INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[minmin1258]

Y

Just getting started. We are in Clay Co. Our babies are just 6 days old and we got them at RK. We have 3 barred rock, 3 light Brahma, 3 Welsummer, and 3 black jersey giants- all pullets. We only want eggs from them at this time and plan to have them in a coop with a run. Do we need a rooster? A lot of people have told us we do.

You don't NEED a Roo unless u want chicks. A Roo will protect you girls while they are out free range but get the wrong roo and you yourself may get torn up. Stick with pullets for now, I almost wish I would have followed my own advice. I want a Silkie roo cuz I want chicks but the RIR I have has bn an issue a few times.

 

[minmin1258]

I

Can chickens eat steel cut oatmeal? My mom wanted me to make sure before i give them any.

I don't see why not just cook it first.

 

[Mother2Hens]

Morning all Cockadooooodledoooooooo!!!

The new baby chicks are doing great. They are happy little campers in their little Brooder inside my shed. Nice and toasty warm.

Do they live in a coop like chickens? How do you keep them safe from predators? I spent some time on the Sebastopol thread yesterday after seeing your pic. They are really pretty.
CRSelvey~ Chickens live in coops? haha I detect your new plan for your DH . . . He never said anything about not having geese, did he?

jchny ~ When I was in Rural King last week, I overheard the saleswoman telling someone that "Corporate told them to put a tennis ball in each brooder so they won't peck each other." Apparently, Corporate's tennis ball theory isn't foolproof. For one thing, a tennis ball is a huge toy for little chicks.

 

[racinchickins]

I would love some of your BBS Jersey Giants later on this spring or early summer.

That's great! I'll let people know when I'm incubating. I've got a bunch of eggs ordered for spring (and I will pick them up, not ship them) I only want to keep a couple, the rest I will sell.

 

[SallyinIndiana]

Y
Quote: If you want to bring your not nice roo, DH can make sure the roo has a bad night.

 

[CRSelvey]

Mine just freerange in my yard and pasture. I've never had anything go after them, but I would imagine, dogs would be their worse predators. All this bad weather never fazed them .

Wow that's pretty great. I have wondered if they would get colder than other geese since their feathers don't lay flat, but I guess not if this weather hasn't been a problem. Its been one for me and I'm in the house. BTW, I saw that they were featured on the cover of one of the poultry magazines at TSC today. Our TSC is still safe as their are no chicks.

CRSelvey~ Chickens live in coops? haha I detect your new plan for your DH . . . He never said anything about not having geese, did he?

Beckett has been begging us for a pair of ducks. Ducks are cute, but I think those geese are gorgeous... if we ever give in

. Besides we all know that pets eventually become the Mothers right?

If you want to bring your not nice roo, DH can make sure the roo has a bad night.

I really wish I could bring mine.

Max update: I took Max to the vet this morning and it was good news. After x-rays they confirmed that it was some kind of puncture wound that they are leaving open after cleaning it out good. He's staying at least one night while he recovers from the anesthesia and they gave him some antibiotics and pain meds. While he was out they also removed the little dew claw that he keeps snagging on things. It was a really strange one, it had two nails on one claw. Normally, I'm not in favor of trimming dog parts, but that little thing caused him so many troubles in the short time we have had him. So, two problems cured in one visit.

I had to wrap him in a blanket to make sure I didn't get bit this morning trying to move him, but he was an angel. I put him in a laundry basket to keep him stable and once we got to the vet's office, he perked right up. I think it was an adrenaline rush, but who knows.
I love his little black eyelashes!

 

[ChickCrazed]

Wow that's pretty great. I have wondered if they would get colder than other geese since their feathers don't lay flat, but I guess not if this weather hasn't been a problem. Its been one for me and I'm in the house. BTW, I saw that they were featured on the cover of one of the poultry magazines at TSC today. Our TSC is still safe as their are no chicks.

Beckett has been begging us for a pair of ducks. Ducks are cute, but I think those geese are gorgeous... if we ever give in

. Besides we all know that pets eventually become the Mothers right?

I really wish I could bring mine.

Max update: I took Max to the vet this morning and it was good news. After x-rays they confirmed that it was some kind of puncture wound that they are leaving open after cleaning it out good. He's staying at least one night while he recovers from the anesthesia and they gave him some antibiotics and pain meds. While he was out they also removed the little dew claw that he keeps snagging on things. It was a really strange one, it had two nails on one claw. Normally, I'm not in favor of trimming dog parts, but that little thing caused him so many troubles in the short time we have had him. So, two problems cured in one visit.

I had to wrap him in a blanket to make sure I didn't get bit this morning trying to move him, but he was an angel. I put him in a laundry basket to keep him stable and once we got to the vet's office, he perked right up. I think it was an adrenaline rush, but who knows.
I love his little black eyelashes!

What a handsome guy!

 

[Leahs Mom]

Mealworms are easy.

Waterers
For a large flock, I am using a 55 gallon drum, cut down to about 8-10" standing upright, and put a stock tank heater in it.
No more frozen water. I covered it with 2x4 hardware cloth so no one drowns, or swims.
This has been a huge help and is really working out great. It sits outside in the run.
I will build a 2nd one for the waterfowl very soon. The heater is $25 at RK or TSC, they can handle up to 1500 gallons.
I chose the submerged one. I was carrying around 20 gallons a day, so I had to come up with something better.

Could we see a photo of your waterer from all angles... And could you photo your mealworm bins? How big/deep are they? How deep do you layer the feed in them, etc.

 

[raisinemright]

Curse you RK and your chick days!! People I don't have the strength to say no! I need help I admit it, that's the first step right???

Pics coming soon!

 

[raisinemright]

2 EE's

2 black Australorp's

2 GLW

And 2 SLW

The EE's and Australorp's are pullets and the Wyandotte's are strait run. I'm hoping for pullets, I went with the shorter feather sexing lol I hope it pays off.