Michigan

[NovaAman]

Oh, I wanted to get more chicks so bad! I probably would consider it if Skatter went broody. But she decided she likes eating a whole lot more than sitting on eggs. LOL. My neighbor is going this weekend to get a replenishment on his stock. I should be happy with my 28 chickens. I have 28... That number just seems wrong. I know I do not have that many. I need more. LOL. Even the little duckys were so cute. That almost tempted me... ALMOST.

We ended up getting some very very nice weather this afternoon. Hit 52, the wind quit, the sun was so nice. I got the duck coop bedding top cleaned and turned. No hidden eggs today. LOL. Only 3. Also pulled all the straw out of the littles coop and dumped it in their run and put wood chips back in. There are just to many of them. I am thinking of seeing if any one wants some roos... Nah. Not yet. I am going to have to get ready to build a bigger coop real soon. Then I could get more chickens. Either that or have a shed cleaning party and get the shed cleaned out big time. Then dusted down with sevin. I worry about mites with them in there. I also need to cut a different door in it... I don't know. I have that huge building back there, but its steel... Very well vented though, but steel... Would be plenty or room, and then I could really get more chickens... LOL.. But anyway, these little guys are getting so big so fast! I had 3 of my big girls get in the littles coop, checking it out, and I was surprised at how little room there is! I have a basic run frame up, I could always put some walls to it, and roof, and make a bigger coop later this spring... Then I can get more chickens. LOL.

See how everything is working back to more chickens! I am glad I do not have to go back to TSC for a few weeks.

But I could get more chickens. Maybe more ducks. I could have a swim fest with the ducks in my bath tub... Oh man...

 

[M.sue]

That would entail me having some collateral for them to come after if I didn't pay up...the only thing they could come after me for is a partially constructed chicken coop!

In that case they'd make you stock 50 lb.feedbags in the back room till your tab was paid off!!

 

[swampducks]

A bit of good news here. The duckling I rescued last week is back with his mom and sibs and so far so good. I just came in from a check-up and the kids were all under her as far as I could tell. Didn't see any stray little bodies elsewhere, unless dad was sitting on one. I cause a distraction while placing straw and food and slipped him in while the adults backs were turned. He seemed a little slow on chasing his sibs when they ran around but I think he'll get the idea.

 

[b737drvr]

In that case they'd make you stock 50 lb.feedbags in the back room till your tab was paid off!!

That would probably take a lot of feedbags!!!

 

[Farmerboy16]

OK, all, i have had the evening alone with the computer, so i went back to researching to try to find any of the original articles i read, in an attempt to be helpful/positive

:eyeballs are sore:
I was unable to find the govt. one that did the most extensive test, which showed to cure if caught early. Once it is established, or there is swelling/scarring in the lungs, the meds are not able to penetrate that tissue, so the meds can't wipe it out completely, according to the results of that study. I did find one that did try the doxycycline with the tiamulin (denaguard) to some success, although these were large poultry operations and they did not discuss carrier status, probably because the birds were going to be slaughtered anyway. So much for being original.

Fermented Wheat Germ Extract: First natural supplement i have seen effective against treating mycoplasma. They said it has already been used effectively in treating human mycoplasmas and was good for humans as a help for surgery and chemo. Since the poultry industry all over the world is using antibiotics such as tiamulin in the food/water to prevent getting the MG/mycoplasma , could this be a way to naturally fight it as well? More research will need to be done to find where to get it, and if it is expensive or not. I wonder if we could ferment our own wheat germ? They also did not try using the wheatgerm AND the tiamulin together, so that is one to think on.
http://www.avemarresearch.com/pdf/3...ycoplasmaGallisepticumInfectionofChickens.pdf

explanations of different avian mycoplasmas, and types of poultry wild birds that carry each one (pigeons and wild turkeys, quail carry the MG, ie chronic respiratory disease, MS is carried by pigeons, turkeys, quail and sparrows) . egg treating page 1517. Not 100%, but it can be effective. Might be a good precaution when buying fertile eggs, for other diseases too? Does reduce hatchability though, although mabe the ones that didn't were sick?
http://www.oie.int/doc/ged/D9107.PDF

General consensus seemed to be that getting the birds vaccinated was the best prevention. I wonder if the vaccinated birds shed to unvaccinated birds? More questions... This is the end of my research for a while though. I gotta have a break and think on more pleasant things.

Thanks for the info Fuzzy!!

 

[Farmerboy16]

A bit of good news here. The duckling I rescued last week is back with his mom and sibs and so far so good. I just came in from a check-up and the kids were all under her as far as I could tell. Didn't see any stray little bodies elsewhere, unless dad was sitting on one. I cause a distraction while placing straw and food and slipped him in while the adults backs were turned. He seemed a little slow on chasing his sibs when they ran around but I think he'll get the idea.

Great!!

 

[RaZ]

My ducklings did not arrive today. The lady at Metzer said they were shipped out on Monday but the post office didn't have them when I called today.
Keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

I will have to make a trip to TSC tomorrow for sure, I have enough dog and cat food for one more day. They need a drive-through window so I wouldn't have to go in past the chicks.

 

[NovaAman]

And duckss.

 

[Stacykins]

Hey, for anyone in da UP, a playhouse just popped up on craigslist, looks like it would make an excellent little chicken coop! Though a lot of ice fishing shacks that will go up for sale can do the same thing too.

 

[NovaAman]

Ah, thats cute... to baaad im not in da U P eh...