Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Folly's place]

When one gets infected, it's time for meds and probably surgical removal. Sometimes they are actually cancerous too. And always yucky!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

I don't ever feed layer either, rather an all-flock feed with oyster shell in a separate dish.
Mary

 

[snowflake]

I have never fed layer feed, Purina Flock Raiser for everyone with OS on the side for the active layers. But finish off your starter bag then start them on layer.

My shepard had those, one was very large, vet taught me to empty them, gross
She never worried at them much tho.

I have emptied smaller ones guess I can try this one, but it is very big. I know they can be cancerous, that is why I am having him in to the vet. He is a very big dog(St. Bernard mix) and a cone around his neck can make getting around in the house difficult. Think I will try the apple stuff first. maybe apple cider vinegar on the hair around the area.

Raz, hope today was a little easier.

 

[Sally PB]

Snowflake, when I had to get my dog in "right away," but not a big enough emergency for Blue Pearl emergency services ($$$$), I got into Red Barn that day. (616) 455-4850, on Division in GR, south of 54th Street. Dr. Curly was very nice, and the cost was reasonable, I thought.

I had Bitter Apple stuff for training a puppy not to chew. She just chewed a little bit less.

Good luck!

Sally

 

[RaZ]

Wow- 11 miles! I'm not sure I would be able to get up in the morning. That's amazing. Sleep well!

I was very tired after the first day back. But I sure did sleep well last night. I surely needed it because insomnia hit me right after the surgery. I felt great waking up today.

 

[RaZ]

I need to do a fall cleaning, but probably will wait until the big integration event.

I did a light "fluff and buff" since my coop was in really good shape. Only had to remove a nest area that had a couple of broken eggs.

 

[RaZ]

Question for you all... my 5 ladies are 16 weeks old and a couple of them are starting to get “chatty” when I spend time with them. They are starting to squat when I put my hand over them and im reading that means they are getting ready to start laying. When should I switch their food over to layer feed? I have about a week+ left of starter feed and am not sure of the proper timing to convert to layer feed. Anything else I need to be aware of as we are entering “Adulthood?”

You will not likely get any definitive answers. When hens get to POL in good weather, they will have likely been getting a lot of good bugs and vegetation as they forage during the day. Most research on feed needs are based largely on commercial operations. Back yard flock nutrition needs aren't well documented given the small scale and the wide range of breeds being kept. I tried a couple of studies while I was working on my MS. Inconclusive results is being polite.

My suggestion would to be provide the best feed that you can. Then offer the extras like oyster shell and treats that you can. Watch what they seem to need. Keep treats in moderation. I use mealworms as treat and conditioning for desired behaviour. It's not a real science but seems like a good thing for me to do. Good luck.

 

[RaZ]

non chicken question but I know some of you are knowledgeable about other animals.
My dog has a very large sebaceous cyst (at least I'm pretty sure that is what it is) on his hip right were he is able to lick. It started to ooz around the 1st of August and is licking a lot. I am wondering if there is something that tastes terrible but is safe to apply, so he will stop licking.
called the vet, can't get in till next week, she said keep it clean and keep him from licking....Right!!....Any sugestions?

Just a past experience anecdote.
I treated my GF's dog by putting a T-shirt on him. The cone-of-shame didn't work but dressing him in a Tee kept him from licking the wound. Just had to make sure that the shirt didn't bind anything or prevent normal body functions. I did have to change shirts a few times a day as they became soiled.

 

[RaZ]

Well that worked out well.
After work today, I put up a new roosting platform in the coop. Took out the old one that had different heights of the bars. The new one has several 2x4s at the same level. By the time dusk fell, both old hens and the younguns were all up on the new roost. Old girls were on the east end by the window. Pullets were on the other end closer to the door. Big Boy Roo was with the old girls and Little Boy cockerel was between the pullets. Both males were on the outer roost bar. All birds were so very calm and content.

Gotta love flock dynamics.

 

[SillyChicken]

Hi guys!

Hope everyone is doing well. We've been busy with the garden, shop and helping a friend install a pool and of course now enjoying said pool.

Had a battle of the wills with some of the young hens this year, first they destroyed my cucumbers then moved on to my tomato's... UGH! I am in the lead at the moment. I have a few roos and turkeys to process fairly soon.

Raz, hope your surgery went well, I haven't caught up on all the posts yet.

Speaking of Blue pearl, had to take my puppy Angus to them a few weeks ago, at 12:00 am an hour from me.. glad it wasn't life threatening. He ate something that sent him on a bit of a trip for 24 hours. He was pretty messed up but came out of it OK. I have no idea what he ate. He has no access to the "plants' or any remnant there of..... we have no meds.... the only options were mushrooms or a mold of some sort... also- a bad egg will cause similar reactions. Quite the mystery, but sure scared the crap out of me!

Y'all take care!