INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Mother2Hens]

Need some help... trying to breed my D'Anvers. My hens have been laying everyday so I decided to put them with thier mate. I have 4 roos each in their own cage. One started chasing his hen around right away. The other 3 didn't seem interested at all. When out 3 times today and no eggs. How long do you think before the hens start laying again? How will I know if the eggs are fertile? Have an incubator ready to go.

cklewis ~ I know nothing about that stuff, but I'm guessing the hens might be a little traumatized at first, so they might not lay right away.

Click at the "Indiana Members" link at the bottom of my post. You'll see a heading that says "List of Useful Links." There's one about egg hatching that has lots of info and photos -- just keep scrolling.

CCCHICKENS suggested looking at photos on the thread. In case you don't know, there's a Search this Thread feature at the top and bottom of each page. Just type in whatever you're interested in, and you'll see posts discussing that topic. Sometimes it can be frustrating when it's a common topic and a gabillion posts pop up. We all try to help each other, but there may not be someone online who knows, so you can always search to find out more. You can also check out the main BYC site and do a search. Good luck!

 

[Indiana Chicka]

I have light in the coop. They were laying everyday until I put them in the cages with thier rooster. Can't just let them run together. The roosters fight becasue they weren't raised together and they are show birds so I need to keep the right pairs together. I have 3 different colors.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

I have light in the coop. They were laying everyday until I put them in the cages with thier rooster. Can't just let them run together. The roosters fight becasue they weren't raised together and they are show birds so I need to keep the right pairs together. I have 3 different colors.

they were mist likley just upset about the nee living arrangments. (roosters that are raised together can fight and ines that arent can get along, just a piece of info). I also didnt realize that you had 3 different colors. Do you condition your show birds all year around?

 

[Indiana Chicka]

Yes, we keep the roosters by themselves to help them stay in nice shape. The hens are new this past fall. I have 7 hens and they they all live together in a nice little Bacloralate pad.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: She (?) is doing great, I have to take a pic yet.
I do think birds have basic sounds they communicate with.
When my Oldest gander Gee sounds a warning, ALL my birds listen.

Quote: We have 5 acres, and are zoned AG so have just the county restrictions.
I am on my calculator a LOT

I will have to add pics soon of him and our goats. Sophie is growing way too fast.

Quote:
They are doing well! Will take pics of them too!

I forgot some of my chickens in my post. We have a trio of golden polish pullets and a pair of amerucana hens.

Lovely! I really enjoy my polish, have a long ways to go for hatching/breeding.

Quote:

I like looking to see what the larger breeders, not hatcheries are doing.
Really helps to understand what breeds are new here in the US, what has issues.
I do want to choose one heritage breed that's rare to work with. There are just so many...

 

[Mother2Hens]

My husband has Scottish ancestry (Douglas) and wore a kilt in our wedding: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katesherrill/89379802/

Oh-- how neat! It looks more distinctive and special than the typical tux.

Flannel-back tablecloths are a good idea to put under brooders or quarantine cages! I've used sheets of plastic with old beach towels on top, but your way is much more streamlined.
CRSelvey ~ I just searched a little and it looks like West Central Veterinary Services in Greencastle would be the place to call to find out more. Their site didn't mention avian, but all the vets seem to have farms and several specialize in cows. If they don't care for chickens, they could probably let you know who does. Please note that I am not in any way trying to push you to take Lucy to the vet. I am just avoiding doing my freelance work by searching for vets!

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

Yes, we keep the roosters by themselves to help them stay in nice shape. The hens are new this past fall. I have 7 hens and they they all live together in a nice little Bacloralate pad.

o, I see

 

[Mother2Hens]

I have posted this else where but it takes so long to get answers sometimes, but here the questions get answered pretty fast so I'll ask it here as well.
What is Mareks? I tried to read up on it but cant find anything that speaks to a high school grad. you need 6 years of collage to understand what they are saying!!! the only thing I got were the signs. and that it is contagious. is it contagious to just birds or can my goats dogs and horses get it to? my chickens free range so they are around all my other critters.

I forgot to say that Marek's Disease just affects chickens.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

I have posted this else where but it takes so long to get answers sometimes, but here the questions get answered pretty fast so I'll ask it here as well.
What is Mareks? I tried to read up on it but cant find anything that speaks to a high school grad. you need 6 years of collage to understand what they are saying!!! the only thing I got were the signs. and that it is contagious. is it contagious to just birds or can my goats dogs and horses get it to? my chickens free range so they are around all my other critters.

I'm by no means an expert, but I will do my best to answer your questions with what knowledge I do have on the topic.

Marek's disease is a nasty viral disease that leaves the sufferers as carriers. Typically, it causes tumor growth and paralysis of the legs and sometimes wings. Less often, you hear of things like ocular deformity.

It cannot be cured and transfers from bird to bird via dander, which can be picked up at shows, feed stores, and swap meets if infected birds are present. This is why biosecurity is important--don't wear the same clothes from any of these places around your birds! It does not transmit from mother hen to egg, so hatching eggs from Marek's positive flocks are safe.

There are vaccines, but they really only work if given to the birds within the first 48 hours or so after hatching. The vaccine does not cause the disease and will not make vaccinated birds carriers, but if they come into contact later on with Marek's disease they will become asymptomatic carriers. This means they will carry and pass on the disease, but not show any symptoms of it.

It is contagious only to birds, and I believe it only affects chickens under normal conditions. It does not transfer from bird to mammal in any way. You and your critters are safe from infection.

This is an awesome article about Marek's and it's written in a way that's pretty easy to understand. Check it out if you want to know more: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

It just gets better

!

They are just precious

"When will this stuff start growing all over?"

Aww, no worries there will be plenty by april! In the meantime ask for romaine and fodder

Quote: Its soooo yummy, especially after a good steak and potatoes!