Maine

[lazy gardener]

Same here, even with the food soaked, they didn't care for it. I did try crushing it up and hiding it in their FF, and it disappeared, but they really didn't have much of a choice with it served that way.

Hubby gave a tentative go ahead to build a newer and better coop this summer, so i'll start hitting the Habitat store soon, looking for doors and windows. Tentative design is 8 x 12 with space for food and bird related storage, Clere-story design, Most of the south wall will be open/glass, outside access nest boxes, vinyl flooring and at least 1' up on the walls for easy cleaning. With that much space, i'll be able to hang a broody box.

 

[MEMama3]

Who's planning on going to the Lewiston swap on the 8th? What are you planning on bringing?

I love swap season. I hope to leave with full hands I might be bringing some goat soaps and chicken aprons.

 

[suzMEchicks]

. They are all out today . But this gives you an idea of how yucky the leghorns are getting.

 

[anyasmifya]

. They are all out today . But this gives you an idea of how yucky the leghorns are getting.

Oh, she's cute! I want an all white chicken now! She doesn't look nearly as bad as I thought she would from your description.

I have a question! Do chickens eat snow to meet their water needs? One of my roosters has flown the coop. He roosted high up in a tree last night. I gave him food yesterday in the woods but no water. I recall some ppl telling me that they can survive on snow. Anyway I hope to get him back in the coop but he's feisty and is not getting along with the RIR rooster who I finally hope to get rid of this weekend!

 

[suzMEchicks]

You can't see the egg wash/ yolk across the side of her head! They are usually pristine white.
I have been trying to break the egg eating habit. The curtains might be working . It's just been a day. I just figured out they love tuna and I had a lot in the pantry so it worked for me. Might satisfy if they were feeling deficient in protein. Been checking nests frequently. My problem is I work the next three days and am gone from 530 to 1830 . No one to check the boxes. They will either have a free for all or not. We'll see . Beautiful day!

 

[lazy gardener]

I have one girl who loves to eat snow/ice. I don't see the others doing it. I wouldn't expect them to meet all of their water needs with snow and ice, but that's what the wild birds must do... they're not laying in the middle of the winter though.

 

[ashandvine]

mlowen- I think this time of year its tough to feel pride unless you are washing them often or have the luxury of an indoor heated ooh-la-la set up. Last year I put the dingy ducks in the bath. Not again. They can wait for pools, puddles and rain. Or the May show. I hope some of you will set the date so you can attend. Its free and the folks are great, sales are good and the birds are awesome!

I can't imagine the Swap being too big anywhere right now. With the cold I wouldn't be bringing my chicks unless I brought the whole battery set up to keep them warm. Nope. I am fine waiting another two or three weeks and letting folks get in touch with me for privates sales instead. Its more driving for me but the chicks fare better.

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm writing up a bit of information for my friend who will be collecting her girl's fertile eggs for me. Does any one recollect any information about how chilled an egg can get before the embryo is damaged/killed? Of course, I'm hoping for warm weather the week she collects! She'll be starting them on fermented feed and Nutri-drench, as well as sprouts this weekend, so they'll have a good week of extra nutrients before collection begins.

 

[mlowen]

I tried cat food with my chickens. They weren't big fans!

I've fed mine raw deer liver and heart (very nice friend who killed it gave them to me) freezer burned hamburger, lamb liver, leftover chicken, and just got some kidneys to grind in my food processer for them. They all just love it...especially the leghorns. They are little velociraptors for sure. I give them about half a cup all together every two to four days. Except for the chicken carcass, the meat is ground, so I throw bug/worm sized pieces into the run deep litter for them to chase after and find missed pieces later.

 

[CoopChick719]

My girls like eating the snow off my boots when I'm in the coop.

LG, Great news on the new coop!