Arizona Chickens

[nurseshelly]

I'm so sorry
My Silkie, Flo died a few weeks ago and I think she had the same problem. She was running around like normal the day before, and in the morning I came out and she was barely breathing. She didn't have any signs of illness, so that's the only thing I can think of.

So Blackie, my FBCM hen that I suspected as an internal layer, died today. She was OK this am, ate a little, drank a little, but steadily deteriorated through out the day. She died peacefully.

 

[LarryPQ]

I buy the Nutrena Naturewise for my girls there. I even have a $3 off coupon for that. I do need to buy some this weekend. I do not need the egg carrier, would you like it? I could drop it off on my way home from there.

Ummm..yes! I'll PM you my phone #

 

[kevs-chickadees]

Thanks! The people at Western Ranchman also reminded me that more than one chicken are usually on it at a time. I think as long as two are trying to eat it will be fine. Might still put a weight on We'll see. I'm deciding if I'm going to paint it or not.
How is Henrietta liking your rooster? I hope she's settling in well

She is doing fine, likes to explore a lot. She doesn't have any problems with the others and they have no problems with her. I've only seen the barnevelder show interest in her so far but he is hopefully finding a new home soon.

 

[Mikey D]

Anyone know if a Serama could open a treadle feeder? I hate all of the sparrows messing around in our run

, but I think the Seramas are probably too light. Elivis is a little over a pound, so he could maybe do it, but the girls are more like 3/4 of a pound or so. What do you guys think? Is it worth getting one from Western Ranchman and trying it? Could I change it so it will open easier, like maybe put some kind of 1/2 pound weight on the step, so the Seramas plus the weight would be enough to trigger it? Ideas?

The counter weight would work. You just have to make sure that the linkage doesn't have to much stiction (real motorcycle suspension word) that the cover does not close anymore. I set mine for 1-1/2 lbs.

 

[Mikey D]

Do you have a picture so I can see where you have the counter weight placed?
Thanks!!!

You can place it under the treadle (step).

The closer to the feed the less it will counter-weight.

Tape it in place and move it forward or backwards to adjust it.

 

[Mikey D]

Nurse & AZ - very sorry to hear about the eggs & Blackie.

 

[Mikey D]

Kind of a rotten day. I found out I had forgotten a 3 day seminar that was paid for already.

Thought I was going to teach for the day and this AM got a livid text from my director asking where I was.

My principal covered my classes for the afternoon & I had to jet out to the convention center in Phx.

Two more days of the seminar / summit so I have to come up with activities for my welding students.

ARRRRGGGGGG!

I have to stop volunteering for stuff!

 

[In2Ice]

With the weather starting to heat up, when should us Arizonans start giving our chickens electrolytes? Should we give them all summer long or should we only give them electrolytes in their water every few days or so. I'm new to this so I just wanted some advice from the "Pros". I bought some powder electrolyte package today at Higley Feed so I had some on hand if and when it is time.
Thanks,
Allan

 

[LarryPQ]

I would not recommend giving electrolytes to chickens unless you really know they need it. Mostly because people tend to over-dose. Electrolytes are salts and minerals, and too much can overtax the kidneys of an already heat-stressed chicken.

HOWEVER---if the chickens had access to 2 waterers of water, and 1 waterer of electrolytes at all times....then I would say go for it! Just make sure you are watching the dosages.

 

[Mahonri]

So sad to hear about blackie.

If the two FBCMs that I hatched out at NY are both pullets, I'll sell you one of them.

Blackie's sister gives me 4 or 5 dark eggs a week.