Michigan

[Olive Hill]

LOL, Nova. If they were full grown Saxony ducks I'd probably take them in a heart beat.

I wouldn't hold your breath on those eggs though. Runners aren't known for being prolific.

 

[M.sue]

How so?

I guess because mine has only laid a total of 6-8 , she's 10 months old and hasn't laid an egg since the last one which was like in late Sept. I figure she laid all she had unless she starts to this spring. She tried going broody on my right away too....was always on everyone's eggs when I'd go out to collect even though she wasn't laying.

 

[Olive Hill]

I guess because mine has only laid a total of 6-8 , she's 10 months old and hasn't laid an egg since the last one which was like in late Sept. I figure she laid all she had unless she starts to this spring. She tried going broody on my right away too....was always on everyone's eggs when I'd go out to collect even though she wasn't laying.

Just because she hasn't been laying for you doesn't mean she's out of eggs. Broodiness will halt production in any size hen regardless of how many they have the potential to lay. Bantams, in general, do not tend to be as winter hardy as bigger breeds. Give her some time. My daughter had a d'Uccle hen who didn't lay even one egg until well into her second summer (over a year old). This was after my daughter brought home another d'Uccle hen who laid like a champ from the day we brought her home. We always joked that Bella must not have liked the competition.

 

[M.sue]

Just because she hasn't been laying for you doesn't mean she's out of eggs. Broodiness will halt production in any size hen regardless of how many they have the potential to lay. Bantams, in general, do not tend to be as winter hardy as bigger breeds. Give her some time. My daughter had a d'Uccle hen who didn't lay even one egg until well into her second summer (over a year old). This was after my daughter brought home another d'Uccle hen who laid like a champ from the day we brought her home. We always joked that Bella must not have liked the competition.

Thanks for educating me on this. I do want make an ornament with one of her eggs for my DS....it's his hen. I was also thinking of maybe getting another bantam hen for her cause she's the only bantam except for my Roo. She gets along well with the others and roosts next to them 50% of the time. She is lower on the pecking chart but I make sure she get special attention.

 

[babigyrl22]

None of my bantams are laying but I think that has to do with not enough light in my coop (since they really like hanging out in there if there is snow on the ground). I only have about 5 girls laying currently (out of 18, 5 of them are bantams, 3 of them are pullets). This snow doesn't help...they won't leave the coop unless I go and shovel the run and that is not happening this morning.

Well I should get a move on. I hope the snow holds off.

I am probably going to this tomorrow if anyone else is interested:

"Shady Side Farm Shearing Day
Shearing Day happens at our farm (13275 Blair Street, Holland) from 9 - noon on February 25th. No admission is charged. You are encouraged to dress warmly, and in old clothing--you WILL smell like a sheep barn when you leave.

You will be able to see shearing take plac...e on a working farm and learn more about sheep and wool production. We will have our little on-farm shop open for you to see demonstrations and purchase some of our wool products, including yarn, roving, combed top, needle felting kits and more."

 

[RIRJen]

Could it be "crooked toe"?

I don't know...it's possible because the one who does it the worst has it's outside toe on each foot kinda curled under...I'll check into that!

Quote:

I just love those colors. Especially the first one. I would love a few partridge silkies.

It's yours if you want it!! and it's very bearded...very poofy! lol. I have no interest in partridge...trying to find a home for the gorgeous rooster who keeps throwing it in his chicks. (hint hint nudge nudge wink wink!)

FYI

A friend of mine has cabinet syle incubator and a hatcher for sale. They are older models, but they were recently updated, and in excellent condition. If I had any extra money they would be on their way to my house. The Incubator holds over 300 chicken eggs. If you are interested please let me know. She is located about 20 minutes West of Port Huron.

absolutely

.....

 

[RIRJen]

I'm not trying to be an alarmist but when folks have issues with their chicks I tend to start researching. (I guess it is the biologist in me.)
I found this link, perhaps it will help.

http://poultrykeeper.com/chickens/health/crooked-and-curled-toes-in-chicks.html

You can draw your own conclusions. Good luck.

I started looking up some info and pictures and I think that the one does have a crooked/curled toe on each foot. It's the outside toe...I'll try to get some pictures when I get home from work. It was eating and drinking last night and it gets around but just doesn't want to stand up.
Oh...here's an awesome link I found on crooked toes! http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/repositoryfiles/ca310p14-71425.pdf
sucks...cause of course it's the splash showgirl! ARGH!

 

[M.sue]

Oh...here's an awesome link I found on crooked toes! http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/repositoryfiles/ca310p14-71425.pdf

Wow.....good article and I love old dated material. I wish I had some of my GF poultry/farming reading resources. Don't know if my uncle has any laying around the basement or out in the barn......

He probably pitched them.

How many of you guys get the Farmers Almanac? That was one book that was always in arms reach.

 

[swampducks]

HEY!!!! When did they change the forecast? I went to bed with 1 inch possible today and maybe another tonight. Now they're saying 3 and then 2!!!! It looks like a freakin' snow storm out there!

NOT fair!

 

[Bianca67]

Farmerboy - My husband is in construction and had carpal tunnel issues from swinging a hammer all day, he was advised to start taking B complex vitamins and in about 3 months his wrists were much better. That was years ago and he has no issues with carpal tunnel anymore. It is worth trying IMO if you are trying to avoid surgery like he was. Hope this helps.