Maine

[ducklucky]

There's also special feed that you can only get from vet. Friend had kitty with bad kidney issues, and put him on it, 3 years later he's thriving. It comes dry and canned and is a prescription food, and is a few $$$, but keeps their weight under control and heals the kidneys. Might want to ask about it, think it's Hills or Eukaneuba Prescription Kidney. You will want to keep kitty indoors as well if you decide to go this route, don't want him eating things out there that will disturb the balance. The theory is this food is low in protein and ash, so the kidneys can rest. You must be strict with the diet, no treats, no handouts of people food. He will cry and beg, but he will most likely get better. Good luck, hope your kitty gets better.

 

[ducklucky]

The days are growing shorter very quickly as they do in this northern quadrant. Yes, maybe adding light for a few hours will help. Maybe they're just POed at you for some reason

. Some days I get 2, some days 8 from my 10 layers. Who knows what goes on in the mind of our girls? Would you want to give birth every day? Hopefully the trend will not continue, winter is around the corner, and they will probably stop altogether for sure. Maybe try some fake eggs in their nests to entice them???

 

[ducklucky]

That is a gorgeous first egg, bet it's a double yolker!

 

[gracejr]

I have 12 girls, get 1-2 eggs a day. I just have to keep reminding myself that most of them are still on the young side! Though, 3 of them REALLY should be nice and give me some eggs already!

 

[ashandvine]

Molts. Some of mine just started molting and some just got done. Are they all old enough??

Note: better today, finally! Thank you for your warm regards. I might still have a few germs left to share if anyone needed a few days at home...

 

[hoppy]

I have so many sitting, that's why i'm not getting many eggs. darn silkies, oops, i mean lovely silkies.

editted to add: off to check on the new foster mommies.

The days are growing shorter very quickly as they do in this northern quadrant. Yes, maybe adding light for a few hours will help. Maybe they're just POed at you for some reason

. Some days I get 2, some days 8 from my 10 layers. Who knows what goes on in the mind of our girls? Would you want to give birth every day? Hopefully the trend will not continue, winter is around the corner, and they will probably stop altogether for sure. Maybe try some fake eggs in their nests to entice them???

 

[hoppy]

you keep those germs to yourself please. i'd like to be well for this weekend's augusta swap.

Molts. Some of mine just started molting and some just got done. Are they all old enough??

Note: better today, finally! Thank you for your warm regards. I might still have a few germs left to share if anyone needed a few days at home...

 

[Mainechick168]

That is a gorgeous first egg, bet it's a double yolker!

I think it was not as big as it looks in the pictures- my hands are not all that big- it was a good amount smaller than the grocery store eggs in the fridge- and it was very tasty too- ate it with dinner last night!

 

[Widget]

I'm picking up a couple of Muscovy hens (or ducks if you prefer) tomorrow. They are adults and my one drake should be thrilled to get some girls of his own. Now if I could just find a couple Saxony girls for those boys it would be great.

Spent an hour today taking apart my snow blower. Had to split it in two (it does this) in order to get at the auger shaft. The worm gear is stripped and needs to be replaced so the blades will turn. Had to order the part and it should be here next week. Then I have the fun of trying to put it all back together again

At least the weather is still warm enough to work on it.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I see a lot of people talking about worms and treating for them. Other than looking in the poop and seeing the actual worm are there any other signs to look for? Also, what do the worms in poop look like? I know what to look for in cats and dogs but not in chickens!

If they're chickens and on ground, they're going to have worms. It's a fact. You won't see worms in poop until the infestation is really bad. Signs of worms can include many things, including no signs or symptoms, but all the way up to anemic looking combs/wattles, dingy looking feathers, lethargy, losing weight despite eating a lot... if the infestation is bad.
If your chickens are older than 6 months and never been wormed it's recommended to start with Wazine in the water, first. Followed by 10 days later an oral, stronger, wormer, repeated again in 10-14 days. I usually use albendazole orally and I prophylactically worm twice a year, spring and fall. Just did my worming Monday, will need to repeat in 10-14 days. The following is a picture of roundworm in poop from a chicken I got at a swap and that was in quarantine. She was obviously very infested (again, you don't see worms in poop unless the infestation is bad). If they're really infested like this you always want to start with Wazine first. It's gentle.

Why am I only getting 1-3 eggs a day from my 19 laying hens ? 1 of them is molting, but what excuse do the others have ?

They could be ready to start their molt, it could be from the decreasing daylight. I have many non-hatchery type birds that quit for most of the winter. I got 11 eggs yesterday from 47 girls, all of laying age. I have many that were sitting, and many that are beginning molt. You could also worm them and check them for lice/mites.