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

[Anniebee]

Good morning Friends

GodCilla spent the majority of yesterday in containment, about which she was not totally impressed. The rest of the flock, however, seemed quite pleased with that arrangement.

In the afternoon I closed off the nest box, let everyone out for a free range, including GodCilla.

GodCilla played nice for a short time, just minor hormone infused warning pecks but as the afternoon progressed so did the pecks. Hubby was trying to keep her at bay with a water pistol and whenever she approached the flock there was no backing away slowly, more of a ‘OMG, she is baaaaack, panicked scatter’!

When GodCilla jumped on Crystals back, pinning her down and going at her comb like a rabid woodpecker, Dusty broke it up. When GodCilla jumped on Blondie’s back and repeated the above, I broke it up and GodCilla was back in containment!

Blondie’s sitting on top of the containment cage doing a ‘nah, nah, nah, nah, nah happy dance’ after that may have been just a little on mean side

Anyways, because I do not trust the containment for overnight, GodCilla got to sleep on the roost last night and while she was not as bad this morning is back in containment until I can go outside and supervise.

Interestingly, Dusty [2IC] and Cilla have lived together for two years now and I have never seen Dusty stand up to Cilla; after Dusty broke up GodCilla’s first attack, they actually shirt-fronted each other, hackles raised etc.

GodCilla’s crankiness this broody phase is the worse I have seen … does anyone know if as they get older their hormones during broodiness can make them crankier? Or, is she just being a bit more determined this time around?

Tee hee Anniebee I actually had a dream last night that I trapped a Crow in GodCilla’s cage! I believe it may have been sparked by GodCilla’s current mood, Crows and the fact that I watched Jurassic World last night

Regarding the free ranging guinea pigs .. I guess they could just be like a dog in the garden, some Chihuahuas are not much bigger than a guinea pig but guinea pigs are probably quieter and less inclined to nip

locknest4 good to hear that everyone was on the roost and yep, they sure do excel at ‘follow the leader’. If one is thirsty, apparently they all are thirsty .. same with hungry and even broody!! Lol

I loved the Silky rapture story also. Hubby calls BYC ‘Chooky Chat” … “You on Chooky Chat again?” lol

Tee hee Bethan .. love the “just browsing” .. whenever I tell hubby I am off to the feed store [who usually have chickens for sale] regardless of what he is doing, within seconds he is in the car to escort me … this has nothing to do with excitement at buying chicken feed but everything to do with making sure I do not bring home any surprises

Lol at chicken hoarder satay
I am a nervous Nellie that all is OK with Patsy and hope the news is good … maybe she is just trying to delay that shear as long as possible

Teila ...

I have said this before, and will say it again .... you should write a book. Nope - you MUST write a book.

You have such a way with words, and your comments here, almost every day, are priceless. I get a great deal of enjoyment from them, as I am sure most everyone on here does.

In 1945, a book was published, written by one Betty McDonald, and ironically called "The Egg and I". Was one of the funniest books I have ever read. Was about her being raised on a chicken farm ... and the day to day adventures - plus other asides in her life - that were so very amusing and entertaining.

You could go back ( I am absolutely serious here ) .... over all your comments from day 1 ... and copy and paste them to a Word Document. I have tried that from here on BYC, and it works well.

Then you'd have the fun of sorting it out - editing to make story lines etc., Could be done, should be done. You have a real talent.

p.s. must have been a fun dream you had Teila !! I would give up on watching Jurassic anything while Cilla and crows abound. !!

............

On a slightly more serious note ... ( and I am sincere with this comment ) .... is there anything anyone can give a chicken to calm it down ? There are some drugs that can be given to dogs ( and cats ) to calm down aggression, nerves and wilfulness. They are admittedly chemical in compound, but do the job when an owner has torn all their hair out over the problem.

So of course, I am asking if something could be given to GodCilla --- who is now almost back to Cilla again ( I note from a further comment of yours Teila ) ... but for the purpose of the exercise, do you or anyone, know if such a thing can be given ? Just in case e.g. Cilla becomes GodCilla again or for that matter, anyone else has these kinds of attack problems from broody chook hussies.

AND ( please nobody laugh ) .... there seem to be always a number of cockerels hatched, in hatchings. .... So - here goes.

Can a cockerel be given some form of castrating medication - so's he doesn't want to cover everything that moves, but retains his ability to protect the flock ? It seems so very sad to me, that ultimately cockerels end up in not such a nice way ... when given away to those who want them - for whatever reason. ?? I realise it could be confusing to the hens - but then, having noted that my hens squat for me, for Miss Ruby dog, and even for the leaf rake - perhaps it would not be so bad for them. While in egg laying mode, they squat !!

And if such a thing could be done, would it reduce a roosters crowing ? After all crowing, is the cocks way of announcing their dominance, apart from any other reason.

Just a thought ( weird I know ) .... Anyone here, with any answers to that ?

Have a good remainder of the weekend, all ......

Anniebee. ...

 

[locknest4]

Hi Anniebee, regarding cockerels and their crowing I did come across a most unusual thread on BYC a while ago. It was about an operation that removed (I think) the testes from the young male. The end result was a less aggressive, more easy going and less crowing rooster. I just can't remember the name of the procedure. I think it was conching or something like that.
Just found the term - it's called caponizing!

 

[appps]

Yes it's caponizing, and if you read a few threads on it it's done with no anesthetic by the owners. Considering that in a rooster the testacles are actually internal and up near their back I find it hideous it's still done. Especially considering it's main purpose is simply to get more hen tasting meat when they are later butchered. Ugh. Makes me shudder every time I see the thread about it pop back up in the feed. Apparently because the roosters don't scream in agony it means they can't feel pain being cut open (roll eyes)

 

[Teila]

Good morning Friends

[Apologies for what I now realise is a long post]

Got startled awake by an evil black butted nemesis just before 5am this morning, far worse than any wake up alarm .. he was so close and so loud I could have sworn he would have been sitting on my pillow! Wish he was, then I could have smothered him!

At bed time last night GodCilla had returned and earned herself another stint under containment until everyone had gone to bed, then popped her on the roost. However, this morning, while she was being baby GodCilla around the food bowls, I opened up the nest boxes, fully expecting to have to put her back in containment, so far she has ignored them [just checked again and GodCilla may just be in hibernation til next time

]

Aaaw .. those pics are adorable ChristieB. I love BYC but I have learnt that it is advisable to have a thick skin, patience and a sense of humour. I am guilty of taking some comments to heart but remind myself that some of the comments posted are ‘random’.

It is very much like a real life room full of people having a long, deep and meaningful conversation or think tank .. if you throw in a new person, they are going to say stuff without knowing all the facts or that it has already been covered. While some in that scenario would keep quiet until up to speed, others jump in feet first

LanaDucky that is quite a menagerie you have there, you will fit right in

Sorry, that I am unable to help with the duck question, no duck experience here.

Welcome Back Sam …. Nice pics; I hope you had an enjoyable break.

Great pics also locknest4 .. love the compost dwellers!
My gals have learnt that the compost bin is some sort of chicken treat dispenser and spend much time waiting patiently at the air hole for something to crawl out.

Woah Bethan! While I will put my hand up and take a slight percentage of the blame for bantam number three .. number four is 100% on you! Lol

Seriously now .. congratulations! Can’t wait to see them. Yep, two is much better as they will have each other for company while integrating … chicken math strikes again!

The look-do-not-touch set up you have now is a good start. I usually do that for at least a week or so. Quarantine is also recommended but I understand with your courtyard situation, this is probably not possible. I have had to wave quarantine at times and have been lucky.

After the above, I let them free range, supervised .. space and distractions are wonderful aids during integration. A water pistol comes in handy also for any pecking that gets a bit intense.

One thing I have found very helpful is to actually leave the existing chickens in the coop/run and let the newbies have an explore of the garden, without the threat of being picked on. This gives them the chance to feel comfortable and also know where the good hiding spots are and where to run if picked on. While the existing flock are not happy about being locked in while the newbies are outside, they get over it and it may help them to realise that the newbies belong.

I also reverse this .. let the existing flock out but keep the newbies locked in but with access to all areas so that when the divider does come down, there are already familiar with the whole coop and run.

Anniebee I totally agree with your social media comments .. Facebook in particular. While I do not spend very much time on it, I like Facebook because of the ease at which I can stay in touch and share news/photos with family and friends interstate and overseas without having to find time for what are usually long phone calls, but yep, I have lost a couple of friends because I did not want to see graphic pics and read their rants about particular subjects they are passionate about. I know the world is not perfect and I also know that I cannot live in a bubble and while staying up to date on current events, I prefer to research that and gather all the facts … not be greated by graphic pics before totally awake and only two sips into a cup of coffee

Thank you for your very kind words about my writing .. a couple of people have told me that. While I do enjoy writing and hopefully make some people laugh, I am not everyone’s cup of tea …. Maybe one day, when I retire

I actually think that is a good question about chicken calmers .. there may be some food or herb etc that does that. I know there is the old myth that Turkey contains Tryptophan which makes you sleepy and while there is a bit of truth to that, research also indicates it is because of all the extra helpings of food that go with it that you get sleepy.

I agree with locknest4 and appps in that caponizing is done by some and like appps, just the thought of it makes me shudder; definitely not something I would consider.

I also found a thread I remembered reading on surgery to modify the voice box of the rooster: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/705084/decrowing-roosters

There was another one somewhere also that I could not find but the poster had lost a couple of roosters during the procedure and also from infection following the procedure.

PS. Someone mentioned that they have no idea what I look like so, as I know I am sometimes intrigued as to what others look like .. this is me:



Even though it turns this already long post into a novella, I just wanted to add:

I knew I should have trusted my gut and not the sweet faced ‘I will be good mum’ Cilla … I just checked again and no Cilla .. found her happily hunkered down in a nest box … what is the bet that 30mins on a LuLu egg has undone 4 days of good work?

The GodCilla containment zone once again has a resident

 

[Bethan]

"Sunday Mornin Comin Down" ... with a "Storm Front Comin on the Radio" for Perth. Thanks Teila for your positive feedback & introduction free range tips. Thats the bit i was wondering about. Ruby & Harry are in their yard at present with Rube giving the newbies serious attitude through the wire. They are callin her bluff (although i dont think she's bluffin!!) Was watchin all this ove my mornin heart-starter black coffee & felt the first twing of real affection with the new girls. Could have been the coffee but i think im "Fallin in Love Again". Think i will call them Lily & Rose. I use my mobile for BYC & pics are not so easy to get onto the forum. Will get that sorted as soon as i can.

 

[Bethan]

Teila, a message for Cilla: "Now Cilla,. as a mum & grandma i really do understand where you're comin from. However, ive only known Teila for a week or so & im tellin you now, there is NO WAY you are goin to win this battle!!!

 

[Teila]

Teila, a message for Cilla: "Now Cilla,. as a mum & grandma i really do understand where you're comin from. However, ive only known Teila for a week or so & im tellin you now, there is NO WAY you are goin to win this battle!!!

lolz Bethan she has won three times in the past and current score card is Cilla: 3 .. Me: 2 .. I need this one for an equalizer

[Hhhhm, it is a bit sad that I am keeping score with a chicken! Being that I am not normally competitive, I do believe this means that I have indeed reached the lofty heights of 'Crazy Chicken Lady'

]

 

[RodneyRooster]

well i havent been on for almost a week! Feel so out of thing lol. Ive missed many posts but from this last page i will try to reply to as much as i can.

Teila u should know by now that u cant just feel sorry for Cilla and hope she'll be good lol. I totally agree! U should def write a book at some stage thanks for sharing the pic i always wonder also.

Im sorry locknest i cant remember what i was going to say to u!! Too many posts to look back lol.

Well i've been slurped in nicely by you guys, most particularly Teila. Had plans to head over Middle Swan area tomorrow anyway & now decided to call in at Coups ... "just browsing" ... right! If they cant guarantee a bantam hen i can see me bringing home another 3/4 leghorn (love them too Locknest). As i understand it im better to get point of lay age for safer integration. Also am mentally working on the safe, slow process for that. I'm excited

Browsing HA! Dreaming lol. Yes POL is generally a good age to introduce as theyre old enough to protect themselves as best they can.

lol at chicken hoarder . I had a guy on the chicken math thread have a go because I have more than the council limit, (only 2 more not including the chicks) even though that is the whole point of the thread!! then I was contacted by admin because I called him out on it. I forgot about the difference in language used here compared to America and apparently asking what sort of an a*$e he was to run someone down that he doesn't even know was "flaming" I don't even know what that is. I'd just had a really bad day and didn't want to take any crap.

The chickies are a week old!!! They are loving their 2 mummy's but I need to figure out a bigger pen very soon. I've already used all my extension bits. Ginny is broody again and not giving up! Need to figure something out for her because I'm not giving her any eggs!

Not cool. Yay for the week old chicks! :-D

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. My menagerie is quite large and consists of dogs, a cat, parrots, fish, reptiles, a spider, and of course the chookyducks as my partner calls them.

My duck has fully accepted the older duckling that i gave her on hatching day to foster. Its quite a bit larger than the ducklings she hatched out but she doesnt seem to care. Meanwhile my hen who hatched out 1 chick from 10 eggs makes a decent mum after all.

Am wondering tho. My kids are itching to hold the ducklings but georgie has her mama duck cranky pants on. If i let them hold the ducklings will georgie get used to it and calm down or will she lose her mind and possibly abandon the babies?

Welcome!! :-D so glad to hear she is a good mum. Omg a spider.. not another crazy person who thinks theyre amazing lol! Not my cup of tea..


Ive just remembered i was going to say that from what ive learnt on here silkies introduce well but generally need another silky or similar passive breed so they have someone else on their level. Is that what ur post was about @locknest4? Lol.

Well I have some great and not real great news.

My first hatch of chicks are doing so well!! Almost 1 week now. Miss Vonte has been an amazing mother through sitting and raising. Cant get any better. All the other chooks have taken her and the chicks back in with no initiation pecking or bossing at all. Ive been shocked at how perfectly the integration has gone. Suprisingly, the chicks even help themselves to food whenever and straight away when i feed them in the mornings, they dont wait at the back until the higher up ones have finished and the big ones dont care one bit! As i mentioned previously the first day Miss Vonte kept them in the box until the others had finished eating before she brought them out but since then its been surreal!

They are just so adorable roaming their probably 600m2 area with all the others.

On a sadder note after all her hard work, snow- broody no.2, doesnt seem to be hatching. The day before i moved miss vonte in with the others i gave her last seemingly delevoped egg to snow and when i did (she was scratching in the yard) the others didnt feel very warm. I think shes spent too long off them at a time :-( dont think theyll hatch. They would be spread over a couple days but the first lot should have hatched friday. From the 3 eggs i managed to get a peak at last night there is no zipping so i have pretty well lost hope for them. Will candle tonight and get rid of them if need be. Poor darling, all that work. If they all turn out to be quitters do we recommend popping her straight back in with the others (keeping in mind there are almost week old chicks) or taking the nesting box out and leaving her there for the day to make sure she doesnt go lay on a new box straight away.

Very sad :-( that was 17 well formed eggs we have probably lost. The massive increase of 30 chooks i was hoping for is certainly not as massive anymore..

 

[locknest4]

Yes it's caponizing, and if you read a few threads on it it's done with no anesthetic by the owners. Considering that in a rooster the testacles are actually internal and up near their back I find it hideous it's still done. Especially considering it's main purpose is simply to get more hen tasting meat when they are later butchered. Ugh. Makes me shudder every time I see the thread about it pop back up in the feed. Apparently because the roosters don't scream in agony it means they can't feel pain being cut open (roll eyes)

Yes I came across the thread in new posts and watched a video showing caponizing being done. At first I had no idea what it was about and so read on some more in the various threads. It's certainly not something I wld do and I don't believe for one minute that the cockerel doesn't feel any pain. Yet I realize that farmers who do it are raising their flocks purely for meat eating. As I consider my chickens pets, the idea of eating them is abhorant to me. But I do eat chicken that I buy from the shops, which comes from broiler farms.

If one of my chicks had turned out to be a rooster I wld be hard put to cull it. I think we wld probably keep it (even tho my husband is opposed) because we are now attached emotionally. We live in a semi rural area and can keep roosters.
If someone lived in the suburbs where roosters are banned then caponizing (done under anesthetic by a vet of course) may be a better alternative to keep their beloved pet.
So, not saying it's right or wrong, just thinking everything depends on circumstances and point of view.

 

[satay]

Update on patsy. i wasn't home when vet came yesterday so info i have is from hubby. Patsys fine vet said her waters are intact so what i thought i saw being broken waters was obviously something else. I am a city chic after all. Waiting on the shearer to arrive this arvo sometime and if nothing is happening after that she is going to give her a shot to bring on her labor properly. Update on zeus. He seems to be getting better each day still.