Doin' The Chicken

[Foghornn]

Could buy your girls some saddles. Have you de-spurred Max? Just a couple thoughts on how to prevent injury AND keep your big-boy.

Never heard of saddles. His spurs are only about a 1/4 inch so far. 3 of their backs were bloody and losing feathers. In two days separated, they look markedly better.

 

[Fishkeeper]

A saddle is what it sounds like. It's a thick cloth arrangement put on the hen's back to protect her from the spurs.
Even if his spurs are short, you should try to do something about them. He's bloodying them up, that hurts them and is an infection risk. You should probably try to file his spurs down at the ends to make them less sharp, or cap them with something.

 

[Foghornn]

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Wow, you've had quite a crazy chicken adventure so far! How did processing the leghorn go? I didn't think they were very meaty or worthwhile..? Yes, your big roo probably needs some big brahma ladies to handle him, I hope you're able to find him a good home. What state are you from?

California. Didn't plan on the leghorn dying. Accidentally smashed her head in the nest-box lid. They were only a few months old when it happened. Not much to process.
Chicken funeral followed.

 

[Foghornn]

Thanx for the welcome greetings y'all.
Meet my compadre Beanie. aka 'Beanerz'. 2yo

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!!

Feel free to check out the links below for some interesting reading. Good luck on your adventures!​

 

[Melky]

Welcome to BYC!
Agree with others. Scratch is only for adult hens 28 weeks and over and basically a treat. You need a complete feed. You can buy an all flock feed if have all ages and a rooster. Can keep rooster in a bachelor pad separate from hens if too rough but agree with other posts. You could also rehome the rooster on our free rehoming forum if do not want him. If you have all adult hens can feed 16% layer feed as well. Also need to provide oyster shell on the side for anyone 15 weeks or older and poultry grit for anyone 8 weeks and older. Limit all treats like scratch, cracked corn, and dried mealworms to 1O% or less of total daily diet. Your hens will definitely lay more eggs if given proper nutrition. Check out our articles section for education and feel free to ask questions. Welcome aboard. ​

 

[Celticdragonfly]

Victorville! My husband and I got married at an SCA war held at a fairgrounds near Victorville, almost 20 years ago. Nice to hear the name again. Welcome to the site!