Ameraucana thread for posting pictures and discussing our birds

[Cloverleaf Farm]

I think I've posted this here before, but I will post again for those that didn't see it. I was told by a LONG time Faverolles breeder that it can be normal for the girls to pick at the boys, but if the girls are picking at other girls, it becomes a "habit" that is very hard to break, and those females should be seperated or culled. I did sell off a Faverolles female once that was picking at the other girls before she taught it to them, and haven't had a problem with it since. None of my Ameraucanas, bantam or large fowl pick at anyone, so I can't say on them.

 

[Illia]

My big question is. . . What if you never catch them in the act?

And I doubt mine are bored or stressed, they've got 2 acres of pasture, three different places to hang out in while it is raining, a good diet, plenty attention, etc.

 

[Noncentzter]

I have another question regarding leg stance on roosters: What is the standard, is it a narrow stance (legs close together) or a wide stance?

john

 

[Illia]

Quote:
Wide. The legs should be well spaced apart, and the hocks should not bend inward. The legs should be straight when viewed from front or behind.

 

[ParadiseFoundFarm]

Quote:
Yeah Ameraucanas IMHO are likely to do this. Especially the bantams. I had bantams for about 3 years and no doing there was always one that had feathers picked out. I gave them the name "feather pickers". That was a trait I tried not to make worse. It can be just the birds mentality, boredom, or stress. If you think it is one of these things and it becomes a problem then mix Vick's Vapor Rub and Grap Kool-Aid together and rub it on the bare area and just keep applying until the feathers grow back and it should stop. For some reason it doesn't taste good to them. You could also try Vicks and chilli powder. Be sure they have plenty of space and try to keep a low stress enviorment.

This is just if it becomes a problem.

Just a couple of questions on this:
Would this sting them? Their skin? Their eyes? Their mouths (the peckers - not the peckees)?
Would it permanately dye the feathers as they grow out??

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:
I dunno. I just got lucky and was in the right place at the right time to see what she was doing...

 

[CRYSTALCREEK]

Quote:
This is the best idea ever! I am picking up some of these tomorrow!

I have to ask, is that a maxi pad in the incubator? I had to do a double take...what is its purpose? I'm always looking for new tips to improve my hatches. Thanks!

Yes, to get the 70% humidity desireable for days 18-21, I have to add one of those saturated with water. Wintertime we run heaters and summertime we run air conditioners and both dry out the air inside the house and it's difficult to bring that humidity up. Sponges are sometimes used; I've had more luck and happen to think a nice clean one fresh out of the wrapper is a little, um, more SANITARY, pardon the pun.

 

[happytxchick]

Quote:
This is the best idea ever! I am picking up some of these tomorrow!

I have to ask, is that a maxi pad in the incubator? I had to do a double take...what is its purpose? I'm always looking for new tips to improve my hatches. Thanks!

Yes, to get the 70% humidity desireable for days 18-21, I have to add one of those saturated with water. Wintertime we run heaters and summertime we run air conditioners and both dry out the air inside the house and it's difficult to bring that humidity up. Sponges are sometimes used; I've had more luck and happen to think a nice clean one fresh out of the wrapper is a little, um, more SANITARY, pardon the pun.

I am soooo glad I'm not the only one who noticed, but I wasn't going to ask. I thought, "Is that a PAD?" Bravo, you are much braver than I? Glad you asked, tho'!

 

[TK Poultry]

Quote:
I cull for feather picking it drives me crazy and most of the time the little concoction doesn't work unless it just started! I just got Large Fowl so I can't say that they do pick but the bantams are bad about it, just from what I have observed

 

[Bravo]

Quote:
This is the best idea ever! I am picking up some of these tomorrow!

I have to ask, is that a maxi pad in the incubator? I had to do a double take...what is its purpose? I'm always looking for new tips to improve my hatches. Thanks!

Yes, to get the 70% humidity desireable for days 18-21, I have to add one of those saturated with water. Wintertime we run heaters and summertime we run air conditioners and both dry out the air inside the house and it's difficult to bring that humidity up. Sponges are sometimes used; I've had more luck and happen to think a nice clean one fresh out of the wrapper is a little, um, more SANITARY, pardon the pun.

I think I'm gonna have to cyberstalk you! You're full of great ideas!! I like that much better than using the wells...there is just no control once the water is in. Lately I've been using a water bottle cut in half with a screen rubber banded to it but the way I've been packing the bator there isn't room lol!