Michigan

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
What makes you think chickens aren't the same way? That is precisely why the responsible thing to do is to cull. With many infectious diseases they continue to shed the disease after they've "recovered" and are, therefore, a danger to all other chickens. Some diseases do not even need a host to survive long term, they can live in the soil, in your coop bedding, on the roosts, etc. So you go to your coop, fiddle around and then go to the feed store and bring the disease with you. Another chicken owner comes into the feed store behind you, unknowingly picking up infectious disease as he walks. He then goes back to his flock and the disease is spread all over again. It's not about whether or not they're "just pets", it's about understanding that each of us is not an island unto our own and the decisions we make and the actions we take with our own flocks effect everyone else. It's not about "saving" your chickens, it's about understanding that you are putting every other chicken at risk by keeping carriers around.

 

[1muttsfan]

Fuzzy not all infections resolve completely. Some can lead to what is called a carrier state. These animals (or people - think Typhoid Mary) have a permanant infection, and will contine to shed virus or bacteria without showiing any signs of illness themselves. The infections they carry, while no longer making them ill, can cause serious illness or death in newly infected individuals.

Fife, would love to see a picture of him now

 

[AngelaB]

Very chilly out there today!

I was wondering, does anyone put holiday decorations up on their coops?

 

[M.sue]

Quote:
I'm putting a wreath on the the pen door.....it has big maroon velvet ribbon to macth the coop!!

 

[Opa]

I too have thought about placing a wreath on the door of my coop. A funeral wreath if their laying doesn't improve.

 

[BobBry]

Quote:
Take a look at post 27331 from RaZ. He explained it so that even computer challenged I did it. Keep trying.

 

[NovaAman]

Chicken Grandma, yes, they is plenty of room. I am not worried about Oscar ending up killed in the big coop. He's FAST! I am not kidding, that little guy can move it. There is also a tiny cubby space he can get into that Mr Fluffers can not if he needs to HIDE out. Also, all the hens in that coop, aside from his brood mates are 2 times bigger than he is and they do not take any of his crap. I think thats funny. They are all out and running around today. Doesn't seem the windchill bugs them much. Not the silkies though. I opened up their coop door, and they did not even come out. They looked out, turned around and went back in it. They've got food and water inside there too, so... They've even got their own little run, thats attached right to the front of the coop and I put wire over top of that so The Rapist can not get in.

I want some of those Seremas.... Those are the ones I couldn't remember the name for... ONLY I want them to be INSIDE. Crazy maybe, but hey, If people can have those big Macaws in their homes, why not Seremas? I saw this guys beautiful indoor Serama cages and now... I WANT IT TOO! lol Only have to wait for spring after I get property taxes paid...

 

[Opa]

This morning I woke to a house with two women complaining and saying that I need to do something about it. What the heck were they grumbling about. Then I went to get a cup of coffee. Our reverse osmosis water filter was emitting a high pitched squeal that my hearing loss didn't allow me to hear until I was in the kitchen. Poured a cup of coffee, left the room, problem solved. Yea, right.

Had to wait for the township offices to open to have them initiate a call to the water softner company that supplied the unit. When they call and I explain the problem they tell me that it is impossible since the unit has no alarm. After holding the phone against the filter so they could hear the problem they finally agreed to send someone out. Now when they finally come is the next big question. I've shut off the water and drain the unit but the squeal persisits. Sometimes hearing loss can be a blessing.

 

[NovaAman]

Huh... wonder what it is then...

 

[1muttsfan]

I have been giving daily pep talks to the girls about laying more eggs. Maybe time to start with the warnings about what happens to non-egg-laying egg layers...