Michigan

[keyt1969]

Last night was the first time that it has really rained since my turkeys were put outside. Well, it got super muddy back there so we laid down some thick boxes but they acted so scared of it. They stayed like that for at least 10 minutes...






Til I picked some grass for them. They all came up with their faces plastered to the fence as I was picking it!

 

[RaZ]

Awww, I knew it! That's it, I'm off to be a pirate...

I don't think I would ever win any lawn mowing competition, unless there is a category for who took the most excruciatingly long time, had to restart the mower the most times, yet saved the most tiny critters. >.>

I think I was a pirate in a previous life.

Lawn mowing competition is brutal. Steroid use is rampant. It's a cut-throat sport.
Since I posted, the ads have all changed to lawn mowing machines, services and fertilizer services. Funny how what we post get harvested....

 

[Juise]

So... what does this tell us about the orgy, then, Raz?

Keyt, love the pics!

 

[RaZ]

So... what does this tell us about the orgy, then, Raz?

I wish I knew. The ads for half-naked Roman girls turned into riding lawn tractors.
There must be a connection there, somewhere.

 

[mrshaggie810]

Thanks for all the advice about the ducklings! They are still inside right now because their coop/run isn't done and I haven't gotten to the part of the book yet that says "he it's ok if you put them outside" lol, plus it's been really hot here so i didn't want to risk it. Thanks though! Everyone's advice was very helpful!

Keyt They are so funny! My ducks are starting to develop funny little personalities too...they run over to the side of the brooder to see me when I walk in the room, they peep at me because they want water, or attention or something, but I go to pet them, or grab their water and they run away like I'm wielding a sharp object! lol! There are starting to get a little less skittish though, so I'll take it. Baby steps...well, I'm off too bed with not half the stuff done that I needed to do, but I NEED sleep and have a ton to do before we leave tomorrow. Ugh!

 

[keyt1969]

Thanks for all the advice about the ducklings! They are still inside right now because their coop/run isn't done and I haven't gotten to the part of the book yet that says "he it's ok if you put them outside" lol, plus it's been really hot here so i didn't want to risk it. Thanks though! Everyone's advice was very helpful!

Keyt They are so funny! My ducks are starting to develop funny little personalities too...they run over to the side of the brooder to see me when I walk in the room, they peep at me because they want water, or attention or something, but I go to pet them, or grab their water and they run away like I'm wielding a sharp object! lol! There are starting to get a little less skittish though, so I'll take it. Baby steps...well, I'm off too bed with not half the stuff done that I needed to do, but I NEED sleep and have a ton to do before we leave tomorrow. Ugh!

Most of my ducks are rescues so I didn't have them as babies. But I have hatched out quite a few over the years and I love watching them develop personalities. The ducks I have are so spoiled it makes my kids jealous LOL. They and the chickens are so funny when we're mowing the lawn, they'll stand at the fence just waiting for us to blow grass their way!! haha

 

[keyt1969]

Here they are!!!

Chickflick and KrisRose were SO sweet to bring them to me since our vehicles are not able to travel very far right now.

This one came from Shelleyb (who hasn't been on BYC in a while). She didn't know what sex it was but I believe it might be a girl.




I know to some this looks sad. I've had two ducks with this condition. It can be caused by poorly incubated eggs which cause them to be too small for the animal inside, heredity or just poor nutrition. I have also rescued reptiles with noses pushed in like this. Yes, she can eat just fine and doesn't act any different. I just have to make sure her mouth stays wet and her tongue doesn't freeze in the winter. Anyway, she's a Pomeranian and super sweet! I sat and cuddled with her for about an hour a couple of times. She had never seen the other two and they all get along like long lost friends!




FINALLY I have Toulouse!!! The female, Jazzy (her name really fits her!) is very sweet and doesn't mind me holding her at all. The male (not sure if he has a name) is very protective of the other two and he loves to watch everything! I couldn't stop watching them. I must have gone out to the barn 5 or 6 times to just stand there and look at them! A handful of my ducks are being re-homed this weekend so I might try these guys with the ducks so they can come out and graze with them. If that doesn't work then we'll make them their own place. I'm just SO excited to have them!!!

 

[Mom 2em All]

If I knew what cat just jumped on my head- all claws out, from the top of the entertainment center I would take it in and declaw it, or euthanize it...I have about twenty holes in my head now, bleeding. I was too busy holding my head in pain to see which of the jerks it was...


Raz and BYFM- Sunday is my only day. Have plans for Saturday already.


and everyone who commented on my situation with my brother- thanks, and

 

[Mom 2em All]

Last evening, my NOTmeaty hen was under the butterfly bush making her usual panting/gasping sounds- which I attribute to being obese yet active- only this time, she was purple. It had just started to rain, and all the chickens took cover under the various bushes.
I made a mental note "this doesnt look good" and then I retreated out of the rain.

Last night she put herself to bed. this morning I found her dead. Very dead- I dont believe she made it much past putting herself under the lean-to. She was on her back, feet up. Im sad for her, but she lived out her life without being butchered and having a good chicken life, even if it was short. I feel bad for my white Uggo. She was her "birds of a feather" that flock together. They slept together, foraged together, hung out together, and got picked on by Mama Hen and the d'uccles together. Now she seems lost. She lost her buddy.

 

[hippychickster]

I wouldn't worry too much. Your hens are young and hiccups happen. Things like soft shell and double yolk seem to occur more with new layers.

Thanks Raz, I thought that too but I think why I was concerned is because they have been laying hard shells for a few weeks. I guess they are still considered new layers.

Please read the july 10th post Bones, shells, and Hen Health
Good clear artical with lots of good info!
http://mikethechickenvet.wordpress.com/tag/backyard-chickens/
Calcium and phosphorus
Phosphorus rich foods include...sunflower seeds, edamame, flax seeds and oat bran

Here is a great site for finding vitamins and minerals in food!
http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/high-phosphorus-foods.php
LOVE THIS SITE!!!!

Thanks this is great info!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chicken grandma


I recently read on here that the HEAT can cause hens to lay soft shell eggs. Since you got 3 in one day I wonder if your coop or run got too hot
It did get pretty humid here last evening so that is also possible.

I feel better that nobody seemed to be too concerned about it.
Thanks so much everyone!