Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[flgardengirl]

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Thanks for the tip - - - Maybe the LARGER shavings would be better in the beginning so that they wouldn't eat it ? ? ?

Hi Lisa,

I bought the last bag of shavings from a different source, and noticed that they were larger chips. I think the difference is, that these larger chips are "green", as in not dried out or aged. I don't like them, and they have a real strong pine smell to them. Good for the coop, NOT so good for the brooder where the chicks might be more sensitive to the smell. Just my opinion.

Yes that's exactly what I think too about the larger shavings, a little on the greener/less cured side. I do use them in the coops because they are cheaper but the girls like the smaller shavings in thier nestboxes so I put them in there. They like to throw them over thier shoulders and just kinda squish down in them when they lay lol. Dh always has a lot of sawdust but I haven't tried using it in the nestboxes or brooders..not sure if they would eat too much or not.
I do not use straw in the nestboxes because of all the threads about impacted crops and it seems to be the hens ate alot of straw to cause it. My hens are just dumb enough that they might eat it all lol.

 

[Debbi]

flgardengirl

I use oat straw in the coop and nest boxes, along with the shavings. I've yet to see any of my chooks eating the strands of straw. They do pick out the oats left behind, but don't munch on the stalks. The layers seem to prefer the straw to the shavings too. I put a light layer of shavings, then pile on some straw on top. Of course when they are done rearranging, they usually end up laying the egg on the bare wood!

Now grass hay is a no-no for eating as it will get stuck in the crop. No hay eaters here...yet

 

[flgardengirl]

That's good to know that they won't eat oat straw.

 

[sewandgrow]

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I don't hate the smiles Lisa, I think they are cute. I would just feel silly using them ( maybe it's my age) but I do use alot of....... LOLs in my posts & in my emails..................LOL

 

[crazyforchicks]

I love their feathered legs!

 

[math ace]

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I use hay in the nesting boxes. BUT mulch in the sick kennels. My hens did the same thing when they were in the mulch- - - threw it over the shoulders! What's up with that??

I have only had one chicken get an impacted crop. It happened the day after I switch from crumbles to Pellets. BAM - - Impacted / sour crop. When their little bellies aren't feeling good - - - they will eat ANYTHING Mulch or hay to try to make it feel better. I had to remove both from the sick kennel for the chicken with the impact / sour crop.

 

[Ivywoods]

What do you do for a chicken with an impacted crop?

 

[Debbi]

Sorry for this very off topic post, but I need some prayers here. I just got a call from my Son, who is in Mosul, Iraq. Two US soldiers were killed and another wounded on his base yesterday. He called to tell me he was ok. I had not heard anything about it on the news or on the internet, thank God! He is due to leave that God foresaken place in 18 days, for those that believe in the power of prayer, would you please say one to keep him safe and bring him home to me? This really rattled me to the bone, I just want him home! Sorry for the rant, but I could really use some good vibes about now...

 

[shesaredroan]

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You have prayers and positive vibes coming your way in the air waves. You must be very proud of your son!!! and more than ready to have him walk through your front door. We'll be thinking of you'll.

 

[HHandbasket]

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Never apologize for asking for this kind of help, no matter what thread you are in. We are all in this together.

What is your son's name? Of course, I am sure God knows who I am talking about when I ask Him to "watch over Debbi's son, bring him and the rest of his friends and all our young men and women home safely". Still, it's nice to add at least a first name.

Consider all prayers sent your way and your son's way, as well as big hugs of comfort to you!