Arizona Chickens

[kacklinkelly]

That's a great idea to get the free bees. All that our girls leave behind of the frozen watermelon are curled up strips of the thinnest piece of rind - it's really just the outer green skin. They attack the watermelon. They are so funny to watch when we toss cold grapes or cherry tomatoes out in the yard. Makes us laugh every time. When they are done, they run to our back sliding door and either stare at us begging for more or start pecking the glass. We just enjoy our chickens more than we ever thought we would.

Last year, after the Fall season, I cut pumpkins in half and would put a half out at a time and they would hollow that out as well.

 

[Syl in Tucson]

Thank you for your kind words everyone. Just goes to show that you get back what you put out into the universe.

 

[K9Dave]

That's a great idea to get the free bees.  All that our girls leave behind of the frozen watermelon are curled up strips of the thinnest piece of rind - it's really just the outer green skin.  They attack the watermelon.  They are so funny to watch when we toss cold grapes or cherry tomatoes out in the yard.  Makes us laugh every time.  When they are done, they run to our back sliding door and either stare at us begging for more or start pecking the glass.  We just enjoy our chickens more than we ever thought we would.

Last year, after the Fall season, I cut pumpkins in half and would put a half out at a time and they would hollow that out as well.   

Yeh that's exactly what's left behind when they're done. I throw it in the compost. Thanks for the Pumpkin tip. I think I read that pumpkin seeds are good for internal parasites as well. Anyone else hear that?

I have a couple favorite chickens. One is a Delaware I nicknamed "Girlfriend". She has followed me like a dog since she was 3 weeks old. She hops on me whenever she can and states at my face real close like I'm her man. Delawares are awesome btw. Wasn't someone selling some or something? I am at my max but wish I could have more Delawares.

 

[maryhysong]

OK anyone. I have a very pretty easter egger rooster that I have really enjoyed having. Hatched fall of 2011 so he will be 3 this fall. Earl is not a lap chicken and does not like to be picked up, but he has never once been aggressive towards me in any way. When I come in the coop he just moves away. Calls the girls for treats and spends a lot of energy being mr. busybody trying to keep up with nearly thirty hens when they are free ranging.

However I have decided my next generation I will use a full bred Ameraucana over the hens. So I would really like Earl to go to a nice flock. I mean yeah, I _can_ eat him and may end up doing that, but he is pretty, he is nice, really hate to do that to him.

I will send him free to a good home if someone would like him.

 

[Sill]

how about carcasses of HOA presidents? Lol...

Ah, just freeze them and put out for the chickens to keep cool!

Jesus is free but Religions are not, otherwise how do churches get so rich? who paid for the nice buildings and the salaries of priests? So, yes, those who come to my door are salesmen. The bigger the fan base is, the higher the revenue. Oh, by the way, the word "denomination" also means "the value of a coin or bill", the bigger the denomination the higher the value.... coincidence?

Whats funny is how some of those present themselves. One day this two man showed up, middle age, one Caucasian and one African-American (at least look like so) with a baby in stroller. I really don't know what kind of message they are trying to convey with such a bizarre combination. Another day, this group of gentlemen and ladies show up speaking Chinese to me, I didn't respond to nice cause they woke me up from my nap, and it bothers me that they must have been pinpoint me for a while, kinda creepy.

Enough rant, back to chickens. I caponized a 6-months Bresse rooster yesterday, great success, the guy only crowed three times and very short and low. (probably due to the wound not healed yet). But I keep my finger crossed that he will eventually stop crowing so I can keep him longer. (to fatten up, not as a pet. FYI...)

Was it tough to caponize a 6 month old? Once the testicles get big they can be difficult to get out in one piece. I was shocked at the size of the quail's testicles when I processed them at 8 weeks, 3-4 times bigger than their hearts!

......... How do you stop them from crowing? Mine are 7 weeks And I want to prevent them from crowing! !

.

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Yeah, caponize them. There is a tread dedicated to this process

I have to share this , since its pertinent to what's been discussed recently

. One of my former foster kids is home on leave. He is in the Marines and is staying with his mom for the next two weeks. He called last night and asked if he could come over this morning. I say sure. The young man shows up at 5:30 AM and after hugs and kisses and begging for breakfast, waltzes over to my critter pen and starts working. He says its not secure enough. He has spent the day digging out the fence line and replacing the apron. Also installing more shade cloth tomorrow and painting the eaves on Friday. I asked him "don't you want to relax with your family during your leave?" I must have stabbed him in the heart. He dropped his head and says "You are my family. You and Dad deserve to take some time off. Let me do this for you."
Just when you think you don't have one more drop in the cup, someone comes along and fills it up. He says he is bringing his neighbors' kids with him tomorrow. Gonna have to go grocery shopping!

What a wonderful young man. I think you did good. Post pics of his work please.

Yeh that's exactly what's left behind when they're done. I throw it in the compost. Thanks for the Pumpkin tip. I think I read that pumpkin seeds are good for internal parasites as well. Anyone else hear that?

I have a couple favorite chickens. One is a Delaware I nicknamed "Girlfriend". She has followed me like a dog since she was 3 weeks old. She hops on me whenever she can and states at my face real close like I'm her man. Delawares are awesome btw. Wasn't someone selling some or something? I am at my max but wish I could have more Delawares.

Desert Marcy has some for sale.

 

[City farm]

Found a chicken in the alley near my house this  morning near 86 street & chaparral. nice to know I am not the only chicken keeper around here. hope to get it back to its owner.

What breed? Did you find the owners?

 

[K9Dave]

I was outside doing chores and my little 5 week old White Leghorn almost met her final day. She decided it would be better to jump in the neighbors yard instead of come to me. Problem is the neighbor has 4 pit bulls. They were on it like stink on s$&t. I yelled at them but they just held it down then took it off into the distance around their house. I could hear it screaming. The guy finally wakes up from my yelling and I told him what happened. He was apologetic. I told him it was my fault. He went around the corner, I heard some more screaming and I thought maybe he was putting it out if it's misery. Then he walks around the corner with my chick. No blood. Barely a little red mark. She's scared to DEATH though. I usually move them around with the water hose if it's close. I sprayed and everybody ran but her. She just stayed in the water blast. She's in shock but do you guys think I should seperate her or ? I figured she'd be more calm in with the others so that's where she is now.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

I was outside doing chores and my little 5 week old White Leghorn almost met her final day. She decided it would be better to jump in the neighbors yard instead of come to me. Problem is the neighbor has 4 pit bulls. They were on it like stink on s$&t. I yelled at them but they just held it down then took it off into the distance around their house. I could hear it screaming. The guy finally wakes up from my yelling and I told him what happened. He was apologetic. I told him it was my fault. He went around the corner, I heard some more screaming and I thought maybe he was putting it out if it's misery. Then he walks around the corner with my chick. No blood. Barely a little red mark. She's scared to DEATH though. I usually move them around with the water hose if it's close. I sprayed and everybody ran but her. She just stayed in the water blast. She's in shock but do you guys think I should seperate her or ? I figured she'd be more calm in with the others so that's where she is now.

Oh no! What a close call, surviving four dogs! It must have been gut-wrenching to hear her and not be able to run to her aid. It's hard to say if you should separate or not. If she's not moving or unable to defend herself from the other birds, then it might be a good idea, at least for a little while until she gets back to normal. What a lucky bird and lucky that you were out there at the time.

 

[Macboat]

@k9Dave I would leave her with other birds and maybe monitor for a bit. They grew up together they should be fine.

 

[K9Dave]

@k9Dave I would leave her with other birds and maybe monitor for a bit. They grew up together they should be fine.

Oh no!  What a close call, surviving four dogs!  It must have been gut-wrenching to hear her and not be able to run to her aid.  It's hard to say if you should separate or not.  If she's not moving or unable to defend herself from the other birds, then it might be a good idea, at least for a little while until she gets back to normal.   What a lucky bird and lucky that you were out there at the time. 

Thanks guys.

Chickens are so stupid it irritates me. lol. I moved their run while they were free ranging. I picked up one of the older ones and hung her over the fence with those 4 pit bulls. They came running and snarling and barking and all of the chickens heads popped up and went silent. I thought I'd shown them the danger that lies on the other side of the block wall but I guess not. All my chickens run after me when I go outside except the Leghorn and EE.

I thought for sure she was done so I didn't even bother jumping the fence to help her. I can defend myself against dogs pretty good. Being bitten during training will do that to you lol. I liked this neighbors dogs before but now I like them even more. They weren't trying to hurt her, she was flapping and squealing and it brought out their instinct. They just held her down. Pit Bulls are so amazing if you haven't had any experience with them btw. So gentle and kind.