Minnesota!

[holm25]

I heard it hps firm up droppings which helps keep the coop dry. And u never know where mites or lice could be hiding!

 

[lalaland]

I've heard of people using DE in the water and food. What's the purpose? I cycle ACV and vitamins/electrolytes in their water.

Personally, I don't use DE. Started out maybe 15 yrs ago with it, but....I don't think it helps anything. I haven't researched it though for more than a decade, and maybe there is some new stuff out there on it.

I do ACV every now and then too. Also something I did pretty religiously back in the day, but am much more relaxed now.

The two broodies haven't gotten off their nest as far as I can tell for two days. I didn't put them outside in the pouring rain on Sun or yesterday....just made sure they had fresh water and feed (even some strawberries) in their quarters. Neither has touched the berries or feed. Hatch day is Friday.

Hoping it won't be pouring rain so I can get them off the nest tonight, then leave them til hatch. Figure they need to poop! I know some people never move their broodies and do just fine.

THis weekend have to figure out what to do with the mamas and chicks - I am really worried about the coop being 3 feet off the ground, and the mamas leaving a chick outside who might not be able to negotiate the ramps. I will hopefully be home Monday, day 3, when mamas might want to take chicks out. THen I can supervise the other hens too...this part makes me nervous

 

[scandiafowl]

My Swedish Flower hens went to family in Rochester today

 

[lalaland]

you know, the problem is that there isn't enough space for all the breeds a person could want! Swedish flower hens, would love some and I am still coveting minniechickiemama's buckeyes. !


but, have three hens setting, and two more went broody. geesh.

 

[KlopKlop]

tonight when i went out to do chores i saw something odd i have never seen before. A hen was on the roost right by the people door snoozing. when i walked up she woke, shook her head a little, the 'puked' some water. it was odd. I tried to pick her up to check her over and feel her crop (it looked full) but she ran and hid under the roosts where I couldnt reach and I wasnt dressed to crawl in the coop.

A quick google says that this can happen when you startle a hen. Has anyone ever seen that? I will try and nab her at lockup and feel her crop.

 

[Minniechickmama]

tonight when i went out to do chores i saw something odd i have never seen before. A hen was on the roost right by the people door snoozing. when i walked up she woke, shook her head a little, the 'puked' some water. it was odd. I tried to pick her up to check her over and feel her crop (it looked full) but she ran and hid under the roosts where I couldnt reach and I wasnt dressed to crawl in the coop.

A quick google says that this can happen when you startle a hen. Has anyone ever seen that? I will try and nab her at lockup and feel her crop.

Well, I have met you and I know you aren't ugly, so maybe it is just a thing. LOL

I haven't noticed it in any of mine. I know if they just drank a bunch and I grab one up that they spew a little.

 

[lalaland]

klopklop, I've seen that once in a while. I think they just have a full crop and when they are roosting, they kind of sink their heads into their chest, compressing the crop and pushing contents up a bit. I wouldn't worry - never hurts to keep an eye out - but I don't think it indicates anything

I have a few hours this morning to work on the coop and to figure out how to make the hens that are supposed to hatch their clutch this weekend safe with the chicks. But my back is killing me.....

 

[KlopKlop]

Yeah I could not pick out the one at roost time last night to check her crop but it was definitely full when she yakked. I was worried about a sour or impacted crop but like you say and what my research shows, she probably is fine.

Still a bit disconcerting to see!

 

[KlopKlop]

There was an angry red sunrise here this AM, by the old adage 'red sky this morning, sailor take warning' we may be in for it today.

 

[scandiafowl]

you know, the problem is that there isn't enough space for all the breeds a person could want!  Swedish flower hens, would love some and I am still coveting minniechickiemama's buckeyes. !


but, have three hens setting, and two more went broody.  geesh.  

One of my Australorps is perpetually broody. Never breaks character even when she is set out in the field with the others.
Snarls at roosters, growls at me. Whatever.