Michigan

[Huston's Happy Hens]

Seems to be the season of chicken challenges! I have an RIR that is spending more time in the coop resting on the perches....her comb is healthy looking, but her abdomen is larger than others and somewhat soft....anyone else had similar experience?
Forgot to mention that she doesn't seem to mind me massaging her abdomen at all....

 

[gallinamama]

Now I have rounded out the day!! My family has informed me that they do not want to eat the eggs or the chickens!! Even my husband turned up his nose at the chicken...his mother cooked chicken that she killed and he ate it.. (he is from Italy) but he didn't want it. So now what the Heck am I doing this for????? I am sooooooo irritated!! what a way to end the evening!

They all think it is gross! Where in the world do they thiink chicken and eggs come from???? I am at a loss.... I work real hard at keeping the chickens fed and clean... my sisterinlaw that helped me this morning commented on how clean my chickens were.... I am doing this not only for my enjoyment but for my family... to give them the best product that I can... and to keep my chickens happy... now I feel like a big loser.

 

[FlyingFChick]

Quote:
Well, you are not a big loser!!! You eat your healthy fresh eggs and let them eat that garbage that comes from the store! Keep your chin up and keep enjoying those chickens!

 

[gallinamama]

Quote:
Well, you are not a big loser!!! You eat your healthy fresh eggs and let them eat that garbage that comes from the store! Keep your chin up and keep enjoying those chickens!

Thanks, My sister in Law was talking about getting more chickens... and having me raise them... she would pay for the food and help with the clean up once in a while... and help process them... Now all of this!! Just so frustrating... because I have in my head all the things I want to do... and no help by my H or family. I was thinking of putting a big fence in so I can let them out and feed on the grass.. and bugs.. it would make them happier. I would like to put electricity in so I can have heat and light... but that is a big no from my H...... so I am looking into solor...LOL...

Just so frustrating... thank you for the support... makes me feel much stronger.

 

[SillyChicken]

Hi all!

So I have 8 hens, 6 have gone broody......... they're laying on a group next all together! I count about 20 eggs under them all. I came home today and there were 3 little fuzz butts poken their heads out! I decided to remove the chicks while the hens are still sitting on the other eggs.

Would you guys just raise them up like hatchery chicks in a brooder and introduce to the flock later or would you re-install the chicks once the hens start getting off the nest and hope they accept them (will they)?

 

[Opa]

Huston's Happy Hens :

Sam, I believe you coined the term "decorator chicken" my dear and I have used it since!

Oh no, memory loss is start to set in. The "OLD" man phase of life is starting to kick in big time. Next thing you know I'll be driving real slow.

Silly Chicken, having a broody group could make it difficult. I would pull on hen and place her in a separate enclosure with the chicks. I think it would be a much safer option.

Looks like a roller coaster weather forecast for the next several days. I'd be willing to bet that the weather in Arkansas and Missouri next week will be nice a stable and hot. I've waited til now to go visit my two "southern sons" hoping that it will be a little cooler. I sometimes envy how much less winter they have than we, but I sure don't envy them the summer heat. I've it's cold I can add enough clothes to become comfortable, but if it's real hot sometimes even a birthday suit feels like too many clothes.​

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Quote:
Sorry for your loss. Hopefully you will be able to find another baby to keep this one company. I don't think the 25 week old pullet would accept the baby, she might pick on it or even kill it. Good luck!

 

[SillyChicken]

probabaly will depend on the roosters!

I have 8 hens and 2 roosters. The older one chases the other around and tries to be boss, but I've never seen them fight. And the younger one does his share of breeding. And my hens all look fine (no breeding damage) They roost at night right next to eachother and seem to work together some times herding the girls around and standing guard etc.

 

[vicki2x2]

Quote:
I think it depends on the roosters. If they all get along, establish a pecking order and don't abuse the hens too much, sure, why not? If they beat the crap out of each other or the breed the hens so much they are all bald and hiding, then time to downsize the roosters.

 

[Cruizer1]

House Chicken Question for all you chicken experts.....

I have a Belgium D Uccle that was getting beat up so bad by the other hens I had to bring her in the house. The last time she was just sitting on a perch and her feet feathers were being plucked out and her little feet were bleeding. It was like she just gave up on trying to get away from them. This happened twice so we put in a roost for her where they could not get to but that is all she did was sit on the roost... if she did get down she was attacked.

So now I have a chicken in a cage, I do let her out when we are out or even let her wander in the office when I am working she is a sweetie...trouble is her waste stinks bad.

I did find a website where you can buy diapers for your chicken and that this is a growing trend...she is nicer than a parrot...but again her waste is stinky.

Any advice....does she need other chickens to be with? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks much