BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[Shellz]

Shelley! So you agree that using wood ash is not only cheaper but kills mites as well?

A good article. Scroll down to treatment of mites. Has me re-thinking my stance on wood ashes. Dirt & some Sevin dust sounds like the way to go until I can clean out the coop this spring.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/05/diatomaceous-earth-de-benefitrisk.html

 

[Shellz]

Put them in a pillow case and use a hanging fish scale. I'm joking but it would work. I got a bunch of crap on one thread for suggesting someone transport their chickens in feed sacks, it didn't go over good with the people on that thread. That's how my father always did it. Once you get them in the dark sack they calm right down and don't even move, kinda like covering the head of a scared horse.

Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Shellz]

That would be nice and soft!  Good idea!  Nowadays I just use duct tape and it works like a charm.  I've even used it to form hobbles on certain roosters so that they couldn't ride other roosters in the pen.  They can still walk, eat, drink, sleep and even roost if they're coordinated enough, but they can't step up to take a ride. 

That's clever & funny!

 

[neopolitancrazy]

neopolitancrazy, I have an 8x8 fully enclosed shed with 8 birds currently occupying that space...There is a rule of thumb for square footage amount needed per bird to use for both your coop space and run area. More square footage area is not always better in a coop space when you are housing less birds. Believe it or not, birds can actually provide a percentage of warmth to the space they live in.

Our Roost, that 8.5x8.5 lean-to was roomy for the breeding pair I had in there last winter, and with the run, it was perfect for them to raise 14 chicks up to about 8 weeks of age. However, when I put "new" birds in the pen, they want a place to hide or get away from each other. The current 4 birds in that pen have had plenty of time (>1 month) to get used to each other, they just don't like being near each other. They are more calm and less stressed with extra square footage.

I know the "rule of thumb" whereof you speak, but my personal experience has shown it to be grossly inadequate. Chickens cluck, sing, preen, dust bathe, scratch and nap when "happy" with their surroundings. They squawk, pace, hide and pick on each other when stressed, such as by overcrowding. Stressed birds get sick, and I don't want sick birds. Please read the previous posts regarding soil health, carrying capacity and not taking on more than you can manage well. Please read Beekissed's thread on rehabilitating the gnarly bunch and what horrendous conditions they were enduring. Please let me know if you would like suggestions for reading material on soil health, rotational grazing or parasite management.

Also, I live in an area that rarely gets a hard freeze, we routinely have January or February days of 70-80 degrees, and the birds are walking around in a down coat. I don't think they need extra warmth in their coop.They would probably appreciate some AC, lol.

Best wishes,
Angela

 

[neopolitancrazy]

I need to know the easiest way to weigh large fowl when they start getting over a few pounds - outgrow the little, digital kitchen scale.

Anybody got any ideas for best scale they use - how you do it? Also I have a rooster that's quite heavy & hard to manage. He's docile, but just not used to being handled much.

I weigh my little birds the same way you do, on a small kitchen scale. I put the bigger ones on a postal scale, the platform is big enough for them to stand on. After dark, they are too sleepy to put up much of a fuss.
Best wishes,
Angela

 

[neopolitancrazy]

ETA: Wood ash is a good addition to dusting material. Dust baths help rid the birds of parasites, but do not count on it. Confined birds are sitting ducks.
Manag

When I had scale mites, I scrubbed the feet and legs of the bird in question, slathered him in petroleum jelly-based ointment and dosed every chicken on the place with pour-on Ivermectin. I also cleaned the coop in question, applied sevin dust to the dirt floor and sprayed all wooden surfaces with an oil-based spray. New birds get the Ivomec as well.

If I see evidence of internal parasites in their droppings, or when butchering, I will treat. Currently, focusing on prevention.
Best wishes,
Angela

 

[Shellz]

I weigh my little birds the same way you do, on a small kitchen scale. I put the bigger ones on a postal scale, the platform is big enough for them to stand on. After dark, they are too sleepy to put up much of a fuss.
Best wishes,
Angela

Yes, they are certainly sleepy after dark. I could just take each bird into the nearby garage to weigh on a table there. Now where I can I find one of these postal scales? An office supply store?

Appreciating the tips folks! I think it will come down to what hubby is willing to pay for a scale.

 

[Our Roost]

neopolitancrazy, Our Roost here again!
I couldnt touch your farm life upbringing with a ten foot pole. I was raised in the urban communities and only frequented farms and the north woods for hunting and fishing and pleasure. Truly not challenging your knowledge here but only commented on the information you provided.
I now understand more of what you are experiencing. Do you find that raising newly hatched chicks together bonds them? I have different cliques of birds that always hang together From dawn to dusk. They were born and raised together and its kind of like a brother sister relationship? Every time I introduce new birds into the coop and flock, they find their own little space or niche to avoid mingling with the rest of the crowd. I find that if they are the same breed there is more harmony except for the pecking order. I can look at the roost at night and see each group that were raised together mostly huddled together. Not always, but mostly. Not all breeds bond together well I am finding.
I have already been well versed on soil health and chicken maladies. Mostly because I experienced them at some point and needed to find out why! Thanks for offering.
Neopolitan is undoubtedly a favorite ice cream of mine! I love stirring all 3 flavors together before eating it. I know, its crazy! I dont want to hear about your weather anymore! Iam praying for spring right now and freezing my toosh off!

 

[Shellz]

When I had scale mites, I scrubbed the feet and legs of the bird in question, slathered him in petroleum jelly-based ointment and dosed every chicken on the place with pour-on Ivermectin. I also cleaned the coop in question, applied sevin dust to the dirt floor and sprayed all wooden surfaces with an oil-based spray. New birds get the Ivomec as well.

If I see evidence of internal parasites in their droppings, or when butchering, I will treat. Currently, focusing on prevention.
Best wishes,
Angela

I agree, vaseline works wonders! After cleaning out coop in spring, I'll scrub them & apply it & reapply a week after & that usually takes care of it.

 

[southernmomma]

Quote:
It's a kitchen scale not a postal scale that I found one at the Walmart that has worked like a charm for $16. It weighs up to 11lbs, has the ounces marked and comes with a metal dish that has a lip. In the past I've just flipped the bird onto its back and held her legs while resting her in the dish. Has worked just fine for feed as well.

M