Michigan

[keyt1969]

Quote:
Ok, so this morning before everyone was let out, we checked chickens and ducks one by one. No one has anything. I also went thoroughly through Sammy and it just looks like dirt on him. It's been terribly muddy here and even putting down straw isn't working as long as it rains this hard like it has every day. Problem is, although Sammy gets in the pond and floats around, he doesn't clean himself in or out of the water!

I picked him up at a local breeder along with two others when they were a week old. Sammy was fine until a few months later when he had the bleeding wings like I posted. He hasn't had a single problem since, until now. He doesn't seem bothered by it, he eats and drinks fine and he and the other 3 boys stay off on their own until bedtime. His weight is perfect and he seems happy!

I got to thinking about something else. He still has the angel wing issue where he can't keep them up if they get just lightly damp. So maybe that's why he avoids the grooming thing? They're not near as bad as they were before I wrapped them last summer. Then I think, you know I have two other ducks with severe angel wing and they love to flap around in the water whenever they can!

I'm bringing him inside to wash him up. I'm not giving up yet. Maybe I'm stupid for putting this much effort into him, but to me he's worth it!!

 

[Chickmate]

Quote:
Ok, so this morning before everyone was let out, we checked chickens and ducks one by one. No one has anything. I also went thoroughly through Sammy and it just looks like dirt on him. It's been terribly muddy here and even putting down straw isn't working as long as it rains this hard like it has every day. Problem is, although Sammy gets in the pond and floats around, he doesn't clean himself in or out of the water!

I picked him up at a local breeder along with two others when they were a week old. Sammy was fine until a few months later when he had the bleeding wings like I posted. He hasn't had a single problem since, until now. He doesn't seem bothered by it, he eats and drinks fine and he and the other 3 boys stay off on their own until bedtime. His weight is perfect and he seems happy!

I got to thinking about something else. He still has the angel wing issue where he can't keep them up if they get just lightly damp. So maybe that's why he avoids the grooming thing? They're not near as bad as they were before I wrapped them last summer. Then I think, you know I have two other ducks with severe angel wing and they love to flap around in the water whenever they can!

I'm bringing him inside to wash him up. I'm not giving up yet. Maybe I'm stupid for putting this much effort into him, but to me he's worth it!!

You're not stupid Keyt, you just love your animals. I would do the same thing. I can't quit until I feel like I've done all I can to save them. That's why I could never be a true farmer or rancher. They have to stand back and look at it the way Opa does. Opa said that while culling is difficult he personally feels that it is a more responsible husbandry procedure and I agree with that, if you are approaching this crazy chicken (or any farm animal) venture from more of a business/enterprise standpoint. I, and I think you also, keep chickens and other poultry or animals more as a hobby and just because you enjoy them. Our problem is that we get attached. Opa, I hope I haven't offended, I never meant to offend or make you sound cold hearted, I know you're not. You, of all people, whose knowledge I so respect!

Keyt and I are just too soft!!

 

[Opa]

Chickmate, I'm never offended when someone disagrees with me. If I were easily offended by that then Hope and I would have split a long time ago. I offer advise when someone posts regarding a topic I have had experience with. Hopefully my advice can help with the situation. I know some may feel I am cold hearted but age has taught me to be realistic when dealing with birds and animals. Oft times the cost of saving an animal far exceeds the cost to replace it and my retirement income won't allow that. I applaud those who refuse to give up on helping a creature and I understand fully the desire to do so. I do however, feel it is wrong to save a genetically inferior animal and then allow that animal to breed.

 

[keyt1969]

Quote:
Ok, so this morning before everyone was let out, we checked chickens and ducks one by one. No one has anything. I also went thoroughly through Sammy and it just looks like dirt on him. It's been terribly muddy here and even putting down straw isn't working as long as it rains this hard like it has every day. Problem is, although Sammy gets in the pond and floats around, he doesn't clean himself in or out of the water!

I picked him up at a local breeder along with two others when they were a week old. Sammy was fine until a few months later when he had the bleeding wings like I posted. He hasn't had a single problem since, until now. He doesn't seem bothered by it, he eats and drinks fine and he and the other 3 boys stay off on their own until bedtime. His weight is perfect and he seems happy!

I got to thinking about something else. He still has the angel wing issue where he can't keep them up if they get just lightly damp. So maybe that's why he avoids the grooming thing? They're not near as bad as they were before I wrapped them last summer. Then I think, you know I have two other ducks with severe angel wing and they love to flap around in the water whenever they can!

I'm bringing him inside to wash him up. I'm not giving up yet. Maybe I'm stupid for putting this much effort into him, but to me he's worth it!!

You're not stupid Keyt, you just love your animals. I would do the same thing. I can't quit until I feel like I've done all I can to save them. That's why I could never be a true farmer or rancher. They have to stand back and look at it the way Opa does. Opa said that while culling is difficult he personally feels that it is a more responsible husbandry procedure and I agree with that, if you are approaching this crazy chicken (or any farm animal) venture from more of a business/enterprise standpoint. I, and I think you also, keep chickens and other poultry or animals more as a hobby and just because you enjoy them. Our problem is that we get attached. Opa, I hope I haven't offended, I never meant to offend or make you sound cold hearted, I know you're not. You, of all people, whose knowledge I so respect!

Keyt and I are just too soft!!

I SO agree! I am sometimes too soft, but it has allowed me to save probably a few hundred animals since childhood! My sister, the very wise farmer in our family (whom I lost contact with after my mother's death in 2000) taught me a lot for which I am very thankful!

Aric and I were discussing the luck we have had with all the animals we have managed to take in in the last year. Strangely, we have had more luck with the ones we found in ads on CL or from friends (Vicki, Kim and Cricket) than we have with ones we picked up at feed stores. For example, this year alone we've had 5 chicks die that were purchased at TSC or FFH. I also had 2 chicks die that I incubated, but I didn't expect them to live anyway considering the heat increase that happened.

Last year I picked up 4 male calls from the same wonderful breeder. I originally thought I had two males and two females but Sammy for one was difficult to sex! Last summer I looked everywhere for several decent females and was hoping to trade two of my males, but it never happened and now I don't want to let any of them go. But since they are the smallest and quietest ducks I have, they aren't a problem at all!

I am a huge softie when it comes to animals. That was why I only worked at the county animal control for a summer. On my sister's farm it was my responsibility to care for the sick animals while my sister took on the disposing of the ones that were beyond healing. Not that I cant do what is necessary if needed, I just choose to do everything within my power to give them a chance.

I understand where you are coming from Opa, and I appreciate your input. Unlike some people I've met, I won't sacrifice my mortgage (well, if I had one lol) to save an animal, I'll just sacrifice my time and effort!

If Sammy was limping, not eating, unable to move, etc, then yes I'm smart enough to know it's his time. He does none of that. Last summer when his wings were similar to the way they are now, I gave him time and attention and he healed and stayed that way til the last week.

 

[uchytil]

Well it's been a few weeks. My cherries ,and some apples, are in full blossom! Peas are up. Raspberries, blackberries, and blackcaps are filling out. Blueberries are slowly coming along. Rhubarb is invading. The pears and plums are leaving out. Time to plant the garden. Off to Ravenna auction in the AM to search for Sicilian Buttercups. I only want a few so I may have a few extras to find new homes if I score. A new interest (anyone heard of these) - Buckeyes. I'm in for a few of those also but may have to go to a hatchery. Isn't this a great time of the year! On a sad note: A mama Mallard and baby were run down near my house so I did the decent thing and moved them. I could not find the other babes. Maybe they'll be ok with all the bugs and stuff. Here's to being optimistic anyway.

 

[fifelakelooper]

Quote:
Oh...I had a Buckeye last year. It is a Ohio breed. There is someone on the Michigan thread if I remember right...that has Buckeye's. Sounds like your garden is doing well....our raspberries and blueberries are filling in....can't see but tiny buds on the grape vines and the apple trees here are just starting to leaf...blossom out. Rhubard is flourishing and this is the year we can actually eat our asparagus! (which is doing great!)

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

Quote:
Chickmate...are you making your autodoor opener or buying one?? Have you found one you wanted in particular? I've been interested in getting one of these for several years!

I'm not handy enough to make my own so I'll be purchasing one. I found one a couple of months back that looked pretty nice and wasn't too expensive, but it's from the UK and I'd rather keep looking and find on made here.

Hey you all - if you want to build your own auto door , send us a PM - we did and it works great at a fraction of the cost
= Nancy & Steve

 

[Chickmate]

Huston's Happy Hens :

Quote:
I'm not handy enough to make my own so I'll be purchasing one. I found one a couple of months back that looked pretty nice and wasn't too expensive, but it's from the UK and I'd rather keep looking and find on made here.

Hey you all - if you want to build your own auto door , send us a PM - we did and it works great at a fraction of the cost
= Nancy & Steve​

Hello Huston! Wow, that makes me want to say "Houston, we have a problem!" Anyway, just wondering if you'll be coming to Chickenstock next month? Is this something you could make and sell at Chickenstock? I'll also PM you because I'm interested. Thanks!

 

[Chickmate]

Quote:
I hear you Opa and I agree 150%!! Thanks for your understanding and for being such a totally cool country gentleman.

 

[Huston's Happy Hens]

Quote:
Hey you all - if you want to build your own auto door , send us a PM - we did and it works great at a fraction of the cost
= Nancy & Steve

Hello Huston! Wow, that makes me want to say "Houston, we have a problem!" Anyway, just wondering if you'll be coming to Chickenstock next month? Is this something you could make and sell at Chickenstock? I'll also PM you because I'm interested. Thanks!

Hey Chickie Mate = give us the dimensions of the existing door, we'll work up the figures and give you an estimate - and YES we will be at CKN STK!