Arizona Chickens

[City farm]

Wow! I had no idea of how hard it is to hatch eggs. As I said earlier In school we each we gives 2 dozen eggs, we had to build our own incubator. We were to bring one to school every so many days, when we were done we were to have 4 live chicks. I was the only one that hatched eggs. I must have done it right. I made a wooden box, egg Carton bottoms, light, water bowel., and a temperature gage, turned the eggs before school, after school and before bed.

Nice school project.. Did you keep the chickens? You make it sounds so easy.. I did not have everything I needed yesterday. Plus our house temp is about 60'. Another bump in the road. I felt there was to many bumps yesterday. I was so busy at work & Up since 5 o'clock in the morning. I gave up.

 

[Demosthine]

Well, I have another newbie question... Christine, one of my two Barred Rocks, has started squaking this deeper toned, throaty sound. I have nothing to compare it to, either. Her mouth is consistently open a bit more than normal, too. Tonight, my wife noticed she acts like she is going to lay down, but then pops back up like she's uncomfortable. That seems to be when she squak.

I felt near her vent area and underneath her body. I think I'm feeling an egg in there, but having never had a laying chicken before, I'm not sure. Is this a normal pre-egg routine and is the first time harder for them? Should I be worried about being egg-bound with her first egg? It started last night, so it's a bit early to be concerned, I think. No drastic measures or anything. Since they usually lay in the mroning, from my understanding, I'll keep an eye out.

Her nesting box has a placemat in it for softness and a couple golf balls to encourage laying in the box. Anything else I need to know? I didn't see any good "first egg" articles around.

 

[Fuzzybird]

My grandmother would get a towel real warm and damp and hold the towel to the vent area. Helps the egg pop out. You could try it.

 

[KingR0o5t3r]

...

Does anyone on here have some chickens from DesertMarcy? Are they good quality?
[/quote
I bought 2 blue laced red Wyandottes from her. I don't show but they sure are pretty. I was really impressed with all of her birds and her set up. Really clean and nice. I would definately buy from her again, even though she's a LONG way from Scottsdale.

thanks so much that's good to hear

 

[Mama Hen Chris]

Well, I have another newbie question... Christine, one of my two Barred Rocks, has started squaking this deeper toned, throaty sound. I have nothing to compare it to, either. Her mouth is consistently open a bit more than normal, too. Tonight, my wife noticed she acts like she is going to lay down, but then pops back up like she's uncomfortable. That seems to be when she squak.
I felt near her vent area and underneath her body. I think I'm feeling an egg in there, but having never had a laying chicken before, I'm not sure. Is this a normal pre-egg routine and is the first time harder for them? Should I be worried about being egg-bound with her first egg? It started last night, so it's a bit early to be concerned, I think. No drastic measures or anything. Since they usually lay in the mroning, from my understanding, I'll keep an eye out.
Her nesting box has a placemat in it for softness and a couple golf balls to encourage laying in the box. Anything else I need to know? I didn't see any good "first egg" articles around.

How old is she? Is her vent still small, tight closed or enlarged and moist? That is a hint she is ready to lay. Anyhow...

Is Christine walking like a penguin, kind of standing up? Mine would do that when they were having issues laying. I filled my sink, or you could use a plastic tub, up with enough warm water to cover her vent to soak her muscles. While she is soaking I also use a warm wash cloth and hold it on her vent. Do this about 10 minutes. The warm water helps relax the muscles. One of my girls laid her egg in my hand while soaking her. In this weather, you will want to blow dry her and probably keep her in the house overnight so she doesn't get chilled.

 

[squeakyballs]

The girls from Pastrymama

Wow, they are beautiful!

 

[Demosthine]

She's about 18 weeks old, I think. She seems to be walking fine, it's just weird when tried to roost. I'll try the warm water bath.

Thanks.

 

[Mama Hen Chris]

Wow, they are beautiful!

Thank you..I think so too. They are furry balls of fun.

 

[Mama Hen Chris]

She's about 18 weeks old, I think. She seems to be walking fine, it's just weird when tried to roost. I'll try the warm water bath.
Thanks.

You are welcome. I hope this helps and you get that first egg.

 

[KingR0o5t3r]

I know this is unlikely but has anybody ever bought show quality ameraucanas from the breeders in marana. I believe its holly, scott and kathy who run the pace. I just want to know if their birds are actually SQ????