fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

Joanna looking very pretty there at the tail end of the roll call. & That cabbage didn't stand a chance!

I don't either, it seems like a crazy thing!

Which time would you vote for - the spring ahead or fall back version? Everytime it gets changed it seems like the previous one was best

I don't care, either one is fine, they need to just stop moving it.

 

[fuzzi]

Johanna is a pretty girl, but she's also becoming more friendly. She's smart enough to realize that I am the giver of good things. Of the three pullets she is the first and only one to come right up to my hand for a tidbit. The other two are still hesitant, they need to observe the older hens' friendly behavior.

 

[fuzzi]

When I got home from work it was almost dusk, so I planned on just a quick visit to the run to check feeder and waterer levels, and look for eggs.

Zero eggs (Day 9), feeders were fine, but the main waterer was dry! The flock does have a smaller waterer so they weren't thirsty, but since it was late I thought I would just add some water and plan to clean it on the weekend. I took off the lid and saw green, ick.

I used about a cup of white vinegar, an old toothbrush, AND water from the rain barrel to clean it. Then I filled it up, also from the rain barrel! No need to drag the hose from where it is stored.

 

[kcan2]

When I got home from work it was almost dusk, so I planned on just a quick visit to the run to check feeder and waterer levels, and look for eggs.

Zero eggs (Day 9), feeders were fine, but the main waterer was dry! The flock does have a smaller waterer so they weren't thirsty, but since it was late I thought I would just add some water and plan to clean it on the weekend. I took off the lid and saw green, ick.

I used about a cup of white vinegar, an old toothbrush, AND water from the rain barrel to clean it. Then I filled it up, also from the rain barrel! No need to drag the hose from where it is stored.
View attachment 3980753

Do you like the cups better than the nipples and why so? I am thinking of converting mine. Do the cups get dirty or any problems with leaking?

That rain barrel looks like it is paying back it's set-up time and effort with much added convenience!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Which time would you vote for - the spring ahead or fall back version? Everytime it gets changed it seems like the previous one was best

LOL It does seem like every time it gets changed the previous one was better.

I guess I don't really care, just leave it alone, we can "adapt" to the time

 

[NanaK]

I feel the same about the time changes. Either one is fine. I just do not care for the flipping back and forth.

I never change the clock in my car.

 

[fuzzi]

Do you like the cups better than the nipples and why so? I am thinking of converting mine. Do the cups get dirty or any problems with leaking?

That rain barrel looks like it is paying back it's set-up time and effort with much added convenience!

I've not tried the nipples, have used the cups since early on.

Yes, they do get dirty, but I pour water in them daily to rinse debris that gets scratched in. I have it up on blocks to keep out most of the debris.

I got the quality Rent-a-Coop cups, never had a problem with leaking. A second set of cups I got from some overseas business leaked like sieves.

In the winter the cups can freeze, but so can nipples. During an unusual cold spell last year I created a waterer from a tire and a rubber tub. I could pop out the ice in the morning by twisting the tub. The tire was filled with straw, which helped to insulate the tub.

 

[CoopBoots]

I've not tried the nipples, have used the cups since early on.

Yes, they do get dirty, but I pour water in them daily to rinse debris that gets scratched in. I have it up on blocks to keep out most of the debris.

I got the quality Rent-a-Coop cups, never had a problem with leaking. A second set of cups I got from some overseas business leaked like sieves.

In the winter the cups can freeze, but so can nipples. During an unusual cold spell last year I created a waterer from a tire and a rubber tub. I could pop out the ice in the morning by twisting the tub. The tire was filled with straw, which helped to insulate the tub.
View attachment 3981120

I love that tire idea; might give it a shot this winter!!

 

[fuzzi]

With the time change I'm not getting home now until the flock is contemplating going to roost. Hannah was already on the roost when I went out to the run, a little after 5pm. She's having a hard molt, poor gal, she looks miserable.

No eggs, just more rearranging of the nest straw...

 

[fuzzi]

I love that tire idea; might give it a shot this winter!!

Where do you live? It gets below freezing here, but not for extended periods, and very rarely below 20°F.