Arizona Chickens

[Tracydr]

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Weeds? Really? Maybe I should stop trying to weed our backyard and just have our son weed-whack and bring the greens to the hens, when I have them! Are there weeds which are not safe?

Anne.

I give piles of weeds to my chickens, too. And some types of tree trimmings, too!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Thank you! I will go out there and remind them of where they need to be. I think they are just scared of her! I'll be up early tomorrow to check on them!

WHen I am worried about putting smaller birds in with larger ones, I give them a place that the larger ones should not be able to get into, but that they can. I have a bird cage that I will tie up the little doors that you use to put in the food and water cups. I sit it on the coop floor--this allows little birds to enter and exit at will, but theoretically should keep larger ones out. I say theoretically because I've "trapped" a fairly good sized adult a time or two.

 

[Arizonachicken]

Quote:
Thank you! I will go out there and remind them of where they need to be. I think they are just scared of her! I'll be up early tomorrow to check on them!

WHen I am worried about putting smaller birds in with larger ones, I give them a place that the larger ones should not be able to get into, but that they can. I have a bird cage that I will tie up the little doors that you use to put in the food and water cups. I sit it on the coop floor--this allows little birds to enter and exit at will, but theoretically should keep larger ones out. I say theoretically because I've "trapped" a fairly good sized adult a time or two.

Thank you for the advise. Everyone seems ok this morning. The little ones stay away from the big ones. They mostly are hanging out in the coop and the 2 big ones in the run. The Red will periodically go into the coop and flush out the little ones and chase and peck, then she leaves them alone. I hope she tires of it soon! How do I know if I need to remove the little ones? I assume if anyone starts bleeding then yes. But how much harassment can they take? It's so pitiful. There's 4 of the pullets and just one hen bullying them around!

 

[southerndesert]

Good luck with them and chickens can seem so evil at times, but it is simply how it works in their world.

 

[squeakyballs]

The cockerel seems fine today. I can't hear any noises when he breathes, he hasn't sneezed again, there is no dried mucus around his beak. He ate 2 scrambled eggs, a few scoops of plain yogurt, and some brown rice. I'm confused.

 

[AZBootsie]

TT! :

The cockerel seems fine today. I can't hear any noises when he breathes, he hasn't sneezed again, there is no dried mucus around his beak. He ate 2 scrambled eggs, a few scoops of plain yogurt, and some brown rice. I'm confused.

Maybe it was just irritation from blowing dust??​

 

[squeakyballs]

That would make sense!

 

[Arizonachicken]

Could be he had something in his throat and that's what he couched up.

 

[squeakyballs]

That would make sense, too. He's eating now, and not sneezing out any more stuff - so maybe he coughed it up.

 

[CaroleW]

Quote:
Maybe it was just irritation from blowing dust??

I know I am irritated by just going out for a little bit in the dust and it lingers a little if there is no rain to wash it out of the air. So I'm sure as chickens out in that 24 hours a day they would be irritated until the dust clears. I'm glad for you that it is probably not serious and pray it continues to that way!