Maine

[IZZYBELLA]

Man that's tough. Perhaps a monthly pick up and check can keep any future problems in check. I had a BO boy that got bumblefoot after I put hay with "stickers" in the run. Thorn got in his foot which resulted in bumblefoot. The first day (with kid's help) we soaked the foot and picked a bit. Next day it was up again so we did a more in depth 'dig' and got it all out. He stayed pretty calm the whole time and it healed well with no future problems. Did you check the rest of your flock yet?

I checked the rest of the flock today. Thankfully, all feet look good. Feet hadn't really been on my radar, so I will definitely add that to the list of things to watch closely.

In other news, one of my BR hens is missing stomach feathers. They are on the floor near the corner she lays in. (Yes, I have 4 nest boxes and three of my 8 still choose to lay in a corner on the floor!) At first I panicked it was mites, but I can't find any and I did a deep clean of the coop this weekend. The flock was wormed three weeks ago, so I don't think it's worms. Maybe she is getting ready to go broody? Any suggestions?

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Likely getting ready go to broody. Wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[dowgirl71]

This is one of the chicks I got this spring. She (hopefully) is a Paint Silkie named Daisy.

 

[diana507]

Awww she's sooo adorable! I think next spring I am gonna look into adding some silkies to my flock.

 

[diana507]

This is my ChiChi. She's so calm and loves to be held and will lay down and cuddle with you. Wish the other 11 were like her

 

[lazy gardener]

I think I've figured out how to label the EE x SLW crosses. I can pick the males out for sure. And, with this second hatch, I think that by process of elimination, I've identified the females. (That cross is supposed to be sex linked, but the females blended in with the other mixes to the point that I wasn't sure.) Pretty sure I've nailed it now, and if so, there are a LOT of female SLW sex links in this batch. Hatching chicks from this gene pool is so much fun, I'm tempted to set an other batch just for the fun of it. But, with summer activities coming up, it would not be a wise plan. Will have to wait for a broody, or next summer!

 

[Wheeks]

My second batch of chicks should be coming tomorrow in the mail. My coworkers are just dumbstruck chicks can be mailed. I've got a bunch of EE, GLW, BLRW, and some bantams. Now if only I could get my olive eggers, welsummer, salmon faverolles, and some blue runner ducks I'd be set!! (Ps chicken math is evil)

 

[lazy gardener]

Enjoy your chickies. Where are they coming from?

 

[CoopChick719]

Sorry to hear about your girl, Izzybella

It's never easy.

Welcome newbies

There are no stupid questions here! Ask away!

Cute silkie dowgirl!!

I have 3 broody girls right now and no plans to hatch chicks

. I've tilled up both runs. It was getting a little compacted in spots.

The game cam caught 11 rats in one picture...all sizes. The traps caught 7 in 3 nights. I only baited traps the last 2 nights to lull them into a false sense of security. I've set 11 traps tonight. Hoping for a big haul tonight! Fingers crossed

 

[dawnpel]

I was just wondering if anyone on here was feeding fermented feed? Wanted to know how it was working out for you. I started doing it a couple weeks ago and so far the chickens are liking it. Do you notice any difference in your chickens? Are you saving on feed?