California - Northern

[Hangtown Farms]

Finished the new brooder last night; they all seem much happier with the added space (upgrade from a 100 gallon ag tub). I'm sure I'll be adding a top before they're ready for the big coop. @SpringPeeper all my chicks right now are from NorCal (3 weeks:4 BCM, 2 CLB & 2 weeks: 2 Light Sussex, 1 blue LF Cochin and 2 Bantam Cochins -she's super nice) I'd love to see pics as they grow and compare.

Nice

 

[sewandgrow]

What about when the birds preen? Won't they get it in their mouths if it's in the back?
I like the rat trap.
What's your thoughts on this:
http://www.strombergschickens.com/product/nite-guard/pest-control-and-traps

There are different brands too but I think they are basically the same. I bought 2 after @Lotsapaints recommended them. I had something invade my area & kill three of my best BCM hens even though it didn't get in the pen. I was warned to change their position from time to time or the predators get used to them & don't see them as a threat.

Finished the new brooder last night; they all seem much happier with the added space (upgrade from a 100 gallon ag tub). I'm sure I'll be adding a top before they're ready for the big coop.

@SpringPeeper all my chicks right now are from NorCal (3 weeks:4 BCM, 2 CLB & 2 weeks: 2 Light Sussex, 1 blue LF Cochin and 2 Bantam Cochins -she's super nice) I'd love to see pics as they grow and compare.

Very nice looking. I need to revamp mine. Me thinks I could build a better mousetrap so to say. I want a removable bottom tray for clean out. Cleaning solid bottom brooders is a pain in the rear. A suggested raised hardware cloth floor might be the answer with a tray under it to catch the poo & then just pull it out dump & clean it & put it back in place.

I wonder if worms like chicken poop. I know they like rabbit poop but chicken poop is so strong by comparison. A four box worm system is my next project. $3 for 15 mini night crawlers for fishing I think is outrageous. I bought the 4 containers today. I am still researching. Too many choices European night crawlers, Canadian night crawlers, Alabama jumpers...etc....Wouldn't it be great if I could use the soiled wood shavings from the chicks for the worm boxes. Probably no such luck but I can use it in the compost pile anyway.

 

[Audio51]

Quote: I think if I were designing one from scratch I would make it with hinges so it could be folded flat when not in use. I like the removable tray idea.

 

[AlpineButterfly]

I wonder if worms like chicken poop. I know they like rabbit poop but chicken poop is so strong by comparison. A four box worm system is my next project. $3 for 15 mini night crawlers for fishing I think is outrageous. I bought the 4 containers today. I am still researching. Too many choices European night crawlers, Canadian night crawlers, Alabama jumpers...etc....Wouldn't it be great if I could use the soiled wood shavings from the chicks for the worm boxes. Probably no such luck but I can use it in the compost pile anyway.

Hmmm...

I use red wigglers in my worm compost bin. I think the last time I ordered them from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm.

My gut feeling is that I wouldn't put straight chicken poop in the bin, but wouldn't have a problem putting soiled shavings. But I don't have any facts to support that idea.

Our worm bin is just one big bin, and we put newspaper and vegetable scraps in it. I actually have to check on it... my housemate was taking care of it, but I think he might have forgotten... poor worms!

 

[sewandgrow]

Hmmm...

I use red wigglers in my worm compost bin. I think the last time I ordered them from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm.

My gut feeling is that I wouldn't put straight chicken poop in the bin, but wouldn't have a problem putting soiled shavings. But I don't have any facts to support that idea.

Our worm bin is just one big bin, and we put newspaper and vegetable scraps in it. I actually have to check on it... my housemate was taking care of it, but I think he might have forgotten... poor worms!

Yes Dawn I am very familiar with the red wigglers. I had millions of them for years. They are great for composting but a little small for threading on a hook for fishing so I am researching a "do it all" worm.....LOL So far the 3 I mentioned are the front runners. I guess my "bucket list' has all sorts of creatures on it....LOL. I used my red wigglers for demo at my now grown children's grammar school every year for Ag appreciation Day. I did the composting with worms demo. The kids loved it & would squeal with delight when I used my spaghetti fork/spoon to pull up a huge knot of worms that were hiding in the compost....LOL I need to go pick up my bee hive now that the protective suit, gloves, face net etc has arrived. Working on an imaginary "bucket" list has been quite entertaining. It has given me license to do whatever I want. Aging has to have some rewards........right???.............LOL

 

[ronott1]

Oh! I have questions about bumble foot!

About a month ago, I noticed that there were round scabs on the bottoms of Rosie's feet. So I gave her a bath, and soaked her feet in warm epsom salt water. I did a bit of surgery, but didn't find a kernel. I put antibiotic ointment on the hole, gauze over it, and did my best to attach it with elastic tape, over her feathery feet. She stayed in a cage in the house that day, and I soaked and re-bandaged her feet the next day. But she was getting pretty restless, so I let her out with everyone else, and she promptly lost her bandages. I just let her be, and she's been running around like nothing is wrong. She still has round scabs on the bottom of her feet.

My questions (to anyone in general): do I need to do more extensive surgery to try to find a kernel? do I just keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't start limping? should I try something else to help her fight off the infection on her own?

Bumble foot is a staff infection. It will sometimes go away on it's own so as long as the foot is better do not worry about it!

Pipping starting when I left this am . Black penedesenca

I am hoping too!

I have another pip in the Dorking eggs but none have hatched yet.

I did have a another Arkansas Blue hatch tonight. Two full days and 24 hours after the main bunch hatched. The chick seems fine too.

 

[sewandgrow]

Bumble foot is a staff infection. It will sometimes go away on it's own so as long as the foot is better do not worry about it!
I am hoping too!

I have another pip in the Dorking eggs but none have hatched yet.

I did have a another Arkansas Blue hatch tonight. Two full days and 24 hours after the main bunch hatched. The chick seems fine too.

Good going Jason & Ron. Hope they all make it. I have had hatches last days too.

 

[Hangtown Farms]

Good going Jason & Ron. Hope they all make it. I have had hatches last days too.

Cool I also just set brown red ameraucana

 

[Hangtown Farms]

Cool I also just set brown red ameraucana

And partridge penedesenca from Ron

 

[Wishing4Wings]

I should have some chicks hatching on Sunday

Ooooo, can't wait for pics!

One of my Seramas finally decided to go broody. We gave 7 eggs on Monday night.

She doesn't bite, but sure is scary!