INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Chaneys Ranch]

Wow i missed so many posts, but I want to shout a warm welcome to new members that jumped on the thread

We talk about any critters, not just chickens. Feel free to share your new puppy, old cat, favorite horse, pet duck... I only ask that we keep it clean, family oriented and follow forum rules. Need to vent? We are here to listen, please feel free to do so!
For any that are not aware, we have a member page with lots of links, member list and events. Want to be on the member list? You can send a PM to CluckAcres, bwindell, Mother2Hens, Quinstar or myself to be added! We can also list your birds, sheep, goats, pigs etc. lets help each other find the animals we are looking for, or offering for sale.

 

[strssdmom]

Im trying to find a plant that will vine on my wire over run for shade.

Why not grape vines? They cover well.

 

[strssdmom]

Well, thinking ahead, I am wondering what you all use in your nesting boxes for nesting substrate???? I was considering straw, but some people have told me there are a lot of mites that come with straw. So, what do you use? Are you happy with it?

 

[ldymelissande]

Thanks Sally, I know the paper is messy, but it is working. My mother is allergic to pine shavings, I am allergic to ceder shavings and my husband sneezes at whatever it is they bed ferrets on at pet stores. Allergies were responsible for me having to rehome my guinea pigs in middle school. BEsides the most mess right now is from them tossing the bits of chick feed they don't like out the front of the wire cage. once in a while one of them will get a strip of paper stuck on a leg and look like they just walked out of the bathroom thought

They have learned that the baby cereal box is good stuff and now wait at the front of the cage when they see it.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Well, thinking ahead, I am wondering what you all use in your nesting boxes for nesting substrate???? I was considering straw, but some people have told me there are a lot of mites that come with straw. So, what do you use? Are you happy with it?

I use pine shavings if I run out of grass clipping, pine needles or leaves from last fall. dried grass is really nice as well as stays put well.
I have used shredded newspaper in a pinch but really don't like to. I will also use hay, but straw scares me. My dad lost 2 dogs over the years eating the stuff, and it will not absorb anything either.
Grape vines are an excellent idea too. I really enjoy trumpeter vine, love seeing the hummingbirds every summer

which just reminded me time to get the feeders out!!!

 

[sirbuster]

Had a really long day found a leak in coop had to bring everyone in so hubby could fix it , have two age groups they are fine in coop but in box not so good the older chicks were picking on younger ones and my older turkey was trying to save them so the chicks turned on the turkey I had to jump in and get her and they younger chicks out then fix her up, boy was there a lot of blood. I think she will be ok I have her with the younger chicks. But now the Tom is crying because they are not together, he picks on the younger chick coop should be ready tomorrow .

 

[sirbuster]

Had a really long day found a leak in coop had to bring everyone in so hubby could fix it , have two age groups they are fine in coop but in box not so good the older chicks were picking on younger ones and my older turkey was trying to save them so the chicks turned on the turkey I had to jump in and get her and they younger chicks out then fix her up, boy was there a lot of blood. I think she will be ok I have her with the younger chicks. But now the Tom is crying because they are not together, he picks on the younger chick coop should be ready tomorrow .

 

[Mother2Hens]

Here is the chick in question. Again it's supposed to be either a BBS Marans or a golden cuckoo Marans. From the pictures I have seen, it looks like neither. Suggestions? Input?

My first thought (with my one year of experience) is Ameraucana (purebred, I'm sure-haha). I looked up what a chick looks like and here's an example:

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Well, thinking ahead, I am wondering what you all use in your nesting boxes for nesting substrate????  I was considering straw, but some people have told me there are a lot of mites that come with straw.  So, what do you use?  Are you happy with it?

I use straw, always have. I've never had a problem with it.

The girls like it, too.

...Except Frou-Frou, who nests in the sand on the floor.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Had a really long day found a leak in coop had to bring everyone in so hubby could fix it , have two age groups they are fine in coop but in box not so good the older chicks were picking on younger ones and my older turkey was trying to save them so the chicks turned on the turkey I had to jump in and get her and they younger chicks out then fix her up, boy was there a lot of blood. I think she will be ok I have her with the younger chicks. But now the Tom is crying because they are not together, he picks on the younger chick coop should be ready tomorrow .

Ugh, what a handful. I did a few new coop setups this weekend to split up move around etc. Finally have my bantams separate from the LF chicks. I love how the turkeys will "step in" and stop a fight, but usually then get ganged up on, poor things. I plan to have yet another enclosure for them so they aren't housed with the chickens. I can see big probs coming when the toms get bigger.