INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[kabhyper1]

And it is possible that their brooder is dusty and making them sneeze. What bedding do you use? I use sawdust for the chicks and they havenever tsneezed with that, but thats the only bedding I have ever used is sawdust so I dont have experience with sand and chicks. The chicks dont get the privilage of sane yet lol, only the adults

They have wood chips from tsc. They have discovered their love of digging and get way down in the bottom where the dust and food particles settle. today is the first time I noticed sneezing.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

They have wood chips from tsc. They have discovered their love of digging and get way down in the bottom where the dust and food particles settle. today is the first time I noticed sneezing.

all I can suggest is to do a little research

 

[kabhyper1]

all I can suggest is to do a little research

It's hard to tell. Its just clear nose liquid and sneezing. They were kinda panting earlier so I moved the heat lamp. They are getting a lot of feathers so I think 90 and 75 was too hot. It is 79 in the middle of the brooder now and no more panting. They are eating and drinking fine. Their poos are fine too. If they are still doing it tomorrow, I may start them on antibiotics. I dont want to take any chances.

 

[goodb]

Newbie Questions

1) leaves and grass--I read that several people collected up leaves and yard clippings in multiple bags (even from the neighborhood). interesting. Is that for using as "litter" or laying on top of the snow in the run? What precautions do you need to take? Wouldn't the leaves etc need to be dry to avoid mould and rot? Do the bags need air holes? Do you need to store them somewhere dry or just leave them bagged outside by the house?

2) Speaking of "litter" and chores etc. In addition to the coop & run, I need to plan for a shed. Somewhere to store feed, and litter and other things. (I am thinking of a lean to on the coop.)

what else do I need to have shed space for? A rake, my winter bowl heater (during the summer), what else. What do you regularly use for the upkeep of the flock? How much room do you recommend?

Thanks!
Dex

Hi Dex,
I want to address this since I haven't seen anyone else having done so. I use leaves and grass clippings as a bedding for the compost corner I have. You can see a video I'm going to remake here:

I did this for several reasons One: give my birds something to do. Two: it's what they do naturally so I encourage it while they help me make compost. Three: it gives me a place out of the way to toss kitchen scraps and they know they're going to get something yummy when I head that way. Last: It encourages worms to come up and I don't need to say anymore about that.

I wouldn't worry about drying the leaves, they will over time. Regarding the other questions, I believe the rule is 1.5 square feet per bird is the minimum.

I'm sure someone else will chime in.

 

[Leahs Mom]

If it were ME (and that is the disclaimer) I would leave them be and not medicate. It is very likely dust. If they don't act sick in any way, I wouldn't treat anything.

How old are these kiddos? Sounds like the heat is way too high.

 

[kabhyper1]

If it were ME (and that is the disclaimer) I would leave them be and not medicate. It is very likely dust. If they don't act sick in any way, I wouldn't treat anything.

How old are these kiddos? Sounds like the heat is way too high.

They are 3 weeks and 5 weeks. I turned the lamp because some were panting a little. The panting seems to have stopped. Would being to hot cause sneezing? Or a runny beak? Their brooder is clean, but I wonder if I should clean it anyway.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

They are 3 weeks and 5 weeks. I turned the lamp because some were panting a little. The panting seems to have stopped. Would being to hot cause sneezing? Or a runny beak? Their brooder is clean, but I wonder if I should clean it anyway.

Being to hot wont cause their nose to run or sneezing

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

If it were ME (and that is the disclaimer) I would leave them be and not medicate.  It is very likely dust.  If they don't act sick in any way, I wouldn't treat anything.

X2

My little girls this year started sneezing around the time they discovered scratching as well and I use TSC's shavings, too. I wouldn't worry about it unless you start seeing some signs of them not feeling well.

 

[odbo9]

Hello all Hoosiers! Though I am now living in the Bluegrass state I consider myself almost a Hoosier. I was born and raised in Anderson, In and retired from Delco-Remy. I still have family living in Anderson. I am a retired farmer now and started raising chickens and turkeys. Though this is my last year for the turkeys! Too much trouble babysitting them. They like to wonder too much! This is my 3rd day on this web site and must say I do like it. Well will get off and will be checking on you all often.

 

[Dex Holla]

Thanks Goodb,
I like the compost area. Actually the space recommendation is for a "shed" to keep all my chicken stuff--feed, tools, etc. Also what tools do I need to have.
Dex