Michigan

[NovaAman]

I have a chicken pooping a brown diareaha (sp?). I don't know which one, there are 9 in the coop. I wouldn't have noticed it at all except its on the coop floor. None of my flock seem sick. All are eating really well. Only one is acting kinda crabby, but she's also 5 months, so I think maybe she's gonna start laying soon. But what should I look for sick wise with the birds? I have time tomorrow, I can sit outside with them and observe to see if i can see which one is doing it... Should I worry? Or are they kinda like people, occassional runny stools?

 

[dianaross77]

Quote:
Ah the poo question... We've all asked it. Here is the "poo chart" where you'll find a vast array of normal poo. http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

 

[Chickmate]

I have been thinking about winter and how I'm going to get water out to the coop. I had wanted to have a line run this summer but the money just wasn't there. So......looks like I'll be filling buckets at the kitchen sink or the bathtub and hauling them out. How many of you are lucky enough to have water in your coops and how do you keep the faucet and line from freezing up? Any suggestions or tips from others who haul from the house?

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
Frost free spickets!

You can even use a hose in the winter the same way as summer as long as you have a frost free outdoor spicket. Just install some hooks so that it hangs when not in use with the center at the highest point. As long as it drains it won't get clogged up with ice. Just make sure you unscrew it from the spicket after each use so it can drain and so that the water doesn't remain in your pipes.

If you have to haul from the house I suggest having a bucket you keep handy for hauling water. Make it a bit bigger than your waterer so you have extra water to rinse it out. And haul out the hottest water you can. When it's really cold the water is going to freeze throughout the day. It just is. Nothing you can do about it. Realize that contrary to popular belief your chickens will not die if they do not have liquid water every second of every day. As long as they're given access for a short period twice a day or so they will be fine. They will quickly learn to drink when the drinkin' is good and they will do fine. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to haul water out five times a day or something. Carry out hot water first thing in the morning and a little before roosting time and they will be happy, healthy campers.

 

[RaZ]

I hate thinking about fall and winter but I do have to get things ready for my hens.
I don't have running water to the coop (garage) but I do have a heated bird bath that I put out every year. It only comes on at 35 degrees and sits low to the ground, perfect height for a chicken to drink.

I'll be making some modifications to my garage so that the chickens have a nice place for the winter. The garage is insulated and has power so all I have to do is rearrange the work space and give up a bit of room for the girls.

 

[keyt1969]

Quote:
Hey Nova, I just noticed you're from Holland! My grandma lived there for 91 years on the same two streets (the only one I knew was 16th) and my sister had a ranch between Holland and Saugatuck. Story is my dad's side of the family were the first ones to settle there. For many years it was a family requirement to march in the Tulip Time parade in those darn wooden shoes. I put a stop to it because I've had many heath problems. I miss it there though. My nephews still live there.

 

[keyt1969]

Quote:
He's a good boy. I wish I could find a home for him!!


To anyone interested, I'm still wanting to make some deals on 3 swedish drakes, a swedish hen, a bsl and rir roo and now also a runner and cayuga hens. All of the ducks are seriously molting but very good pets.

 

[keyt1969]

So, today I spent several hours (with more to go!) taking semi annual pics of my animals. Unfortunately it was muddy but I didn't know when we'd have another sunny day. Anyway, I thought I'd share a few

Lily (rt) and Harley. Lily was my first ever incubated duckling. Harley almost died and I saved her life.

A RIR mix roo I'd love to re-home!

Sandi, a 1.5 yr old runner

Can anyone tell me what breed they think this hen is? I got her a couple of weeks ago from a guy who knew NOTHING about chickens!!

A 5 month old SLW

A BLRW roo that needs a home!!

 

[Opa]

Quote:
If your flock appears healthy I would suspect what you are seeing is cecal droppings and opposed to fecal droppings.

It's normal and nothing to worry about.

 

[Hopper]

Keyt your birds are beautiful! Thanks for sharing! I never get tired of looking at other peoples pictures!!!