thinking about making my own incubator. Does anyone have any tips on where to start? I've found a few that I liked here on BYC, but lets face it, sometimes we do things differently in Alabama!

I built mine out of a mini fridge. Heat with a 60 W lightbulb (100W was too much) have a salvaged fan and wafer thermostat. Works great.

 

[chirpingcricket]

I built mine out of a mini fridge. Heat with a 60 W lightbulb (100W was too much) have a salvaged fan and wafer thermostat. Works great.

 

[SisaB]

Hey everyone,
I have a sort of unusual question. I have been dreaming of having backyard chickens for a couple years now and was all set to begin to raise chicks last year. However, the Army decided to move my husband and me to Alabama from Iowa last year, and I had to put my chicken dreams on hold for a bit. We have been renting a house in Fultondale and it looks like we will be resigning our lease for another year. We can't have chickens where we are renting because it is in a subdivision and poultry is expressly forbidden in the bylaws. I'm wondering if there is anyone local who would be willing to let me "keep" a couple of chickens with their flock? I would really love to technically own chickens that I can care for and collect eggs from. I would pay for feed and whatever else could be worked out. I would be willing to put in as much work was was needed to host a couple birds. I'm not sure if there are similar "boarding" type arrangements out there that people have heard of or experienced. Just give me a shout out if someone close to the Fultondale area might be interested - thanks!

 

[chirpingcricket]

Hey everyone,
I have a sort of unusual question. I have been dreaming of having backyard chickens for a couple years now and was all set to begin to raise chicks last year. However, the Army decided to move my husband and me to Alabama from Iowa last year, and I had to put my chicken dreams on hold for a bit. We have been renting a house in Fultondale and it looks like we will be resigning our lease for another year. We can't have chickens where we are renting because it is in a subdivision and poultry is expressly forbidden in the bylaws. I'm wondering if there is anyone local who would be willing to let me "keep" a couple of chickens with their flock? I would really love to technically own chickens that I can care for and collect eggs from. I would pay for feed and whatever else could be worked out. I would be willing to put in as much work was was needed to host a couple birds. I'm not sure if there are similar "boarding" type arrangements out there that people have heard of or experienced. Just give me a shout out if someone close to the Fultondale area might be interested - thanks!

Welcome to AL and BYC!!

Gosh, I wish your request would happen more often and also that you live close by!!! We are going on vacation to AK in August and finding someone who could house sit, dog sit and watch the chickens has been a real concern. Luckily, we found someone who can/will fit the bill. You sound like a dream, just out of reach...I wish you the best of luck and hope it happens for you. Chickens are a really neat experience on the path of life to me!
Also, thank you and your husband for serving our great country!!!

 

[Brie6895]

Hi everyone I have had a rough night so far. My favorite little silkie is about to die and there is nothing I can do I've been dipping her beak in water with electrolytes and sugar for the past 2 hours and tried everything to get her to eat. I feel like such a bad momma that I did not take her napping all the time as a serious concern. I did notice she was a bit smaller than my other chicks and even posted something on the silkie thread. But everyone said this was because she was a silkie and not a cochin which made enough sense to me. Tonight I went to pick her up and noticed how limp she was. Coulda been that way all day for all I know and I feel so guilty! But she has always been more of a sleeper ever since I got her. To make matters worse, my fiancé has a tooth pulled this afternoon and is in major pain and took a pain pill which he never does so he's a bit out of it while I'm going through all of this. I was a bit upset at his reaction when I told him something was wrong.

She was becoming my favorite and so sooo sweet. I really want another silkie but I don't think I can go through loosing another chick and my fiancé says he won't let me anyways. On top of that I don't know anyone around me that would sell just one silkie.

Anyways I have come here for a bit of support right now. I have always lurked a bit on this thread and everyone here is so nice and caring, as most Alabamians are don't mean to be a debby downer but today has just been one of those days.

 

[kaybee123]

Hi everyone I have had a rough night so far. My favorite little silkie is about to die and there is nothing I can do I've been dipping her beak in water with electrolytes and sugar for the past 2 hours and tried everything to get her to eat. I feel like such a bad momma that I did not take her napping all the time as a serious concern. I did notice she was a bit smaller than my other chicks and even posted something on the silkie thread. But everyone said this was because she was a silkie and not a cochin which made enough sense to me. Tonight I went to pick her up and noticed how limp she was. Coulda been that way all day for all I know and I feel so guilty! But she has always been more of a sleeper ever since I got her. To make matters worse, my fiancé has a tooth pulled this afternoon and is in major pain and took a pain pill which he never does so he's a bit out of it while I'm going through all of this. I was a bit upset at his reaction when I told him something was wrong.

She was becoming my favorite and so sooo sweet. I really want another silkie but I don't think I can go through loosing another chick and my fiancé says he won't let me anyways. On top of that I don't know anyone around me that would sell just one silkie.

Anyways I have come here for a bit of support right now. I have always lurked a bit on this thread and everyone here is so nice and caring, as most Alabamians are don't mean to be a debby downer but today has just been one of those days.

I'm from just over the line in FL but lurk on this thread. Sending gentle hugs tonight for you and your silkie. I hope you have a miracle tonight with her but if not, be gentle to yourself. You've done the best you can w the knowledge you have and given your hen a good life.

 

[Brie6895]

I'm from just over the line in FL but lurk on this thread. Sending gentle hugs tonight for you and your silkie. I hope you have a miracle tonight with her but if not, be gentle to yourself. You've done the best you can w the knowledge you have and given your hen a good life.

Thank you! That makes me feel better! She is only 7 days old today. But she sure has been my favorite this past week. her life is in gods hands now I don't want to over handle her and stress her out.

 

[Orps]

Hi everyone I have had a rough night so far. My favorite little silkie is about to die and there is nothing I can do

I've been dipping her beak in water with electrolytes and sugar for the past 2 hours and tried everything to get her to eat. I feel like such a bad momma that I did not take her napping all the time as a serious concern. I did notice she was a bit smaller than my other chicks and even posted something on the silkie thread. But everyone said this was because she was a silkie and not a cochin which made enough sense to me. Tonight I went to pick her up and noticed how limp she was. Coulda been that way all day for all I know and I feel so guilty! But she has always been more of a sleeper ever since I got her. To make matters worse, my fiancé has a tooth pulled this afternoon and is in major pain and took a pain pill which he never does so he's a bit out of it while I'm going through all of this. I was a bit upset at his reaction when I told him something was wrong.

She was becoming my favorite and so sooo sweet. I really want another silkie but I don't think I can go through loosing another chick and my fiancé says he won't let me anyways. On top of that I don't know anyone around me that would sell just one silkie.

Anyways I have come here for a bit of support right now. I have always lurked a bit on this thread and everyone here is so nice and caring, as most Alabamians are

don't mean to be a debby downer but today has just been one of those days.

Don't feel too bad. Animals are very good at hiding illness. Keep it warm and hydrated. Rest is up to nature.

 

[chirpingcricket]

Hi everyone I have had a rough night so far. My favorite little silkie is about to die and there is nothing I can do

I've been dipping her beak in water with electrolytes and sugar for the past 2 hours and tried everything to get her to eat. I feel like such a bad momma that I did not take her napping all the time as a serious concern. I did notice she was a bit smaller than my other chicks and even posted something on the silkie thread. But everyone said this was because she was a silkie and not a cochin which made enough sense to me. Tonight I went to pick her up and noticed how limp she was. Coulda been that way all day for all I know and I feel so guilty! But she has always been more of a sleeper ever since I got her. To make matters worse, my fiancé has a tooth pulled this afternoon and is in major pain and took a pain pill which he never does so he's a bit out of it while I'm going through all of this. I was a bit upset at his reaction when I told him something was wrong.

She was becoming my favorite and so sooo sweet. I really want another silkie but I don't think I can go through loosing another chick and my fiancé says he won't let me anyways. On top of that I don't know anyone around me that would sell just one silkie.

Anyways I have come here for a bit of support right now. I have always lurked a bit on this thread and everyone here is so nice and caring, as most Alabamians are

don't mean to be a debby downer but today has just been one of those days.

Awww, Brie, it is sad...no tell tell signs of hunching over, bloody poo, pasty bum, still not eating? You've given electrolytes, sugar water, pro-biotics?

Some chicks just won't survive, like they show up for a visit and then gone. On occasion there are folks looking to give away birds, silkies too, even very recently.

You will b e surprised later about what you learned from this silkie. It will give you more confidence and awareness on your next one. Shhh, no need to mention to DH right now, he's probably trying to protect you from the let down and sadness. Many of us lose chickens/roos along the way. It gets a little better but still sad and disappointing...

Keep us posted, OK? Good Luck

 

[Brie6895]

Thank y'all. She passed away a few minutes ago and is now barried next to my other little baby. She had normal poop. The only thing I can think of is the past two days before today I would hold her and she would drift off into sleep no fight or anything. But I thought It was just because she was so friendly and comfortable to be in my hand. Anyone have an idea what she might of had or why they get lethargic and die so young? The temps in the brooder were fine. She never had pasty butt or anything. She was the smallest out of the 3 I had to pick out of... She might have been a runt. I choose her because she was just so calm when I held her and went.. Well right to sleep. That's why I never thought twice about her not moving around much because she was always to tired and calm.

Thank you for your encouraging words I learn something new everyday!