Maine

[ashandvine]

On the homesteading topic has anyone tried making their own vanilla extract? I found a recipe for it and it looks really easy to make. I hate the artificial stuff and real extract is so expensive I thought I would try making my own.

I make my own. It really couldn't be easier unless they wanted to make the beans something we can grow here. Or cheaper I guess. I don't always split the beans either but its better if you do and then just shake it often and store in a place out of direct light.

Coopchick, that does look like a worm to me- round worm I think? Our first rooster had a serious case of them.

If its worms that's easy and so is the cocci. Now that things are cooling I doubt cocci. Check for parasites externally by sifting through feathers above the vent-- all that fluffy part, and look for tiny tiny little movers, also under wings and in the hackle. If this is the case you need to get Ivermectin on them as fast as you can. Feel their keels. Are they still fleshy or do they feel like a rotisserie chicken after some teenagers got hungry?

My Orloffs arrived. 11 out of 12 made it and so far are still alive. They were cold, hungry and pooping the worst red stools I have ever seen. I am not seeing this anymore. I still have two that are a little more sluggish than I like but I am doing all I can... short of cooking them more eggs. I guess I could do that. This day is making me lethargic. The hammock is still up.... oh.... I hear it calling!

 

[Widget]

I make my own. It really couldn't be easier unless they wanted to make the beans something we can grow here. Or cheaper I guess. I don't always split the beans either but its better if you do and then just shake it often and store in a place out of direct light.

Guess I will have to try it. That means I actually have to go buy some alcohol. Do you use rum or vodka?


Glad the chicks made it Hopefully they will quickly recover from their long journey and start to annoy you soon.

 

[anyasmifya]

Ha ha Ashandive, I just came in from laying on my hammock. Trying to soak up all the sun I can before the cold arrives Orloffs? I'll have to look them up! You'll have to post a photo!

Well, Bigbird seems to like her area and new house. Now of course, I am worried that she misses the other birds! Ahh, I'm turning into the crazy chicken lady!!!!! I can't wait for the girls to start laying. I am getting eggs from a friend but I don't really like to eat them because I know he lets his chickens eat foam! yucky. Last year my girls started laying the first day it snowed! Hope these girls lay sooner.

 

[lazy gardener]

Anya, rubbing it in a bit with the hammock, aren't you? Good for you! How often do you actually see someone out in their yard ENJOYING it instead of working in it? Of course for a lot of us, yard work is play. I have an awesome hammock that my son made me. He designs and sells ultra light camping gear. One of his designs is a hammock that doubles as a tent b/c it has a no-see-um top and a full length zipper. It's very comfortable, though I've not spent a night in it yet. Somehow, I can just imagine being peaceful in la-la-land, then waking to the hammock rocking, and me being bumped and chewed by a night time critter.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

On the homesteading topic has anyone tried making their own vanilla extract? I found a recipe for it and it looks really easy to make. I hate the artificial stuff and real extract is so expensive I thought I would try making my own.

I buy vanilla bean pods on ebay, and they'll throw in some already split "extract grade" beans for you. Throw them in a vodka bottle with about 1/3 to 1/4 of the vodka gone. Shake daily for a few days.
Mine is delicious.
This was only 2 or 3 days after I started it:

And it's fabulous, now. Super easy.

 

[CoopChick719]

If its worms that's easy and so is the cocci. Now that things are cooling I doubt cocci. Check for parasites externally by sifting through feathers above the vent-- all that fluffy part, and look for tiny tiny little movers, also under wings and in the hackle. If this is the case you need to get Ivermectin on them as fast as you can. Feel their keels. Are they still fleshy or do they feel like a rotisserie chicken after some teenagers got hungry?

My Orloffs arrived. 11 out of 12 made it and so far are still alive. They were cold, hungry and pooping the worst red stools I have ever seen. I am not seeing this anymore. I still have two that are a little more sluggish than I like but I am doing all I can... short of cooking them more eggs. I guess I could do that. This day is making me lethargic. The hammock is still up.... oh.... I hear it calling!

I found mites on both of them. The Fave's keel looks like a rotissierie chicken. I'm really worried about her. The RedStar is still fleshy. What's the best thing for the 2 of them?

Do I need to worm everyone else? Is there a wormer that has no withdrawal time?

Help!

Coopchick, that does look like a worm to me- round worm I think? Our first rooster had a serious case of them.

Thanks MC!

 

[CoopChick719]

I'm feeling a little exhausted myself between supervising range time then allowing the Red & the Fav out on the front lawn. Sorry about your Orloffs, Ash! I know how anxious you were to get them!

 

[hoppy]

big poultry show this sunday, oct 6th at the windsor fairgrounds (82 ridge rd, windsor). judging starts at 9:30 and there will be birds for sale, raffle items and a live auction (we also have a food truck so you can eat right there)
show will probably end around 3:00
come check it out if you have time and it's free to get in.

 

[buckabucka]

Coopchick, the Ivermectin will treat both the mites and some worms. Is the worm round? It's not a flat tapeworm, is it? I hear tapeworm is harder to eliminate. Supposedly, if you have never wormed before and suspect a heavy worm load, people suggest starting with Wazine. I've never done that. I used Valbazen, as recommended by SCG, along with Ivermectin because mine had mites too. Not sure where you live, but you are welcome to have some Valbazen.

I found worms on the poop board recently, but no one is acting sick. I'm trying to hold off on worming them because they are mid-molt, but hope to do it soon. I would treat my whole flock. I think all wormers have a withdrawal period.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I would treat all your birds.

Usually it's a heavy worm load if they're pooping them out. I'd Wazine them first. Then treat with at least 2 cycles of albendazole. If you have mites you can do a dust or you can do ivermectin pour on.

At least, that's what I do.

There is a recommended withdrawal of 2 weeks after each treatment for eggs.