Australia - Six states..and that funny little island.

[Sidhe13]

Hi guys. So I have just discovered that they have basically stopped producing crushed oyster shell in Australia, due to microbe dust or some such...what do you guys use? Where can I get it? I was using crushed eggshells but am looking for a better calcium source. Is regular shell grit good enough?

 

[Fancychooklady]

Hi guys. So I have just discovered that they have basically stopped producing crushed oyster shell in Australia, due to microbe dust or some such...what do you guys use? Where can I get it? I was using crushed eggshells but am looking for a better calcium source. Is regular shell grit good enough?

Calcium carbonate is available at pet stores. It's only a couple of dollars a kilo.

http://lealean.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=9929

 

[tandykins]

X2 on companion chicks.

I'm trying all local people with new chicks but so far I'm not having any luck. The only other option is my local feed stores which only sell Isa Brown chicks (and I really dislike Isa Browns).

Tandy, how about a mirror?

Three mirrors finally calmed her down a little. I managed to fall asleep with headphones on and by morning she was chattering at the mirrors rather than crying. When I put them in initially she kept trying to run at the chicks in the mirrors and seemed distressed that she couldn't touch them.

Oh good idea that may work. Or buy another couple of chicks.

Because of the flock nature of chickens they hate being alone. And they will stress if they are too hot ensure the areas at the edge are cool enough use a thermometer to check.

It's 42C directly under the light but 26C a couple of feet away (the brooder is 150x40x60 and is huge for a lone chick). We've now got a digital thermometer in there reporting to our computers.

 

[Teila]

Would you look at that, it’s raining again, or should I say “still”

I have the attaching and removing of the run rain coats down pat now; only takes 5 mins and a bag of pegs! Surprisingly, they work .. it is currently raining but Cilla and the Nuggets can still enjoy their extended run and the big gals are not sheltering either.

Thank you for your thoughts on Nugget-gender and cuteness factor.

I was kind of hoping to keep one of the two blue/grey/silver/tan (whatever! lol) ones but as you have agreed, thinking boys!

Technically, I am only allowed to have two more so with the Frizzle and ‘Caramel’ [they will be christened with their real names when I know they are staying] looking like girls and cuties at that, I can’t complain at only being able to keep two and at least I will be legal

tandykins I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer regarding your single chick but sadly can only offer understanding and support.

I have experienced the volume to which a separated chick voices it’s anguish until reunited with Mum so I can sympathise if you have that all day….. poor little munchkin; I hope you find a companion soon.

 

[tandykins]

tandykins I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer regarding your single chick but sadly can only offer understanding and support.

I have experienced the volume to which a separated chick voices it’s anguish until reunited with Mum so I can sympathise if you have that all day….. poor little munchkin; I hope you find a companion soon.

Thank you Teila. Thankfully she seems to have largely calmed and has accepted the mirrors at the moment as her surrogate nestmates. If I can find some more mirrors and things for her to play with I'll add them to her brooder so that she remains occupied. She no longer cries constantly and instead I can hear her chattering to the mirrors in a quieter, social way.

 

[vehve]

Tandy, nice to hear it worked.

 

[IamSamSam]

Don't forget that all those little choc eggs make great cheesecake filling holders

 

[tandykins]

Now I'm having a problem with one of my SLW pullets. Her tail is down and she's sitting very upright, huddled up and a little dozey. My husband told me (only after I noted this behaviour and tried to get her to walk (she stumbles)) that he found her in a container that she'd knocked the lid off of with her leg stuck and he'd had to free her - this would have been good to know.

My first guess was that she was probably ice cold (it's very chilly today and she was by herself, being unable to move much and generate heat) and probably had a hurt leg - though I cannot feel any obvious breaks. I'm trying to warm her up and get fluids and food into her and then I'll see how she is. I've moved her to a warm, heated room with pullet grower and water with hydralyte in it.

With her posture I'd normally suspect that she's egg bound but she's not even at laying age yet. Ideas? No respiratory symptoms that I can see.

 

[IamSamSam]

 

[IamSamSam]

Now I'm having a problem with one of my SLW pullets.  Her tail is down and she's sitting very upright, huddled up and a little dozey.  My husband told me (only after I noted this behaviour and tried to get her to walk (she stumbles)) that he found her in a container that she'd knocked the lid off of with her leg stuck and he'd had to free her - this would have been good to know.  


My first guess was that she was probably ice cold (it's very chilly today and she was by herself, being unable to move much and generate heat) and probably had a hurt leg - though I cannot feel any obvious breaks.  I'm trying to warm her up and get fluids and food into her and then I'll see how she is.  I've moved her to a warm, heated room with pullet grower and water with hydralyte in it.

With her posture I'd normally suspect that she's egg bound but she's not even at laying age yet.  Ideas?  No respiratory symptoms that I can see.  

Oh poor thing. I'd be doing what u are but @Fancychooklady would be better to know. I would think dislocation of hip ? Perhaps? It depends on how she was caught up