Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[LOVEIGEE]

We finally broke down and got the Advantix II...but it still didn't work the way it used to. We used that and a combination of Pyrethrin powder and it seemed to kick the fleas. Now I just use the powder and it keeps things to a dull roar. Haven't seen a flea all this summer but will occasionally see him dig his stomach..but can't see a flea when I examine him right after, nor any flea bites. I think we are dealing with regular ol' fleas this year and not the super fleas of last year. The cat digs occasionally and then he gets dusted too.

I think time and the environment took care of the infestation.


Don't have it winterized just yet...too early. But will be adding some features today and will take some pics of that when I'm done. You don't even get winter where you are, do you?

If you don't get temps any lower than 40s, I'd not do a thing but block the wind and rain and leave the rest alone. Cold temps kill germs and the fresh air blows them away. I'll be buckling the coop down WAY less than I did last year, even though I anticipate a worse winter. Learned my lesson last year on this hoop coop..the design keeps it more snug than a traditional wooden coop, I'm thinking, as the coop seems to absorb the sunlight more and block the wind more than my old, leaky and ancient wooden coops in the past.

Okay.....I'll have to get some powder....ran out last time I dusted the chickens.......Believe it or not for the last couple of winters, we did have the teens for a week or two......we stay in the 30's most of the time, but it will dip. Just wanted some ideas of wind barriers for the run using hay. I noticed last year when the wind was whipping, I needed something so they could get out of it....would you put plastic on some of the sides of the runs, or just use hay bales?

 

[Beekissed]

Plastic on two sides would be nice, just to break the wind. Do you all have really windy winters there? I'm sorry but I know next to nothing about the south. They say it never snows but I don't know why not if you get temps in the 30s for extended periods of time. Somehow, I never imagined it would get that cold in Georgia and you'd get icy roads and all that, but that must be the wrong impression....tell me about your winters?

 

[TexasLisa]

It has been so nice here. Perfect temps until yesterday. Was overcast and rainy and in the low 50's. But I still love days like that! Good curl up with a good book, fire in the fireplace kinda day!
It is supposed to get really cool here in the next week. High a couple of days in the 40's and some nights in the 30's. Might get our first frost then too. Today is sunny, and 65! Perfect day! The leaves are beautiful! We are going to clean and scrub out coops, redo roosts, & add poop boards. Going to add a hoop coop for my silkie chicks, to keep over the winter. Hopefully start that this afternoon also. Where in texas are you?

I had to look up Hillsboro, Ohio. You are east of Cincinnati! I use to live in Richmond, Indiana (right on the border of Indiana and Ohio). We moved to Houston, Texas 7 years ago. Lived in a motorhome for 5 years until we found a place in Rosenberg, TX (SW of Houston) in the country. DH and I are happy, happy, happy! We are thanking the good Lord for giving us this place to live on.

Lisa

 

[OHhappychicks]

I had to look up Hillsboro, Ohio. You are east of Cincinnati! I use to live in Richmond, Indiana (right on the border of Indiana and Ohio). We moved to Houston, Texas 7 years ago. Lived in a motorhome for 5 years until we found a place in Rosenberg, TX (SW of Houston) in the country. DH and I are happy, happy, happy! We are thanking the good Lord for giving us this place to live on.

Lisa

That is so cool!! About 4 years ago my DH, DS, & DSIL were working in Houston! They were there off and on for a couple of years. I would stay home for 2-3 weeks, then fly down and stay for a week or two. DH would drive me back and stay home for a weekend then turn around and drive back! We really liked Houston. We stayed in Sugarland, and around Tom Ball and Cypress. City but still country. At least where we were. I think I was in or went thru Rosenburg once. That is close to Sugarland isn't it? It is a small town if I remember correctly. I'll have to look it up!!

 

[TexasLisa]

Yes, you keep heading south from Sugar Land and you hit Rosenberg. If you ever get back to this area, give me a 'whoop and a holler!! BUT you have to stop off in West Virginia and pick Bee up!

Lisa

 

[OHhappychicks]

Yes, you keep heading south from Sugar Land and you hit Rosenberg. If you ever get back to this area, give me a 'whoop and a holler!! BUT you have to stop off in West Virginia and pick Bee up!

Lisa

LOL!! I'm not sure where she is in WV, but if she will meet us half way, she has a ride!! I looked it up and it is very close to Sugarland! I really think I remember driving thru there when we were just out for a drive. If we do ever come back that way, I will let you know!

 

[Beekissed]

Y'all are a hoot!

I do wish I had the where withall to come and visit each and every one of you, just for the fun of it..wouldn't that be cool to drive around the country just visitin' with folks?

 

[Triple Willow]

What about meeting up at a central location for a vacation?!? I don't guess Panama City is too "central" huh? LOL (I bet Nashville is.)

Shhh...or one of us could talk our chicken brother in Hawaii into some house sitting. hehehe

 

[OHhappychicks]

What about meeting up at a central location for a vacation?!? I don't guess Panama City is too "central" huh? LOL (I bet Nashville is.)

Shhh...or one of us could talk our chicken brother in Hawaii into some house sitting. hehehe

I like the Hawaii idea!!!

 

[OHhappychicks]

Y'all are a hoot!

I do wish I had the where withall to come and visit each and every one of you, just for the fun of it..wouldn't that be cool to drive around the country just visitin' with folks?

That would really be a hoot!!! I love to travel! It would be so much fun to meet everyone