Michigan

[M.sue]

Hi Guys.....You've been busy being chatty again I see. Not gonna even try to read the post, just too tired. It was long day at work full of chemical services. Not complaining....money in my pocket for my chicken habit. Kids are sound asleep in bed, DH is reading and my Schnauzer is sprawled out by my feet.


Welcome Sarah92480......Congrats on getting chickens! Beware.....they are addicting!!!

Last night someone mentioned using essential oils in the coop / nesting boxes? Which ones do you use & for what purpose? I think the talk was pertaining to pest control.....sorry I can't remember and it was late when I was scrolling.

 

[sarah92480]

That's what I've been seeing here...I think I am addicted to the farm life in general!! Just don't have time or money for a bunch of livestock right now lol. Maybe some day! I'll be sure to check in often! My chicks that I've only had for 2 days are already attempting escape from their enclosure. It's pretty funny, the barely have feathers (they're like 10 days old) but they are trying like hell to fly over the edge and it's hilarious. I think I'll have to get a bigger enclosure tomorrow!

 

[teeville5]

Well, I am happy to report that the silver sebright I was worried about is indeed a girl. My daughter saw her lay an egg today. Yay! But wait...that means I need hearing aids.

 

[M.sue]

That's what I've been seeing here...I think I am addicted to the farm life in general!! Just don't have time or money for a bunch of livestock right now lol. Maybe some day! I'll be sure to check in often! My chicks that I've only had for 2 days are already attempting escape from their enclosure. It's pretty funny, the barely have feathers (they're like 10 days old) but they are trying like hell to fly over the edge and it's hilarious. I think I'll have to get a bigger enclosure tomorrow!

lol and they will! We put chicken wire over the top of our brooder box to prevent that from happening and to keep our dog at a distance till she was trained to know that they are......friends, family & nice chickies!!

 

[taprock]

Last night someone mentioned using essential oils in the coop / nesting boxes? Which ones do you use & for what purpose? I think the talk was pertaining to pest control.....sorry I can't remember and it was late when I was scrolling.

That was me. I've used essential oils in the past and have spent some time learning about them. I use them for myself. What I used today was Lavender and Tea Tree. I put 5 drops each in a small spay bottle and sprayed them in the nest boxes and on one birds vent area to see if I can see a difference tomorrow. The ones that are recommended for keeping insects away are: Patchouli, Rue, Lemongrass, Citronella, Tea Tree, Cedarwood, Lavender, Thyme and Peppermint. I used the two I had around and that I consider "safe". Lavender you can use neat on skin with no problems, Tea tree needs to be mixed but is pretty mild. I guess I'll see if I can tell a difference.

 

[Farmerboy16]

Sarah! Like others said, it will be an challage to keep up with us chatty people.

Juise- That is a funny story about poison Ivy. I have a sister who is very allergic them them, but some of my other siblings and I can play in the Ivy patch all day, and not get a itch. Must be in the genes from my mom's side. I have once casually pluck a Poison Ivy leaf at a friend's place, and he just about had a heart attack, and screamed at me saying ''That is Poison Ivy!!!'' I just laughed and chased him with it.

 

[M.sue]

That was me. I've used essential oils in the past and have spent some time learning about them. I use them for myself. What I used today was Lavender and Tea Tree. I put 5 drops each in a small spay bottle and sprayed them in the nest boxes and on one birds vent area to see if I can see a difference tomorrow. The ones that are recommended for keeping insects away are: Patchouli, Rue, Lemongrass, Citronella, Tea Tree, Cedarwood, Lavender, Thyme and Peppermint. I used the two I had around and that I consider "safe". Lavender you can use neat on skin with no problems, Tea tree needs to be mixed but is pretty mild. I guess I'll see if I can tell a difference.

Awesome to know.....We carry a wide variety of them at work from A to Z! Our massage therapists use them in their Raindrop Therapy Treatments. I add the Lemon, Orange & Tangerine to my water.....Makes the BEST TASTING FLAVORED WATER EVER! I'll have to pull out their book and see what other oils are safe for use on poultry/ livestock.

 

[sarah92480]

Hey that's alright, I can be chatty too Ive been trying to show the chickies to the dog here too...I cant tell yet if he wants to be friends or wants to have lunch, hahah! He sniffs them sometimes, and other times he seems like he's scared of them. Surprisingly, the cat wants nothing to do w/them.

 

[chickflick]

Sarah! Glad you found us! Those chix sure grow fast. They outgrow their brooders fast!! And the dustt!! Oiy! But chix are so adorable and fun to watch.

 

[Juise]

Holy crap! I didn't even notice! LOL.

I thought maybe you could only use a set number of characters.

There... Is that better? LOL

Perhaps, provided you are endeavoring to scare them off!

Well, I am happy to report that the silver sebright I was worried about is indeed a girl. My daughter saw her lay an egg today. Yay! But wait...that means I need hearing aids.

Yay! And oh, noes! lol

That was me. I've used essential oils in the past and have spent some time learning about them. I use them for myself. What I used today was Lavender and Tea Tree. I put 5 drops each in a small spay bottle and sprayed them in the nest boxes and on one birds vent area to see if I can see a difference tomorrow. The ones that are recommended for keeping insects away are: Patchouli, Rue, Lemongrass, Citronella, Tea Tree, Cedarwood, Lavender, Thyme and Peppermint. I used the two I had around and that I consider "safe". Lavender you can use neat on skin with no problems, Tea tree needs to be mixed but is pretty mild. I guess I'll see if I can tell a difference.

Not sure if this is why you're using it, but tea tree oil is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic. Also I think it smells pretty swell.

It is, however, toxic if swallowed, which is good to be aware of. White vinegar diluted in water is also terrific for cleaning, it is effective against mold, bacteria, and germs, and for deodorizing. It doesn't leave streaks, either, I use it to clean my windows with old prefold diapers, which are lint-free. I use a lot of vinegar water to clean the coop. It is very cheap, too.

Sarah! Like others said, it will be an challage to keep up with us chatty people.

Juise- That is a funny story about poison Ivy.

I have a sister who is very allergic them them, but some of my other siblings and I can play in the Ivy patch all day, and not get a itch. Must be in the genes from my mom's side.

I have once casually pluck a Poison Ivy leaf at a friend's place, and he just about had a heart attack, and screamed at me saying ''That is Poison Ivy!!!'' I just laughed and chased him with it.

Beware! Those who have no reaction to poison ivy can suddenly become allergic to it at any time.

I have seen it happen and it was so well deserved.