Maine

[quailtrail]

Quailtrail, I think there are two kinds of chicken mites. One kind comes out and dines at night, but I don't know if they stay on the bird all the time (northern red fowl mite?). The kind I had was the other kind. You need good light (at least I do) to see them, but they are definitely visible to the naked eye, like little specks of sand moving around. Chickens do preen a lot, but mine started scratching and preening more hyperactively when they had them.

Chicken saddles work pretty well. I had a hen that needed one. She got a little freaked out when we put it on. In fact, it was quite comical. Not only was the rooster petrified when he saw it, but so were all the hens, including the one wearing it on her own back. Eventually things settled down, but sometimes the saddle would get flipped up and I'd have to sneak up on her and readjust it. Eventually the snaps wore out. I have seen a pattern online that was all one piece stretchy fleece, no snaps involved.

definitely did not see anything last night and I looked every where. They seem to only be preening at the door ... ughhh so confused.

 

[buckabucka]

I wouldn't worry too much about it, quailtrail. While I think treating for worms and mites a couple times a year would give peace of mind, I don't do it on a regular schedule. I usually worm when worms show up on the poop board, and mites I treat if I happen to be holding a chicken and see them, but I rarely pick my chickens up. I have kind of a lazy approach (or perhaps busy-person approach). My original flock is 4 years old and they seem to be hanging on with no problem.

 

[quailtrail]

I wouldn't worry too much about it, quailtrail. While I think treating for worms and mites a couple times a year would give peace of mind, I don't do it on a regular schedule. I usually worm when worms show up on the poop board, and mites I treat if I happen to be holding a chicken and see them, but I rarely pick my chickens up. I have kind of a lazy approach (or perhaps busy-person approach). My original flock is 4 years old and they seem to be hanging on with no problem.

Thanks! !!!!

 

[suzMEchicks]

I have six.

 

[MustardTiger]

I use saddles for my hens. I made them out of old jeans and some elastic strips. Took about 15 minutes to make 4 or 5 of them. I made a template from a piece of paper to measure the hens and then just cut out a double layer of denim and sandwiched the elastic inside and hemmed it all up. they have worked well for me!

 

[quailtrail]

@MustardTiger great I feel bad for them

 

[Widget]

Had somewhat of a productive weekend. Friday, my new day off, I managed to dig six post holes. Estimate I will need another ten-twelve for the dog fence. I might have been able to get a couple more dug but had a mass canine escape not once, not twice, but three times. Faulty door latch. Now fixed. Also had to take one of the pups to the vet for her yearly check-up. She tested high-positive for Lyme so she is now on antibiotics for the next few weeks. I really, really, really, really hate ticks. Bloodsucking useless creatures.

Yesterday after work I stopped an picked-up dog food and six bags of Quikcrete for the fence posts. Halfway home it started pouring. So I had to stop and move 340 pounds of stuff into the back seat of the truck. Lots of fun.

Today I picked up some hay and fence posts. I was able to install two posts before the rain started again. Once the sun came out I switched gears and planted the four rose bushes around the flagpole. Took me way too long to figure out how far out I want the bushes and how far apart they needed to be so they were equidistant from one another. Geometry was not my best subject even though I am good at math. Plus I left room for the peonies. So it will be rose,peony, rose, peony,rose, peony, rose and peony.

Looked at the garden. I need to get a weed cover? for it before I even think of planting anything. I feel that it is getting to late to plant yet it is only May 4th so I know I have time.

Goose is still sitting on her eggs. She has two and if they are going to hatch it should be this week.

.

 

[quailtrail]

@Widget wow...busy weekend. Hope those eggs hatch!!!

My Dominique eggs are shipping out tomorrow! Travelling by ground so hoping they hatch well!!!

 

[lazy gardener]

Quail Trail, I am so excited to see someone else bringing Doms into the state. I'm guessing that you plan to breed them? I'm also guessing that they are far better quality than the MMc stock I got. So, you can plan on me to come knocking on your door in the future for some hatching eggs! Hubby and I spent the afternoon putting the new tractor together. The 2 chick doors are on it, it's screwed together. Still needs the wheels. We decided to nix the skis in favor of using all 4 of the lawnmower wheels. There are 2 x 12" and 2 x 8", with the mounting hardware that I saved, so the 12" wheels can be raised/lowered. I also got the new chick door in the 3 x 6 tractor. That was an interesting endeavor. I had lots of little helpers, pecking at my fingers, at the drill, trying to pick up my screws, trying out the door before I was done installing it. Their insane fear of all things human is starting to be replaced by curiosity fueled by "got anything fun to eat?" If the weather is decent tomorrow, I'll move the new tractor down beside the garage. Should be a fun move down a steep hill... alone... with PVC for rollers. Then, I'll rig some sort of roof, and a tunnel between the 2 tractors so they can get out for some "on the grass" time.

 

[lazy gardener]

Quail Trail: Where are you getting your Dom eggs from? How many? I'm hoping that you have a great hatch!!!!