KoaLovesChickens
In the Brooder
- Feb 12, 2020
- 37
- 16
- 26
We've got a flock of 8 and thank God only one (that we know of, confirmed, so far) has worms. We have been giving them yogurt to help with probiotics (as well as electrolytes and probiotics in their water) since we found out until we could get to the store for Safeguard. We are deworming all of them with the Safeguard (starting today) in their communal water as they all share a [big enough] space. They get minimal treats (dried mealworms maybe every other day?), they aren't bored as they have a hanging ball of cabbage/lettuce/cauliflower, radio, two roosting bars, and three nesting boxes. Eggs are collected daily and production has increased to 7-8 daily now that the sun is out for longer.
We live in northern MN and have to use the deep litter method for warmth. We use a rake as a chicken pooper scooper on the daily, but I'm looking for advice to see how you all might help with a cleaner coop. I/we work 14 hour days at least three days per week, so being there 24/7 isn't an option. It's been humid lately and the coop is vented well enough. We thought they were clean enough but obviously it wasn't. We've had them a month or two. What are we doing wrong that poor girl got sick with the yuckies?
1) Cleaner poop/coop ideas? What about when giving Safeguard? How do we keep from re-infestation, or eating their poop and re-infesting themselves?
2) Safeguard egg withdrawal? 7 days? I've read there is none, 7 days, 10 days? Should I just error on the safe side?
3) How much pine shavings should I put down when I put down a new layer? We deep clean it monthly, with daily light poop cleanings, and then now since we found out it's yucky, been taking all poops out. Are we cleaning it too much? We know the poops are good for it to create good bacteria... is that why most of them are not sick with the yucks? Any ideas on cleaning with the deep litter method.
I've done TONS of research but none gives specifics for what I’m asking or I've just missed it. This is our first batch of chickens so we're learning as we go. Please be gentle. Any and all advice welcome!
Help!
We live in northern MN and have to use the deep litter method for warmth. We use a rake as a chicken pooper scooper on the daily, but I'm looking for advice to see how you all might help with a cleaner coop. I/we work 14 hour days at least three days per week, so being there 24/7 isn't an option. It's been humid lately and the coop is vented well enough. We thought they were clean enough but obviously it wasn't. We've had them a month or two. What are we doing wrong that poor girl got sick with the yuckies?
1) Cleaner poop/coop ideas? What about when giving Safeguard? How do we keep from re-infestation, or eating their poop and re-infesting themselves?
2) Safeguard egg withdrawal? 7 days? I've read there is none, 7 days, 10 days? Should I just error on the safe side?
3) How much pine shavings should I put down when I put down a new layer? We deep clean it monthly, with daily light poop cleanings, and then now since we found out it's yucky, been taking all poops out. Are we cleaning it too much? We know the poops are good for it to create good bacteria... is that why most of them are not sick with the yucks? Any ideas on cleaning with the deep litter method.
I've done TONS of research but none gives specifics for what I’m asking or I've just missed it. This is our first batch of chickens so we're learning as we go. Please be gentle. Any and all advice welcome!
Help!
We we’re instructed to give 1.25 to each bird (instead of through the water) on day 1 and repeat in 10 days.
