Arizona Chickens

[Tanichca]

Hello everyone!
I have great news! https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=547317 oh, and I've got a pip this morning

 

[CaroleW]

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Thanks! They are considerably cheaper than where I would have gone (AZ Feed on Ruthruff and I10). Even considering the drive it is well worth it!

Pet Club in west Mesa at Country Club and 1st Street (just south of Main) has large bags of DE and also sells about a gallon container of it too. Don't remember how much since I got my small container a couple of months ago. It is the right kind (food grade).

 

[Arizonachicken]

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I am, I'm just not sure what to do, if there is anything to do. Heck, I don't even know where her vent is. I mean have an idea, but that's all. I guess I need to look up chicken anatomy!

I am very much a noob,

but after losing my favorite hen (eventually) due to complications from egg-binding and prolapsing (read up on both of these so you can familiarize yourself!!), I would definitely keep an eye on her.

I read that calcium is very important, not only for egg shells but also for muscle contractions (like used in pushing the egg out). We have oyster shell mixed in with feed, so they can eat what they want of it (unsure how effective this method is) but I still notice that one of our hen's egg shells can be very thin at times anyway. Obviously it didn't prevent the hen we lost from egg binding - she was very small (OEGB), and laid large eggs for her size before this happened though.

good luck!

Thanks for the advise! Her eggs have strong shells, but I think I'll pick up some oyster shell anyway. It couldnt hurt, right? I'm hoping it's just the heat and not a physical problem!

 

[Arizonachicken]

I have another question. This time about the deep litter method. You mix DE with the pine shavings, right? What proportions do you all use? Will this work well for a smaller coop? (about 4'x6). My girls don't spend much time in their coop, just to roost and lay. I haven't put the other 4 pullets in there yet, so that may change. The coop never gets wet inside and does have good ventilation. Thanks in advance!

 

[Arizonachicken]

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[Tanichca]

ikr? I'm so excited!!!!
In other news, the egg hatched today! Its a dutch, so tiny, and we named it Cricket!

 

[Mikey D]

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This is excellent info! Thanks, I'll try it when we get home.

 

[Mikey D]

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Anne,

mclevinson uses the DLM and we (control tower & I) couldn't smell anything! I too have a hyper-sensitive beak, cannot stand any colognes and only 1 perfume on the planet. Meg's set up was clean and awesome!

 

[Mikey D]

I guess it is official. All of the signs are pointing this way. I'm scr@wed!

The control tower & myself are in Sedona, for our annaversary and not only did I dream about chickens,

(I was cooking eggs and they hatched! into cute little brown & white mottled chicks, anyone know what kind they were?

)

but I am setting here posting on the BYC forum.

-----------------------------------------------------------

*stands up*

"Hi, my name is Mikey and I'm a chicken addict"

*sits down - face in hands*

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

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Oh man, on vacation, dreaming about chickens and posting on byc. You got it bad. I guess the writing was on the wall once mclevinson got to you.