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

[Fancychooklady]

I use these,

Couldn't find a better picture ( the high one was empty and just hooked up there out of the way) I've since moved them in under the roof of the coop as the fussy girls didn't want to stand in the sun. A bit of dirt gets in the red cup but I just wash it out, inside I've never had to clean just a rinse when I fill it, it's still pristine. With now 7 chooks using one waterer it's lasting 2-3 days till dry, in summer would be 1-2 days till dry but I will have 2 back in there by then. My dog just has a plastic bucket lol

I have had a bag of those drinking cups for more than a year, but unfortunately we have not had the time to install them. Lol, we even have a water tank sitting next to the coops , one day.........

 

[satay]

Good morning folks 

ChristieB I am sorry to read that you lost Sybil.  Congrats on the blue eggs; beautiful!

Lols V1cky at the goose v moth story and chicken v shadow story satay 

Congrats on the bubs Ashburnham .. adorable!

chooks01 I hope you are able to work out what ails your Araucana; how old is she?

Like satay, I have been using ACV every day for two and a half years with no problems. 

Not sure if someone has posted this before but Dr Mike Petri, DVM, MSc [Chicken Vet] was asked by The Chicken Chick what his thoughts were on ACV:

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/07/make-raw-apple-cider-vinegar-acv-with.html

A couple of points:  “Acidifying water alters the gut’s bacteria, slowing the growth of nasty bacteria and giving a boost to good bacteria.  Acid also helps control coccidiosis and Clostridium bacteria which can cause a fatal disease called necrotic enteritis.

“However, acidified water also affects laying hens by making the calcium in her feed a little less digestible”.

“Using vinegar in the water also helps keep bacteria from growing in your water system.  It also smells good and there is some evidence that birds will drink a little more, possibly because of taste.  At the end of the day, it is an organic antibiotic that has a place in helping to control bacteria levels in your flock and altering bacterial populations in the gut.  Just remember that it has some minor negative consequences for the hens, as it makes some nutrients less available to the birds.

“During high heat conditions, baking soda facilitates calcium absorption while ACV inhibits it.  Skip the ACV in the heat, opting for an electrolyte solution instead.”

In summer and winter, besides the two ACV dosed water containers, I also have a container of fresh water available when the girls are free ranging.

As most have suggested, if you are going to use it, keep an eye on them.

How cold was it on Friday? Wow!  I had to work from the office Friday as we had a luncheon to celebrate our Inspire Awards and also years of service … I received my 15 Year Service Award and some very nice compliments from the CEO while he was handing over my certificate and silver/gold/engraved pen .. I was kinda chuffed/embarrassed 

Anyways, on the way to lunch, thought I was going to freeze … the wind was cutting!

We all had a great day in the garden yesterday .. I spent a couple of hours sweeping after the strong winds; the compost bin is now full of leaves etc!  The girls had a great time .. “oooh, look, a pile of leaves; lets spread them around for mum!”.  “What are you having for lunch? Wanna share?”.  “Meal worms? Did someone say meal worms?” "What ya doing? Can we help?"

Crystal has taken it upon herself to chase away any Doves etc that dare to land in the garden.  While everyone else just ignores them, Crystal lowers her head, revs up the motor and charges at them!

KiKi managed to get herself stuck in the twisted vine at the base of a tree but I rescued her, no damage done.  

Crystal and KiKi had me chuckling on numerous occasions; being the bubs of the flock, they are 'fighting' over who is going to be at the bottom of the totem pole; lots of harmless feather raising, gentle sparring and even some ninja chicken moves; chasing each other around the garden etc .. so cute! BUT, major dramas if they get separated or can't see each other; instant panic; sisterly love is strong in these two.

Cilla is spending less time with KiKi and Crystal, who are off exploring and more time with the Aunties; the cord is almost completely cut and she even gave Crystal a gentle peck when Crystal thought she might like to have Cilla's meal worm 

Dust baths all round and enjoyment of some warmth and sunshine .. generally a fun day!

Congrats on your award. It is a great achievement these days to work for the same company for that long

 

[satay]

Hey silkiespekins Welcome to BYC and also to this thread; good to meet you.  Unfortunately, I am not able to help on this occasion, I have no experience with incubators; only having had hatches with broody hens.

As we were sort of on the subject of water containers earlier; while giving my three the weekly scrub, I was just wondering what others use to clean theirs?

I just use dishwashing detergent, warm-hot water, a good scrub and a good rinse following.

I read on a thread that someone puts theirs through the dishwasher???  Just wondering on the thoughts of doing that.

I just scrub with a brush and water.

 

[satay]

My araucana has bitten the bullet only saw 4 blue eggs but better than nothing.

 

[K Spot]

Good morning all!

I just use plain water and a scrubbing brush too - nothing fancy here! I catch them drinking water pooled up in puddles after rain so think they can handle me cleaning out their water container with just plain water and some elbow grease

So Squeak quit sitting on her 2 eggs with a week to go, the naughty thing, so I've had to put them under Whoopi for now. I came home on Thursday afternoon to Squeak sitting on the roost bar with all the others and the eggs were cold!

I hoped for the best and immediately put them under Whoopi. I had a quick candle of them yesterday and saw movement in them

So hopefully I got them under heat again in time so no harm is done.
They are about 2 days behind Whoopi's eggs, so in the even she abandons them I have another broody on my hands, being my Barred Rock who can sit on them for the final 2 days before I give them back to Whoopi.

Condolences on the losses some of you have experienced

Congrats on your hatch @Ashburnham

 

[Deej211]

Well proof that my incubator was the issue. 1st hatch in janoel 24 i put in 12 eggs. Candled at 10 days chucked one infertile and one blood ringed. Just had all 10 eggs hatch out un assisted. Beautiful polish x fluffy butts. One has domed head though :-( thank god i got rid of that incy and bought this one. I now have 12 french marans eggs 4 araucana eggs and 2 ees down. Exciting!

 

[Deej211]

 

[K Spot]

Very cute!

 

[V1cky]

You're DMAC poultry. I've got you on Facebook

 

[Deej211]

You're DMAC poultry. I've got you on Facebook

yes i am. lol. busted bahahaha