Illinois...

[chickendreams24]

Oh goodness. poor birds. I hope it doesn't spread.

 

[ChicagoClucker]

Oh goodness.

poor birds. I hope it doesn't spread.

Unfortunately, I read today it has been found at I think it said 7 poultry farms as of today. So its on the move. Ugggggg

 

[Faraday40]

Yes, here's the AI so far. (10 cases)

http://www.in.gov/boah/2390.htm
Turkeys are more vulnerable & it seems to be contained in one county for the moment. Very concerning that every state bordering IL had AI last year.

 

[Faraday40]

How is everyone's flock dealing with the super cold?

I applied the "Bag balm" to all the combs & wattles last night. I think my roos may have still gotten a touch on their tips. Does anyone know how often to apply? (Daily? or does it wipe off quicker?)

 

[Faraday40]

I guess I can answer my own question. My flock hit a new egg record. So far, I got 6 eggs today! Unbelievable!

I have 15 (13 female) and have been getting 2-3 eggs daily. The cold snap hits & POW, they start laying. I have no idea why. Yesterday we got 4 eggs. (One was a Easter-Orp's 1st egg. So cute & very green.) I wish I could go out there to spend time with them, but due to the cold, only the basics. Thankfully, the run is like a greenhouse & our coop is insulated.

 

[ChicagoClucker]

All my Roos were out today and a couple of the girls. I had to chase them in at 4pm it was too cold. I had both doors open, so they weren't even in their covered run, they were out on the patio and deck. I think they were trying to soak up the sun.

As for preventing frostbitten combs, I don't put anything on. I just try to make sure I have good ventilation, so no moisture builds up. Although after them being out today, I will be checking their combs tomorrow morning. Even the bantam cochin hen, roo and youngsters were out today. They must be bored or crazy!

Congrats on the big egg count. I am up to 4 a day, woo hoo

 

[cavemanrich]

The cold snap hits & POW, they start laying. I have no idea why.

I think I may have the answer, CHICKENS MUST THINK FREEZER CAMP AROUND THE CORNER,

 

[Faraday40]

Here's what we got in the last 2 days!! 11 eggs! I can't believe it. WoooHoooo!

If I'm doing something right, I have no idea what it is. I certainly don't think the weather is the cause. (8 out of 13 hens/pullets are laying.)

The green one is especially GREEN & also big for a 1st egg!




Go Easter-Orp!

 

[4stakes]

Faraday, what color are the Orpington eggs? We want to hatch some and trying to tell which ones to keep.

Thanks, Kevin

 

[1ChicChick]

I dont think my girls like the cold. Theyre holding up ok. I believe it will be warmer tonight (-20° windchill last night)

How is everyone's chicks holding up in the cold? Mine seem to be handling the weather ok, besides being tired of the snow and cold. Mostly everyone came out today on the patio because its shoveled, lol.

I have had 2 problems though, 1st problem is a 7 month old black Orp named Sophia who likes to bully all the young (3month) orpingtons. She pecks, pulls feathers and really targeted my splash roo. I have grabbed her numerous times by the tail, just to get her to stop. Well, I found her going after my splash roo again in the afternoon and she had him bleeding on his side. So he is in the basement for some R and R. She is the only one picking on them. What can I do about it? Should I separate her for a bit so she can drop in the pecking order? No matter what she will still be above the youngsters. I can't wait for the breeding pen and put the older ones in by themselves for a while.

Second problem was when I opened my broody coop this morning. Since they are still in there by themselves and with this cold snap, I put in the old metal trough feeder with the openings. Well, Clara my broody must have gotten a drink of water and shook or maybe the babies where drinking also and shook, that must have gotten her comb wet. Then when she went to eat, and putting her head in the metal holes, her comb must have been sticking to the cold metal. There was blood stuck to the feeder, and then I looked at her poor comb. It was like she didn't feel it and just kept eating. So she came in, got cleaned up and applied some blue kote.

I'm ready for spring to get here!