Eastern Tennessee Thread

[bairo]

Question about the sunflower seeds....
I buy a 50# bag of black oil Sunflower seeds to fill my bird feeders. Is that usable? Or is there some special thing about the ones you guys are using for chickens? I get mine at TSC in the big orange bag. Sorry for sounding like such an idiot, just wanna make sure I don't feed mine something that might hurt them. Thx!

Same stuff. BOSS is expensive, but the brand that TSC carries (the large bag on the end cap, not over with the bird seed) is one of the better deals I have seen. Check them out and see if they are cheaper.

 

[tnchickenut]

Blue seal used to make a "breeder" pellet that was about 2% calcium and 17% protein. I liked it really well but rarely got to NC to get any (closest distribute) They just recently changed their entire product line and dropped that formula anyway....so mute subject I guess.

If I could free range pretty much all the time? Then I would move to whole grain formula immediately. The cost would be easily compensated by reduction in feed from free ranging and the birds would be much healthier for it from the natural protein sources of yummy bugs and worms. Plus they would get plenty of grit which is of some concern with whole grain and penned up birds

OK.. I'm done now. I'll let you know when the book is out, LOL

I used Purina's show feed when I worked at TSC and had it ordered for myself.... I really liked it BUT it was more expensive and only 40lbs. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do because if you don't have a house, then where would the chickens go.

 

[tnchickenut]

Anyone have experience with a Great Dane? I'm being offered one for free and just never been around enough to know their temperment and personalities. I have two boxers and a JRT already. I am on the fence. I would like a big guard dog.... hmmmm

 

[littlechicklet]

Anyone have experience with a Great Dane? I'm being offered one for free and just never been around enough to know their temperment and personalities. I have two boxers and a JRT already. I am on the fence. I would like a big guard dog.... hmmmm

We have had 3 Danes. The best guard thing we ever had from them was their size & bark. They tend to intimidate most people but ours were not mean. Ours we very comical and big babies. I think I have mentioned how dh says I coddle them too much.

We decided against ever getting another one due to their short life spans & soooo many health issues associated with some breeds (hips, joints, cancer, bloat, etc). I can get on my soapbox when it comes to AKC, popular breeds, line breeding, etc.

Here's what I would consider: how old is it, what sex (will it mix well with yours), has it had any basic obedience training, is it house trained (in my mind they are not outside type dogs), any health issues (they can cost a small fortune) and is it an Alpha type dog to name a few.

 

[itsthelaw37801]

I forgot to say thanks for letting me know about the sunflower seeds. We got a small bag of them little black things. (wanted to make sure they would eat them before we made that committment). The first day - nothing. I put a few in their food, threw some on their run and then put some outside for them to free range. They went to town on them. I saw ontoday that they were all gone. Those silver laced girls (chubbies) love them. Thanks.



*****it took me an HOUR to get those boogers up tonight******* I put a heat lamp in the run with the guineas since they don't have an official coop. They love it. There is a soft red glow coming from their area. If it wasn't so cold out there, I'd take a photo. But I have two of the guineas that were getting picked on in the coop with the goldens. It took FOREVER for me to get them to go into the coop. And then I put Stang's girls in with the Barahmas in the chicken tractor. They didn't want to go into the coop. I had to literally crawl (and I have a very w-e-a-k stomach) into the tractor, take them one by one and throw them into the coop. GAGGING the whole time.

Bottom line is *****every animal we have is brain damaged*********

 

[tnchickenut]

We have had 3 Danes. The best guard thing we ever had from them was their size & bark. They tend to intimidate most people but ours were not mean. Ours we very comical and big babies. I think I have mentioned how dh says I coddle them too much.

We decided against ever getting another one due to their short life spans & soooo many health issues associated with some breeds (hips, joints, cancer, bloat, etc). I can get on my soapbox when it comes to AKC, popular breeds, line breeding, etc.

Here's what I would consider: how old is it, what sex (will it mix well with yours), has it had any basic obedience training, is it house trained (in my mind they are not outside type dogs), any health issues (they can cost a small fortune) and is it an Alpha type dog to name a few.

That is my thing... what is it's personality like. There are three to choose from two girls and a boy.... all of them are black but one girl has a white spot on her foot. I don't care what color they are, so I asked which one is the most laid back, and they said the girl with the white. I can't have one that tries to be dominent... Greta wouldn't allow it, and to be honest... I wouldn't allow it. I'm alpha and Greta is beta and that is the way it is. I don't want to go into it too much, but Greta knows "left, right, stop, go" and I can't have another dog taking her over.

Which brings me to the next point. I regularly hike with my dogs (thus the left right stuff) and I have Greta trained to be the leader in the woods but behind me on the street.

The vet costs and short life span are a concern. Plus the eating.... the owner says they eat 40lbs a week.

As for how old... they are just 9 weeks or so... like I said, two boys and a girl. He CLAIMS they are potty trained but don't they always say that?

Here is what I want in my next big dog... I want a big dog who will be gentle until needed, at which time, will proceed to tear a intruders arm off and eat it. As far as looks go, I prefer mastiff type faces (mush mouths, I call them)... and preferably one who can be outside 75% of the time guarding the property. Watching livestock is a plus, but not exactly nessicary as I would always be able to get a LDG specifically for them.

 

[littlechicklet]

tnchickenut-

As far as the male/female goes we have always had a mix: sometimes all one sex sometimes not. I think it will depend on the the individual. This goes the same for training but heel is a must with such a large breed.

Vet/feed costs: plan on 2 different size hw pills per month (up to 100# & then whatever they weigh over that), The food thing will be more when pup & even out to no big deal once grown. I do not feed puppy food for more than a few months on large breeds.

JMO but a dane is not going to fit the bill of 75% outside nor tear the arm off an intruder. They may have been originally bred for this but I think for the most part its been bred out of them.

House trained at 9 weeks

I have only had one dog to house break that early and its Gus. He was freaking amazing but he also wanted to be the alpha.

 

[littlechicklet]

Also forgot to say I am a crate person. I think they are the best things ever! If you use one or plan on it include the cost of an extra large crate in the free puppy deal. And ear cropping makes a dane's appearance IMO and also adds to the intimidating factor.

 

[tnchickenut]

Also forgot to say I am a crate person. I think they are the best things ever! If you use one or plan on it include the cost of an extra large crate in the free puppy deal. And ear cropping makes a dane's appearance IMO and also adds to the intimidating factor.

Oh Lord... you must not have google earthed my house. LMAO!!! I have more dog crates then I have had total dogs in my life!! lol. I have dane sized ones down to JRT sized ones... never had a dog in any of them. Just chickens when I need a transport or a sick bay... or a broody house... or a place to put a few for the day while they get "face time" with the flock they will go into.

The more I think about it, the more I think I shouldn't settle. I have a love for boxers and mastiffs and for LGDs I want a kengal (which again is mastiff like). Obviously I have a thing for the working breeds... I like dogs with a purpose. My Jack Russell was a rescued sad story, if not for being told if I didn't take him he would be shot that day... I wouldn't have a JRT either. Luckily he has come to fit into the family but it was rough for a year or so. He still doesn't act like a JRT... but he has made HUGE improvements. I caught him playing with Greta outside when they thought I wasn't looking. it was good to see him happy.

I have a full basement with a doggie door and a fenced portion of the yard attached... so all three of my dogs are free to be in or out whenever they want. The boxers choose to be in, the JRT out. But that is how it is HERE.... I'm HOPING to be able to move soon where depending on the house, things might be different. Again, I think I better wait to see what happens in my life first.

I just hate to see them go to shelter... big dogs don't get adopted as well... neither do black dogs. Maybe I can find a Great Dane rescue for the guy who owns them.

So that said, anyone interested in some Great Danes? LMAO

 

[littlechicklet]

Oh Lord... you must not have google earthed my house. LMAO!!! I have more dog crates then I have had total dogs in my life!! lol. I have dane sized ones down to JRT sized ones... never had a dog in any of them. Just chickens when I need a transport or a sick bay... or a broody house... or a place to put a few for the day while they get "face time" with the flock they will go into.

The more I think about it, the more I think I shouldn't settle. I have a love for boxers and mastiffs and for LGDs I want a kengal (which again is mastiff like). Obviously I have a thing for the working breeds... I like dogs with a purpose. My Jack Russell was a rescued sad story, if not for being told if I didn't take him he would be shot that day... I wouldn't have a JRT either. Luckily he has come to fit into the family but it was rough for a year or so. He still doesn't act like a JRT... but he has made HUGE improvements. I caught him playing with Greta outside when they thought I wasn't looking. it was good to see him happy.

I have a full basement with a doggie door and a fenced portion of the yard attached... so all three of my dogs are free to be in or out whenever they want. The boxers choose to be in, the JRT out. But that is how it is HERE.... I'm HOPING to be able to move soon where depending on the house, things might be different. Again, I think I better wait to see what happens in my life first.

I just hate to see them go to shelter... big dogs don't get adopted as well... neither do black dogs. Maybe I can find a Great Dane rescue for the guy who owns them.

So that said, anyone interested in some Great Danes? LMAO

Good luck on the rescues they always seem full. Maybe he could run an add & offer them for a reduced price?

I have always leaned toward the black animals 4 out of 5 are black and has been a trend for as long as I can remember. Dh's dog is the exception. Also 3 out of 5 are rescue/shelter babies.