INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Chaneys Ranch]

Egg production is still in the crapper here. Doesn't make any sense to me, but what do I know?

I switched to fermented feed a couple weeks ago. Birds have taken to it nicely, and it really does cut the feed consumption. Poop is more solid and less stinky too. Very interesting.

Did it as much as anything as an experiment because I'd really like to ferment feed for the meaties we are planning next year. Pretty sure I'll stick with it for everyone though.

Picking up two new birds today as well. I suspect RSL, but we'll see. Friends of ours got some birds, their kid wanted to take care of them, now he doesn't, and predation took a few, so they are down to two left, no charge, should lay any time. Here's hoping they don't wait until spring to start...lol

If you do meaties, wow will it make a difference! My last batch were on fermented feed from day 1. The odors during processing you normally encounter is almost non-existent. Much better gain on weight, it allows them to absorb more nutrients from the feed also. I used to ferment my Hogs feed also.

Does anyone happen to know what breed of goose this is? My guess was it is just some kind of mix. It doesn't remind me of any geese I have ever seen at shows. Geese aren't exactly my specialty.

Long story short someone just dropped it off. So I guess I have a goose now (which is great,I have wanted one for a long time).

@servpolice Possibly a Buff African, your opinion?
There is clearly African or Chinese in your goose. Also appears to be a gander! Awesome watchdog to help sound alerts to warn your flock about possible predators. Do you have any ducks, or other waterfowl? He needs a companion to help him do his job, even a duck would be a good companion. Ideally another goose or gander. If you have any questions at all please post and will get you answers.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Busy day, a lot of ups and downs. Non-chicken life events but has me still wide awake.
My pigs left to a new home with an awesome family. I will really miss Willow, my Berkshire sow. Willow was a pet for us, almost like a dog. Good mother and a gentle soul. She will have a family to love on her and a barn to live inside. What made me most pleased is the children excited to meet her. I couldn't be happier for her and the piglets. I will likely not be keeping hogs again, just too much physical labor, and time I can't spare right now.
I got up this morning, went to let out Suzy, our 15 year old Boston terrier and found she passed away.

She was curled up in her bed as though she was sleeping. RIP sweet little SuzyQ. We will not be adding any more dogs here. My parents took her passing way too hard, and were still upset tonight. Honestly am grieving also. She was my in-laws dog and came to live with us when both MIL/FIL went through some medical events a few years ago.
"Barn cats" update! My mom insisted to keep the tiny little girl inside, is now her cat, Boots. I have fallen in love with the little tan tiger boy (Jax). He is timid with strangers but oh my, what a sweetheart with us! First cat I have had that will eat a mouse as soon as he catches it. Our 2 black toms are still barn cats (Tig and Chibs). The boys are all named from DHs favorite TV series lol. Very social but really good at their job too. And then, there is Sassy. Dads really old yellow barn cat that will only come and see him when it snows. Otherwise, Sassy refuses to live indoors. Sassy really hates other cats, dogs any other animal in general.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

My guess was he had some African and some heavier breed of goose like Toulouse or something. I have raised various types of waterfowl before and I have some ducks now. So he isn't by himself. Birds in general aren't solitary animals. He is definitely loud,
which I am perfectly okay with. How do you tell the difference between male and female in geese?

(This was suppose to quote but for some reason it didn't)

 

[Leahs Mom]

@jchny2000

It's always hard to lose an old friend.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Just moved the electric netting so the goat boys could get to some nice new weeds and grasses.

Electric netting.












Why, yes...these boys are still looking for a new home!


@racinchickins

 

[Jntnrmn]

I'm just surprised my first year layers have dropped off like they have.
Same here...mine are quite reliable layers...typically 3 dozen a week at least...but only 19 eggs this week and about the same last week.

Until October 8-10 eggs a day was the norm. I've gotten four the last two days. Most of the flock is still in its first year. I know production varies, but I expected better is all. Something seems odd...

 

[Jntnrmn]

Egg production is still in the crapper here. Doesn't make any sense to me, but what do I know?

I switched to fermented feed a couple weeks ago. Birds have taken to it nicely, and it really does cut the feed consumption. Poop is more solid and less stinky too. Very interesting.

Did it as much as anything as an experiment because I'd really like to ferment feed for the meaties we are planning next year. Pretty sure I'll stick with it for everyone though.

Picking up two new birds today as well. I suspect RSL, but we'll see. Friends of ours got some birds, their kid wanted to take care of them, now he doesn't, and predation took a few, so they are down to two left, no charge, should lay any time. Here's hoping they don't wait until spring to start...lol

Would love to learn about fermenting g feed...any trustworthy links?

 

[Leahs Mom]

Quote:
@Jntnrmn

I have one for you. There is a lot of misinformation about fermenting feed. The studies were all done on lacto fermented feed ...not some of what is being taught.

Here's a good overview. There are 3 parts.
http://www.naturalchickenkeeping.com/?p=111


And an audio...scroll all the way to the bottom for the audio player: This one talks a bit more about the different kinds of fermentation.

http://www.urbanchickenpodcast.com/ucp-episode-048/

 

[tmarsh83]

Would love to learn about fermenting g feed...any trustworthy links?

@Jntnrmn


I have one for you. There is a lot of misinformation about fermenting feed.  The studies were all done on lacto fermented feed ...not some of what is being taught.

Here's a good overview.  There are 3 parts.
http://www.naturalchickenkeeping.com/?p=111


And an audio...scroll all the way to the bottom for the audio player:  This one talks a bit more about the different kinds of fermentation.

http://www.urbanchickenpodcast.com/ucp-episode-048/

Good ones there. I looked all over, the normal places mostly. A lot of bad info on BYC threads sadly.

For me, I'm doing it in one container and dipping and refreshing with water and feed every few days. No mold. No stink. It's a sweet smell really.

The difference in the consistency of the poop is almost instant. It's crazy.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

My guess was he had some African and some heavier breed of goose like Toulouse or something. I have raised various types of waterfowl before and I have some ducks now. So he isn't by himself. Birds in general aren't solitary animals. He is definitely loud,
which I am perfectly okay with. How do you tell the difference between male and female in geese?

(This was suppose to quote but for some reason it didn't)

If its loud almost like an ouy oy sound thats for sure african mix. The biggest difference in them is voice, goose have a lower tone. Gander are much higher pitched. Then, legs are longer, thicker and same for the neck. Some breeds will have "lobes" on the belly of the goose, but not gander. Not all breeds however, so thats not the best way to judge. My Chinese hens all do, the ganders do not. More prominent during laying season.