INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Mother2Hens]

I am with out a tom in my Midgets, Gonzo found the stupid burning bush and my assumption is he dined on berries on that nasty bush. He went from vibrant and healthy in the morning to shivering, sweating and died in the middle of the night. I was just devastated. Its the only explaination I can find for the sudden illness and death. He was a very sweet tom, and my favorite heritage tom by far. After my hysterics and loss of my beautiful tom, they are removed.. too late. I am on a rampage again about poisonous plants and bushes on our land, and taking it on myself, hoping I don't tear up the tractor removing them! DH saw me ramming the bushes and used the box blade to take them out. Too late for my Gonzo. I have got so cautious about plants here if I can't identify it, it goes, period. Several stumps I have hand sawed the japanese yew off! They are all getting replaced with safe berry bushes. RIP my Gonzo, you were awesome my buddy.

I'm catching up on the thread and was shocked to hear about your Gonzo! How horrible! I am so sorry.

What a handsome Tom. As upsetting as it is, it's beneficial that you let us know so that hopefully the knowledge helps save other animals.


(online photo that shows burning bushes taking over other plants)

Yikes, my chickens have always dug around my neighbor's Burning Bushes. I've mentioned before on this thread about how invasive those bushes are and that they and other types of Euonymus (that I constantly battle) are illegal in some states. They're pretty for a few weeks in the fall, but they sprout new seedlings, produce large amounts of seeds, and smother habitats. I didn't know they were toxic, too! Earlier this summer, I posted on the thread that Purdue had issued a warning about the spread of Poison Hemlock, which is highly poisonous to people and animals. I carefully dug some of it up and discarded it in a trash bag as they suggested, but it's still growing. I've noticed that the chickens have stayed away. The Pokeberry plant is another poison weed (people and animals) that pops up all summer. I dig them up, and the roots are the size of sweet potatoes. It's curious why some animals eat poison plants/berries and some don't. I read some articles online, and found this publication/theory that explains different factors that can affect an animal's decision to eat certain things: Why Animals Die From Eating Poisonous Plants
Originally Posted by Ol Grey Mare
Anybody else being hit with the Asian Lady Beetles this week?

@Ol Grey Mare
Are you referring to Lady Bugs? That's what we call them here "Down South."

And we say both Opposum and Possum.
I think it's really interesting that we say, "You guys," and I've seen a lot of Northerners on this thread saying, "Y'all or You all"! I'm guessing that we say "you guys" to differentiate us from The Kentuckians across the river!

@kittydoc Your new adoptee, Beavis, is one lucky dog!

Kudos for helping your hoarding neighbor's animals! It is so sad to see animals suffer. It's a tough situation when an adult needs mental health care, but won't get it. I'm sure the process takes a toll on you! I've been doing what I can to help Mandy and the peacock hoarding rescue project, but you actually living next door to a bad situation must be especially stressful.

All of us animal lovers are appreciative of your dedication!
@chick rookie My cats have never eaten a chicken egg, and they're afraid of my mean posse of hens. If the stray cat at your house isn't being fed, it might be eating eggs. I don't have barn cats, but I'd think that those who do would supplement their diet with cat food. Besides making sure they get the correct nutrition, if a cat knows it's getting supplemental food, it's less likely to get desperate and starting eating eggs and chicks and whatever else. And then the kitty needs to get fixed and get rabies shots, etc. If you can't care for it, you can tell your DH that you're still allergic!

Btw, I had a cat once that we would occasionally notice with a bird egg in its mouth, and he would go to the concrete sidewalk and drop the egg! It was crazy because it's like he knew how to crack it open so he could lick it up. Weird.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Nice brooders, just keep that netting away from the lights. That dear netting melts extremely fast with even a standard 40 watt bulb.

I've already started trying to think of how I want to brood my next batch of chicks. Of course I'll need to sell out of pullets before I'll start setting again. And there is the opening cleaning of the incubator to do as well. I did a closing cleaning but now the incubator has been sitting empty for a few months. To be honest, its been kind of nice.

Agreed. Had a very upsetting hatch this round and am so stumped. All eggs were developing, 1 hatched the rest died at or before external pip. Lost the hatched duckling this evening. Have almost 3000 hours showing, so no power loss. Several duck and last 2 turkey eggs just quit. I have the large quail hatch the 26th, 60 are clearly developed out of 68, WTG to JMF! 3 goose eggs and a handful of duck eggs the 6th. Will be shutting down until late winter.

Hey all,

Life has been crazy and a hectic mess. Just have not been able to keep up with anything, least of BYC (and that was all before our latest problem -see below)! But miss being here, and hearing about your chickens. I'm getting so little sleep as it is, but now I am here for moral support and advice - see below. First - INDY ReZONE - pretty much happening at this point. I was unable to attend the last committee meeting due to a family issue, then went out of town so I missed the full City Council meeting where they passed it - but they edited it so it has to go back to MDC for them to okay it - which may have already happened. Not sure if it has to go back to City Council for a final vote or not - no doubt right now that both MDC and City Council will pass it. But in roughly 6 months (from when it is officially passed) it will be enacted. I felt like I was fighting a one woman battle, and could not be there til then end, but honestly not sure it really mattered.

But the nightmare has begun for us. Well, our neighbor declared war 16 years ago, this past year has been intensive attacks, mainly false reporting using using city resources. She told us she was calling animal control and code enforcement 2 weeks ago, so we've been waiting and wondering.

We got the code enforcement letter today. I am a basket case, hubby, my rock, is not here. I am researching - and honestly finding it hard to figure out where it says the specific things they list are violations since they are not listed in the sections they refer! Not to mention they list things we aren't doing! We will be battling with code enforcement. I will be honest, I am very hesitant to put any details here on a public forum. If anyone has dealt with, or knows anyone who has dealt with code enforcement regarding their birds, has any advice for me or has researched this stuff for the city of Indianapolis and can give me some input please PM me. I had researched previous to buying chickens BUT 2 weeks ago our computer crashed, while our external drive was hooked up and it was fried too, so my research is gone. We are trying to recover files - no luck yet.

I'm sure I don't have to express the agony this is causing us to all of you.

Oh and Kudos to @pipdzipdnreadytogo for her article on chickens and supplemental heat. Great article and thanks for sharing your expertise! In case you all didn't
see it https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...site&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email

Wow, Its sad your neighbor doesn't try to know you. Certainly their loss! I am baffled why you are being harassed, but MHO is because some one isn't happy you were fighting it.

I am so sorry! I know how much you, and your family love your birds. You certainly don't need the stalking from a crazy neighbor either.
Make notes to each "violation" and start there. As always PM if you need to talk. I can give you the "animal control" perspective on the alleged violations, at least from my experiences.

 

[Mother2Hens]

Just to share. The awesome details @mother2hens put together! I just couldn't have asked for anything more beautifully done!

gofundme.com/peafowlrescue2015

Yay! I just noticed your post.

Spreading the word via Facebook!

When's the next rescue attempt, and can I come along?

Thanks, @Indyshent ! @ellymayRans /Mandy said that she would let the thread know when the next date is confirmed.
Our Indiana Thread has been so helpful and supportive of the Peafowl Rescue Project! It makes me Proud as a Peacock

to be a part of this amazing thread!
PLEASE Help ~ Use social media, email, etc. to spread the word about this ongoing project!
Please copy and paste this link: gofundme.com/peafowlrescue2015
Every dollar counts! Thank you for helping save these abandoned birds!!

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: If I can make it I absolutely will help too. I shared the gofundme link on my facebook page also.
I see the donations starting to come in! Folks really want to help, especially when they see others so passionately doing what is just the right thing to do.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

I am still up, last few days have been long and super busy. Pulled up all but my original goat pasture and one hog pen today. We purchased 660 feet of new field fence tonight! DH is on a roll. He found telephone poles to cut and use as corner posts, and we generated at least 25 Tpost for the new pasture and paddocks from what was here, just reused. Starting to tear out the old coops also and replacing with breeder coops.
Goats and hogs will be very happy with the larger space we have planned. Electric fencing going in once its done. Also adding a new building for farrowing piglets.

 

[Mother2Hens]

To get rid of scaley leg mites, you have to suffocate them. Oil will do the trick, but pick a healthy oil!

Some ideas are in this post...

http://organicgardening.inmysanctuary.net/wordpress/2013/02/scaley-leg-mites-on-chickens/

Nustock does a great job but stinky!
Lots of folks use vaseline (I don't like using petrolium products myself).
Dipping the legs in oilve oil (have to repeat several times over the course of a couple weeks).

Vet RX that can be used on the legs as well. Tractor Supply usually carries it. http://www.jefferspet.com/products/vetrx-poultry-remedy

@daskhan I've battled scaly leg mites on my Barred Rock, Tweedy, for two years. She's apparently very susceptible — typically if one chicken gets them, they all will end up with them since the mites are in the coop. But she's been the main one with the problem. I have tried totally cleaning out and steam cleaning the coop, and then repeating it two weeks later when they hatch again. I've always cleaned poop and extra feathers (mites like to cling on) out of the coop every day. I've soaked her legs in warm water and epsom salts, gently brushed her legs with a soft toothbrush while soaking, followed by antibiotic ointment (nothing with 'caine ingredients). The best treatment has been Vet Rx. Like Leahs Mom said, you have to suffocate them. The camphor is supposed to kill the mites, and the oil smothers them and soothes the legs. Use it to cover the legs and feet for three straight days and follow up at least once a week. After they improve, you can put some Vet Rx in a little dish and add some vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, etc. with it or just use the oil alone. They will hatch out again in the coop. You can mix some non-toxic lime* in the coop bedding to smother mites. Some people mix a little Sevin dust in bedding.

lime* I've posted before that I use lime to help deodorize and dry out the deep litter in my coop—and it helps suffocate mites. There's "good" and "bad" lime for chickens, so I want to make sure I'm clear about which kind to use: It's basically pulverized limestone. Here's a definition: Agricultural lime, also called aglime, Biolime, agricultural limestone, garden lime, is a soil additive made from pulverized limestone that also can contain chalk and dolomite. The primary active component is calcium carbonate. Do NOT use hydrated or slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), also called quick or burnt lime or builder's/construction lime or pickler's lime.

Silkie scaly leg mites ~ I noticed last week that one of my silkies, Ditzy, had a sore foot. When I looked at it, it looked like she had stepped in some kind of pale yellowish liquid that had dried on her foot. My DS suggested that it may be scaly leg mites even though they looked different from Tweedy's. Since Silkies have five toes and feathered feet, it makes examination more difficult. My son has a microscope that enlarges up to 40X, so he held her foot while I looked in the microscope. It looked like chopped up fingernails and cuticles were stuck to her foot! I could understand why it would hurt to walk! I felt terrible that I hadn't noticed until they got so bad she couldn't use that foot. For four days, I gave her warm epsom salt soaks followed by Vet Rx and extra oil because of feathery feet, and I've continued applying oil every night.

 

[Indyshent]

I was wondering if since he's had this since I bought him and none others have or had it if it's possible they are scares?

Most roos aren't initially fond of being handled. Treat him whenever you pick him up. walk around with him a bit, then give him something super tasty. This method has worked wonderfully for me, and all of my roos are really good about being handled now.

 

[Indyshent]

Few updates that will hopefully get pictures as the day progresses:

Last night, an aunt, an uncle and a cousin and her twin toddlers came into town from Kansas and Wisconsin to stay at my grandpa's house and celebrate his birthday. I brought over Noisy Boy (silkie rooster) and Brienne of Tarth (Dark Brahma hen) for the kids to pet and play with. Both chickens performed exceedingly awesomely with all adults and the seven children (oldest was ten, youngest is about two). Only two girls of the bunch; the rest were ultra-rowdy boys. Even with all the noise and babies chasing them, the chickens were very calm and enjoyed the attention (for the most part). I got to talk chickens with my cousin, whose husband has been trying to talk her into them, and got to inform the lot of them about poultry keeping in general. Had a really nice time

Grandpa also loaned me his huge live animal trap for the opossums under the house. I baited it with some cracked eggs and peanut butter, and lo and behold, we caught the giant mommy possum! Woot!

Will drop her off in the woods around Fort Harrison and set the trap again to catch her babies.

 

[pbirdhaven]

Spent the day at the hospital with mom. They found 2 heart valves leaking, and are looking at options for valve replacement now. Since she is a dialysis patient, open heart surgery is not an option. Please keep my mom, (Sally) in your prayers. Looks like its moms turn now, guys

. Dads pretty shook up tonight.

Consider it done!

@pipdzipdnreadytogo I missed earlier posts about your article but caught it this time--great information!!

@ellymayRans Posted on my facebook page and tagged everyone I thought might be remotely interested.

 

[chick rookie]

I'm catching up on the thread and was shocked to hear about your Gonzo! How horrible! I am so sorry.

What a handsome Tom. As upsetting as it is, it's beneficial that you let us know so that hopefully the knowledge helps save other animals.


(online photo that shows burning bushes taking over other plants)

Yikes, my chickens have always dug around my neighbor's Burning Bushes. I've mentioned before on this thread about how invasive those bushes are and that they and other types of Euonymus (that I constantly battle) are illegal in some states. They're pretty for a few weeks in the fall, but they sprout new seedlings, produce large amounts of seeds, and smother habitats. I didn't know they were toxic, too! Earlier this summer, I posted on the thread that Purdue had issued a warning about the spread of Poison Hemlock, which is highly poisonous to people and animals. I carefully dug some of it up and discarded it in a trash bag as they suggested, but it's still growing. I've noticed that the chickens have stayed away. The Pokeberry plant is another poison weed (people and animals) that pops up all summer. I dig them up, and the roots are the size of sweet potatoes. It's curious why some animals eat poison plants/berries and some don't. I read some articles online, and found this publication/theory that explains different factors that can affect an animal's decision to eat certain things: Why Animals Die From Eating Poisonous Plants
Originally Posted by Ol Grey Mare
Anybody else being hit with the Asian Lady Beetles this week?

@Ol Grey Mare
Are you referring to Lady Bugs? That's what we call them here "Down South."

And we say both Opposum and Possum.
I think it's really interesting that we say, "You guys," and I've seen a lot of Northerners on this thread saying, "Y'all or You all"! I'm guessing that we say "you guys" to differentiate us from The Kentuckians across the river!

@kittydoc Your new adoptee, Beavis, is one lucky dog!

Kudos for helping your hoarding neighbor's animals! It is so sad to see animals suffer. It's a tough situation when an adult needs mental health care, but won't get it. I'm sure the process takes a toll on you! I've been doing what I can to help Mandy and the peacock hoarding rescue project, but you actually living next door to a bad situation must be especially stressful.

All of us animal lovers are appreciative of your dedication!
@chick rookie My cats have never eaten a chicken egg, and they're afraid of my mean posse of hens. If the stray cat at your house isn't being fed, it might be eating eggs. I don't have barn cats, but I'd think that those who do would supplement their diet with cat food. Besides making sure they get the correct nutrition, if a cat knows it's getting supplemental food, it's less likely to get desperate and starting eating eggs and chicks and whatever else. And then the kitty needs to get fixed and get rabies shots, etc. If you can't care for it, you can tell your DH that you're still allergic!

Btw, I had a cat once that we would occasionally notice with a bird egg in its mouth, and he would go to the concrete sidewalk and drop the egg! It was crazy because it's like he knew how to crack it open so he could lick it up. Weird.

As far as vetting the cat... We cant get near it and a live trap don't work either. DH has been feeding it in the barn so maybe 1 day it will let him get close enough to catch it.

I am still up, last few days have been long and super busy. Pulled up all but my original goat pasture and one hog pen today. We purchased 660 feet of new field fence tonight! DH is on a roll. He found telephone poles to cut and use as corner posts, and we generated at least 25 Tpost for the new pasture and paddocks from what was here, just reused. Starting to tear out the old coops also and replacing with breeder coops.
Goats and hogs will be very happy with the larger space we have planned. Electric fencing going in once its done. Also adding a new building for farrowing piglets.

Congrats on the new pens going up, I know every time we get to improve its allot of work but well worth it.
Telephone poles last forever.