Michigan

[M.sue]

I like all the information on composting. I"ll have to have my DH read it.

What a cute bunny.....did you give it a name?

Aside from the strong winds it's a nice day out there. I have seen a hawk hanging around the past couple days. The other day I had to heard the chickens back to the run because the hawk was surveying at a low flying level. I have seen the darn thing several times today, too close for my comfort and I'd like to shoot it. My mom says.....who's gonna know? lol I love my farm raised mother! So needless to say my flock will have stay in the run for the day because I can't be out there to babysit. My DD is feeling better but still not 100% and I have stuff to get done inside that I've been putting off. Good time to do it because DS & DH are gone for the afternoon.

Oh yeah.....I got another whooping 10 eggs today.....I can't figure who's holding out because there should be 11.

 

[Bianca67]

Went to TSC today fully intending to bring some chicks home with me. I am looking at all the cuties trying to decide who the lucky ones will be when I turn around and what do I see......all 3 of my boys on the floor wrestling! Needless to say we left the store immediately.

 

[Opa]

I decided that I needed to take a break. I picked up branches until my back I thought my back was right on the verge of taking a permanent question mark shape. Then started taking plastic off the runs. Also opened up the door into the garden so the birds could enter and I'm sure they think they have died and gone to heaven.

Had to go to Home Depot and pick up some barbed fitting and plastic tubing to repair the waterers. Managed to get part of the birds relocated to their summer quarters and will get the remainder after they go to roost.

All this work was starting to take it toil on my old illness weakened body so I figured it was time for a coffee break. So now as I drink my coffee I'm trying to talk my self into going back out. My lazy side is putting up one hell of an argument for quitting for the day, but hopefully my ambitious side wins as there is still much more to be done.

 

[chickflick]

Been outside all day. Took the dogs for a long walk before lunch. After lunch, went back out and let the chickens out to free range. Cleaned their coop, straw in the nesting boxes. Cleaned the bunny cage out. Cut down the maiden grass. Raked the run. Raked some leaves in yard. Gave the chickens their treat. You think since they're out free ranging, they wouldn't need a treat. But, when I went out to do something, there they were, all waiting by the back door for their treat.

They sure know how to tell time.
I think I'm done, oh, but wait, there's dinner to make.

Kitchen to clean.

Hope you guys had time to enjoy the day.

 

[Chickmate]

Four eggs today! What's up with that?? I've been getting between 8 - 11 for the last week now. I looked all over the run and every corner of the coop to see if someone was stashing them, but found nothing. They were out free ranging all day but the girls are so good about coming back in to use the nest boxes I can't imagine they would lay in the yard. I picked the four up this morning when I let them out and after I came back in I heard the egg song several times. Ususally when I go out in the afternoon there are 6 or 8 more. Hmmmm.

A hawk flew over just after I let everyone out but it didn't even seem to notice them and kept right on going. The Muscovys have been out front in the ditch all week so maybe it was watching them instead.

I have driven by TSC twice in the last few days and not been tempted yet, but tomorrow I have to go in for layer and scratch. The good thing is that I'm leaving for Florida on Thursday so can't bring home anything that peeps until I get back. Whew! Also fortunately, I don't have a good brooder to keep chicks in and I really don't want them in my house. I would if I had a garage or basement, but not in my spare bathroom. I kept my 10 FBCM chicks in there when I got them last year and swore I'd never do that again. The dust and smell were just too much. The good thing is that the other chickens have been great with the four babies, so if I do get a few new ones I think they won't be too difficult to integrate into the flock. So, I'll probably get some when I get home. Just would really like something different but not sure what. I'm all about the eggs but would like some "pretty" girls too. Any advice on an attractive breed that's also a good layer?

Getting ready to go on vacation is such a pain in the butt. My neighbor is coming over to take care of my dogs, so of course they all need to be groomed and nails done. Two down and one to go. Aquarium needs a water refresh and cleaning and macaw cage needs to be cleaned good. Of course, the house needs to be spotless as well when someone is coming in to care for things, so gotta get that done. The coop will get its regular cleaning but a complete clean out will have to wait until I get home and it warms up a bit.

 

[NovaAman]

Ok... I got the pics of Mr. Fluffers feet. I don't know how I managed to get him so easy all the sudden, but it was like... He's there, stuffing his face, and I got him.
I think its mites for sure... but here is a pic of each foot.



Like I said, I just noticed it a few days ago. It was not there when he half ripped off his spur. I swear! How the heck does he get mites in the winter? None of the others have it. I just spent 20 mintues following them around and checking them out. LOL. I was a chicken stalker. I don't know if that is worse than being a groper, but I don't think so...

SO, what was that easy treatment again? Ivermectin drops? I don't remember who posted about the vaseline and perm-something or was it frontline...? I could go back thru the pages and try and find it, but its easier just to ask again. I know I should have wrote it down, but heck, there wasn't a problem then! LOL.

 

[NovaAman]

Also, I check around his neck and under his wings looking for other mites... I saw nothing, no mites or lice.

Now, I have what may be an odd ball question, but is it possible that he got the mites from the straw? (I really hate the straw, but its cheaper than pine shavings)

 

[chicken grandma]

Hi Nova,
I don't know if Fluffers has anything wrong with his feet. I will have to leave that up to the other folks here to tell you.

I heard Dr. Fulton say that for scaly leg mites you can put one drop of Ivermectin on each leg for a full size chicken. Not sure where you would put it exactly.

 

[NovaAman]

I know that slathering them up with vaseline will smother, and need to do it for about 2 weeks... I will have to go to tsc or ffh tomorrow and look for some ivermectin.

 

[NovaAman]

I am so tempted to just go ahead and dust the whole dang coop and the girls too. Tempted... But I see not other indication of the other types of mites. I was looking thru some other threads about the leg mites, and there are several instances of persons suggesting to poultry dust everyone and the coop as well just to be on the safe side. I understand that, but I also don't want to do it if it isn't necessary. But I am tempted to do it, just incase I am missing something...