Arizona Chickens

[flower]

When I have a broody with chicks in the flock, I make a creep feeder by using a cage that the chicks can get through the holes but the big chickens cannot get their heads through. I put chick feed and a chick waterer in there. Right now I have little Silkies in my Silkie pen and I am using an upside down milk crate as a creep feeder. They go in through the handle holes.

Sounds good.

 

[City farm]

Have you seen this today.. I love our chciken's have you hugged your chicken today??
tp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuD5vSfFvNs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[ChuskaMtns]

Could you use another GOLDEN Marans rooster just 6 months old ?  My chickens live too close by my bedroom window.  UGH !

No but thank you! I have to find homes for a few roosters myself - 2 buff polish cockerels hatched May 23rd, a white English orp roo & a lavender, both hatched February 10th & a hatchery white leghorn cockerel but if anyone can give this cute little guy a home, he comes with a RIR pullet. The leghorn & RIR are about the same age as my 1 English cuckoo which hatched on 4/19.

 

[kpgoldstar]

Have you seen this today.. I love our chciken's have you hugged your chicken today??
tp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuD5vSfFvNs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

That is so stinkin' CUTE!

 

[FeatherPugs]

I have only had a broody raise chicks once so far (much easier, btw) and I just fed them regular starter/grower. Actually, I've never used the medicated feed. If you feed the medicated the mama will eat it too and when you integrate the whole flock will get it.

Oh I am hoping so - because I can see this girl going broody on a regular basis!! I was able to point out to my DH how pink - instead of red - her comb was - my DH was amazed!

The chicks will develop a stronger immune system if you give them NON medicated starter.

Really good point!

When I have a broody with chicks in the flock, I make a creep feeder by using a cage that the chicks can get through the holes but the big chickens cannot get their heads through. I put chick feed and a chick waterer in there. Right now I have little Silkies in my Silkie pen and I am using an upside down milk crate as a creep feeder. They go in through the handle holes.

This is a great idea - I'll ponder this idea a bit!! Believe me my big girls think starter/grower is good stuff!!!

Thank you everybody for the input - I'm sure I'll have another question or two!!!

 

[City farm]

I just dug up a dozen grubs from my compost pile and threw them one-by-one to the hens. Mass rioting. So hysterical. I might dig a bucketful full of compost now and then and dump it in the pen for them to scratch through ... is that kosher?

I made sure to hand feed my couple of hens who are the bottom of the pecking order by hand so they could get goodies. My RIR that I got from @desertmarcia is getting so personable. Crannie is always the first to greet me and hangs out around my feet a lot. Of course, I've encouraged that by bringing in treats like the cranberry/shelled sunflower mixed from Costco's Superfood Salad. I purposely let them fall around my feet. The hens, especially Crannie, are getting a lot braver. Now they get excited when they see I have the trowel in my hand to dig in the compost pile!

Update on Stubby (BPR) with Marek's. I've been keeping her in my bunny side cage that we used for them when we are cleaning the big hutch. Today I put her in the grassy penned area for a bit (the part with the ticks in it). She hasn't progressed too much at all. Her feet fail her often, but she's getting around a bit on her legs/hocks. She staggers, but doesn't seem to be in any pain. I'm just trying to keep her happy and comfy.

Did they play football ? With the treat? Tat is o funny to watch. Once they have the "football" they need to keep quiet, instead of announcing they've got a hold of it..chicken television..
Keep Us posted on Stubby, poor girl..

 

[City farm]

Here's a picture of a few of my newest flock. Most of them were sleeping, but a few were trying out the branch that we put in the coop. They're so cute!

Agh, they look so happy.

 

[chicksurreal]

Quote:
I think they are! I can't believe how fast they're growing...

 

[chickybobby]

Anyone selling 2-5 (?) Month pullets near new river, anthem, peoria, north valley area? My chicks just died (2 month) and her companion is sorta confused without other chickens... preferably around 2-3 month old, thanks!

 

[chicksurreal]

One of the benefits of living in the desert, this is the beginning of prickly pear wine. With jelly and syrup to soon follow! Yum.