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Hi all, got some seeds started this past weekend and the gardening itch is in full swing now! that little taste of warmth yesterday really pushed me over the edge... We are building raised beds this year. About 4 of them 3x12... does anyone have a good source for compost that isnt super expensive. We would love someone who could deliver to Cumberland Center but we can pick up if necessary. Seems like most around here are ridiculously expensive.
 
MustardTiger said:
Hi all, got some seeds started this past weekend and the gardening itch is in full swing now! that little taste of warmth yesterday really pushed me over the edge... We are building raised beds this year. About 4 of them 3x12... does anyone have a good source for compost that isnt super expensive. We would love someone who could deliver to Cumberland Center but we can pick up if necessary. Seems like most around here are ridiculously expensive. 
Click to expand...
You know where I found a free source? The dump! It's not completely "finished", but it's pretty close. I bring home a truck load, mix it in with my own compost and manure and let it sit until the next year.
 
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yep I am all over the free organic material from our town dump BUT our garden area is so full of clay that we really need to add something reallllly good. :)
 
I've got one seriously angry rooster. Evidently the Barred Rock roo had the very tips of his comb fall off, or be pecked off, and began bleeding. Not too big a deal, until the ladies started pecking at him. He was getting a little messy.

Unsure really what to do, I decided to put him in chicken-jail. Built up a dog kennel (from a mastiff, so it's quite large) inside the coop. Threw in a bunch of hay, and a 4x4 post for him to roost on. Food and water. He has been voicing his opinion about it loudly and by tearing up the hay rather fierce. I'm sure it doesn't help a ton that the rest of the chickens are curiously looking in the door and squawking around and jumping on top of the kennel--but I think it's the only solution to let him heal up.

I figure it should only take him 48 hours or so to be ok to rejoin them. I might even just take him out of the kennel tomorrow night and put him on the roost with the rest of them so he has an easy transition. We'll see...

Anyone have ideas on this? I don't think he'll take long to scab up and begin healing, it wasn't a major problem--just didn't want it to turn into one.
 
Jazor: There's a product called Blue Kote that will cover the color. It has some drying and antiseptic qualities that should help. It's a good product to have in your poultry first aid kit.

Mustard Tiger: Re: compost: you might have good luck contacting your local landscaping companies. You can buy finished compost (not as good as home made, but it will fill the immediate need for you) by the square yard, which is how you want to get it. Most companies will deliver. Last time I priced it, it was around $30/yd. Will you mix it in with existing soil, or will you build beds on the ground and fill them with compost? IMO, and everyone is welcome to it... (I'm an opinionated old lady, if you haven't noticed) bagged compost is a total waste of money. If you have the room, I'd also recommend that you look at the option of 4' wide beds. 3' is quite limiting, while 4' gives you more of a root zone to work with, and also allows you to easily reach across it from one side or the other. 4' won't be as apt to dry out as a 3' bed. also, you might want to look at the lasagna gardening concept.

I also get compost... or the makings for compost from my local dump. Dump day is a serious source of excitement for me, much to hubby's chagrin! He can't even get the trash out of the truck, before I'm scouting to see if there are any goodies that I need to bring home. I'm on the prowl again this spring, because I have the go ahead to build a new coop. He'll help with the design this time around. I scored some nice hinges at the habitat store yesterday.
 

Those testers who were testing last year and who were testing a lot have none.

Jazor, once he stops bleeding, the blood will be black and they won't peck him the same way. Next time flour or styptic are a fast fix. Blue kote smells nice but is a pain to work with I think. If you have a lot issues with pecking then it might be worth it but you might also cure the issue by giving more room or more protein. I find pecking happens more when they feel crowded. From what I know of your situation they shouldn't be but just as a cue for later when chicken math really hits you :)
 
lazy gardener said:
Jazor: There's a product called Blue Kote that will cover the color. It has some drying and antiseptic qualities that should help. It's a good product to have in your poultry first aid kit.

....
Click to expand...

Thank you! I'll probably invest in some. Makes sense to at least have it if needed. I like the idea of antiseptic for things like this.
ashandvine said:
Jazor, once he stops bleeding, the blood will be black and they won't peck him the same way. Next time flour or styptic are a fast fix. Blue kote smells nice but is a pain to work with I think. If you have a lot issues with pecking then it might be worth it but you might also cure the issue by giving more room or more protein. I find pecking happens more when they feel crowded. From what I know of your situation they shouldn't be but just as a cue for later when chicken math really hits you :)
Click to expand...
He's stopped bleeding now, just planning to leave him in chicken-jail at least until tonight. Probably release him first thing tomorrow morning since he's extremely anxious in there. He was quite ****** off with me when I grabbed him and put him in there. He doesn't like being touched or picked up as it is. For me to put him in a box...really wound him up.
 

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