Chickens for 10-20 years or more? Pull up a rockin' chair and lay some wisdom on us!

[Pullet Surprise]

Most people don't know a grasshopper can bite.

Walt

Boy ain't that the truth!!! What a surprise that was, painful on the finger tip....

 

[Beekissed]

Until you put on a pair of pants with a wasp in them and emerge unscathed I don't think you have any special powers..........lol I have done that and let me tell you that he got me about 6 times before I know what was happening.

Walt

Yes!!! This!!!

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
I've never used Bluekote before, so I can't give an accurate comparison. NS is so versatile that I use it for many things.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I've never used Bluekote before, so I can't give an accurate comparison. NS is so versatile that I use it for many things.

I have used Blue kote and I can tell you I won't again after getting Nustock, might get a little yellow from the Nustock but it sure beats being purple for weeks and not just your hands, clothes and anything else it touches. Nu stock wins hands down.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Most people don't know a grasshopper can bite.

Walt

So can a Praying Mantis, I found that out the hard way.

 

[armorfirelady]

So the past 2 days when I have come home the hens have been out in the yard, not in their fenced in run. Yesterday I thought they flew over the fence. I put them in their secured run for an hour or so for time out then let them out again.

Today my friend dropped something off at my house & they were out again .......so as he tried to round them up he found how they were getting out. Hole in the fence. he stacked wood in front of the hole so they would stay in till I got home from work. They were still in where they were suppose to be so I decided to cut the lawn/leaves & figured dumping the cut grass & leaves in the bare spots in their run would keep them occupied till I fixed the fence after. Those hens thought it was Christmas in October.......scratching & digging for bugs. Plus I figured it would mulch down over winter & rejuvenate the "dead" ground & encourage the worms to get to work so next spring grass/weeds would grow again.

I fixed the 2 holes I found. Apparently something is chewing through the fence to get in the run. I dont know why there is only grass & old veggie plants in there. I am guessing its a bunny (they have chewed threw plastic fence around veggie garden before. There is no sign of any predators trying to get in the coop or secure run thats why I am guessing a rabbit.

I went back in the house to the kitchen & looked out the window to see a hen out again. Yup I missed another hole. At least this time I followed the hen to see where she got out. Blocked that hole as well. They were content to stay in the run digging thru the leaves and grass clippings till bed. Guessing I need to start looking on Craigs list for metal fencing to put around the run. I just hope the town building inspector doesnt stop by to check the coop & say I need a fence permit lol

And Walt:
My 28 weeks old Partridge Rocks still aren't laying. I got them from a lady on Craigs list as pullets I am hopeful they have a little heritage blood in them. They are growing nicely but slowly and they are beautiful with their markings & feathers. They are just starting to get their "pant leg" feathers as I refer to them. The largest hen is btw 6-7 pounds the smallest about 4. Sure are pretty girls. And the wattles & comb still are small & tail feathers grown out about 1 inch so far so I know they still have some more growing to go. I can wait for them to lay eggs since I just enjoy having them (& I dont think my chances of getting 4 hens who wont lay are pretty slim )

 

[thedragonlady]

So can a Praying Mantis, I found that out the hard way.

The worst thing that is out right now on the East coast is the Puss Caterpiller. These nasties look like animated little pieces of fake fur.If you touch one, you will think you are going to die. Everybody Google these guys. They come in all shades of tan, green, brown, etc. I killed 4 on my deck railing overlooking the polo field yesterday. Lots of people end up in the ER because of these guys at this time of year.

 

[Mountain Momma]

Most people don't know a grasshopper can bite.

Walt

 

[thedragonlady]

The Puss caterpiller does not bite. It has stinging hairs all over it that will make marks on you that you will never forget. Don't touch one!

 

[Pullet Surprise]

I promise you...grasshoppers can bite and bite hard!