Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Huston's Happy Hens]

Question/Input: We have two roosters that we believe are ill. They have been removed to the bottom of the pecking order of the other roosters even though they are still eating and drinking and combs are a healthy red. We will find them at times in the free range area of the pen sleeping standing up and/or laying by themselves sleeping....we have checked for mites/lice/etc.....Theses boys are probably around 4-6 years old....any thoughts?
Kristen/Rose - one of them is Buttercup - who was molting, but still hasn't had his neck feathers grow back in......

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

The amount of wildlife killed by both feral and free roaming cats is almost beyond belief. My neighbors let their cat out daily and I've lost count of the number of baby rabbits I've seen it with. At least most predators kill out of necessity. Your typical pet feline kills just for sport not sustenance.

That's exactly why we are not taking in anymore cats after these (2) are gone -

 

[snowflake]

glad, I read an article that proclaimed raw garlic is good for cocci, can't hurt the birds and they will be nicely flavored too
I use garlic in the water but she suggested giving it to them raw, free choice. garlic and honey are supposed to help build the immune system.

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

I have been reading about checking vents (moist and pulsating) to determine laying.....anyone else used this method? Much easier than the measurement option.....thoughts?

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

I have been reading about checking vents (moist and pulsating) to determine laying.....anyone else used this method? Much easier than the measurement option.....thoughts?

I never checked my hens vents by measuring. But the other option does sound like it would be a good sign that they are laying.


Hummingbirds on my front porch... [sorry, I couldn't figure out how to make them smaller]

 

[BTinks]

Hi everyone! I've been busy and haven't had time to keep up well with the forum here, but I had a question for you experienced chicken keepers.

I have a first time flock of 29 pullets and six cockerels between the ages of 14 and 17 weeks. I will be sending two of the roosters to freezer camp soon and rehoming one (anyone want a nice Black Copper Maran roo?) so ultimately I will have three Roos and 29 hens. I found a really nice trio of 1 year old Cochins locally and want to go get them to add to my flock, but then I read this great article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

It recommends not adding roosters to a flock that already has some. I am just wondering, is that really a hard/fast rule? Has anyone ever added a trio like this to a flock that has roosters already? Is it at all possible or should I just get the hens? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated since I am relatively new to chicken keeping and have not added adult birds to my flock before.

 

[kimmie6067]

I would be afraid that if we had a party at Raz's the police would show up with pepper spray and Tazers - you know how dangerous us chicken folks are!

Who cares we would be in the news, "Dangerous criminal chicken keepers unite"

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

Hi everyone! I've been busy and haven't had time to keep up well with the forum here, but I had a question for you experienced chicken keepers.

I have a first time flock of 29 pullets and six cockerels between the ages of 14 and 17 weeks. I will be sending two of the roosters to freezer camp soon and rehoming one (anyone want a nice Black Copper Maran roo?) so ultimately I will have three Roos and 29 hens. I found a really nice trio of 1 year old Cochins locally and want to go get them to add to my flock, but then I read this great article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

It recommends not adding roosters to a flock that already has some. I am just wondering, is that really a hard/fast rule? Has anyone ever added a trio like this to a flock that has roosters already? Is it at all possible or should I just get the hens? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated since I am relatively new to chicken keeping and have not added adult birds to my flock before.

We've added roosters to existing flock with roosters and the boys will work it out; we've NEVER had a serious issue; recommend quarantine FOR SURE before adding to your flock.

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

Question/Input: We have two roosters that we believe are ill. They have been removed to the bottom of the pecking order of the other roosters even though they are still eating and drinking and combs are a healthy red. We will find them at times in the free range area of the pen sleeping standing up and/or laying by themselves sleeping....we have checked for mites/lice/etc.....Theses boys are probably around 4-6 years old....any thoughts?
Kristen/Rose - one of them is Buttercup - who was molting, but still hasn't had his neck feathers grow back in......

Was able to check both roosters after dark; Buffy (BO) has an "issue" going on around his vent! maggots/dried blood and I presume a wound, although we really couldn't determine that at this point. Washed WELL and then applied 50/50 solution of water and peroxide...he's in the guest house in the garrage and resting comfortably....ANY thoughts/solutions on how to deal with this....my main concern is KILLING the maggots ASAP and then dealing with the poor guys wound.....NO NO idea what happened here! This was our main man and I really don't want to lose him! Thanks ALL!

 

[BTinks]

We've added roosters to existing flock with roosters and the boys will work it out; we've NEVER had a serious issue; recommend quarantine FOR SURE before adding to your flock.

Yes, we will definitely quarantine for at least a month. Did you do anything special to integrate since you were adding roosters?