Michigan

[RIRJen]

Quote:

My BR's get to free range today. I can't believe how big that boy is getting. I finally heard him crow about a week ago.

WOW! I love them! That rooster is super awesome!

Olive, you have discovered my ulterior motive for posting the pics

I am hoping for orders for Chickenstock.

I will keep posting. Tomorrow will be the German New Hampshires day out.

I bought 3 "pullets" at TSC last week and if the chicks you'll be bringing are out of this flock then sign me up!!

HH those beautiful barred rocks make me feel ... Hungry ... look at the drumsticks on those birds

M Sue----> that brooder is adorable!

 

[uchytil]

I have both of my brooders in the house. The ambient temperature is 72 degrees. The ducklings were away from the lamp until I fed them some peas from the fridge. Now that they have eaten, they are near the lamp but not exactly under it. Meanwhile in the other brooder, the chicks are spread all over the place, even after snacking on the same cool veggies. I guess they decide for themselves where they are most comfortable.

Yep, that''s the way I play it - let them tell me if it's too hot and they all are wearing Ray-Bans, ha ha! I like your idea of peas, I'm starting my ducks on peas this week. Do you use frozen peas and thaw then out? And do you give them grit? Mine have had crumbles so far with an occasional pine chip...

 

[RIRJen]

Well...I think it might be safe to start playing in the yard for spring stuff. I'm convinced we'll get another cold spurt though. Haven't taken the snow blower attachment off the tractor yet just in case lol. My daughter played with her spot babies today...here's a few pictures...


Taking them for a walk around the yard...


My broody hen is still sitting tight and let me know she doesn't appreciate me poking around underniegh her lol. My other birds are doing great and enjoying the weather. Going to fire up the bator again this weekend and have some eggs on order as well as my own. Time for chicks chicks chicks!!

 

[M.sue]

Skilled Trade Welders are in high demand out west...Wyoming, North & South Dakota (growing areas).....pay is good and even better if you're certified. These jobs are widely available out there.....great opportunity for the single guy but makes it tough on the ones who have to up root a family.

 

[yorkchick]

OK here is what I did to solve the problem of temps. I made up a dimmer that my heat lamp plugs into. Then as you want less heat just dial the dimmer down a bit. Keep in mind this is all done manually but at least you have some better control. It can all be done for less than $20

Wait, I'm confused, CR. Shouldn't you be advocating the Silkebrooder/Silkiebator? I'm pretty sure them thangs don't need a dimmer switch. "Set it and forget it," I believe is the quote... The dimmer switch is kinda brilliant though. Might try that if I ever go back to a brooder again. Personally, I was really happy with the results from my Sebrightbator-and-brooder last year. But it's a very small-scale model.

 

[1muttsfan]

Wow what a nice fat perch - yum

Skilled Trade Welders are in high demand out west...Wyoming, North & South Dakota (growing areas).....pay is good and even better if you're certified. These jobs are widely available out there.....great opportunity for the single guy but makes it tough on the ones who have to up root a family.

Well don't tell him THAT!!

Those crazy erection crew guys get anywhere from $20 to 28 an hour, plus vacation time and other benifits - if you can find the work.

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Quote: Well of course silly they have to get under the light to cook those S T U PID cold peas ya gave em for dinner.

 

[RaZ]

Yep, that''s the way I play it - let them tell me if it's too hot and they all are wearing Ray-Bans, ha ha! I like your idea of peas, I'm starting my ducks on peas this week. Do you use frozen peas and thaw then out? And do you give them grit? Mine have had crumbles so far with an occasional pine chip...

Sun-glasses on ducks. I have to get a picture.

I've been providing peas for a week or so, perhaps not a good idea for these little mallards as I want them to be wild when they grow up. I've been feeding them chick "grumble" and about 20% game bird feed mixed in. When I started them with the peas, I added a bowl of chick grit in case they needed it. I did the same for the other chicks as well. The ducks cleaned out the grit bowl while the chicks barely touched it. I guess Nature tells them what they need.

 

[NovaAman]

chicken crack=grapes
duck crack=thawed peas

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Quote: Well yes of course and the Silkiebator is the set it and (almost) forget bator. But it sounds like these peeps had not spent their egg money wisely and rather than a silkiebator they wasted their egg money on a brooder light that is now keeping their peeps too warm!
The dimmer is a project that one would have to make (doesn't come ready made) but so easy and worth it.