Minnesota!

[Minniechickmama]

Quote:
For 2015, but probably last winter.

So, first winter with chickens and goats. Chicken poop frozen in the coop....I'm scared (still) that it's too cold in there. The chickens were up moving around the coop and went out for awhile in the porch...when they went back into the coop the didn't huddle but instead just kind of hung out. So....they are fine....right? The goats seemed chilly....i guess because they were more jumpy than usual. I'm a heckuva nervous mamma.

Stop worrying, it takes years off your life! The chickens will be fine. If you did all that we talked about earlier on, they will make it through just fine.

Having chickens your first winter is like having that first baby...
you worry about every little cough and everything going into its mouth and about every germ, then the second one, you relax a little and don't fuss quite so much. By the third kid, the pacifier could drop in dog poop and you just wipe it off and stick it back in their mouth. Okay, just kidding on the dog poop part, but I think you know what I mean

 

[KlopKlop]

I was out spending some time with the chickens and giving treats and I noticed the bottom edges of his wattles, which are huge, are a shade of purple I quick scooped him up and brought him inside for a new coat of bag balm. He was a little puffy but didn't seem bothered by my touching them. They are so floppy I'm sure they fall in the water when he drinks. Poor fella! I will have to keep an eye on him. We took the moment to recoat a few single comb hens while I was at it.

 

[Minniechickmama]

I just ordered 1/8 of an 1100# steer from a friend that should be here before the new year. I need some beef in the freezer. I better go out and make room though!
I think we are going to do a pork roast for Christmas, or whenever the kids can all be here to sit down together. The oldest has a tough time making things work since he is working all nights now, and his girlfriend works some other shifts that they don't always match up. They are joined at the hip, so we have to schedule around both. It is okay though, she is a nice girl.
It looks like we may get together with some friends for New Years though, which we haven't done in 3 or 4 years now.

Getting some cleaning done today and baking, mostly to give away to like the neighbors and mail-lady and such.

It is still cold, but not near as bad as this morning. I better get used to it though, huh?

 

[Minniechickmama]

I was out spending some time with the chickens and giving treats and I noticed the bottom edges of his wattles, which are huge, are a shade of purple

I quick scooped him up and brought him inside for a new coat of bag balm. He was a little puffy but didn't seem bothered by my touching them. They are so floppy I'm sure they fall in the water when he drinks. Poor fella! I will have to keep an eye on him. We took the moment to recoat a few single comb hens while I was at it.

Be gentle. If they are ballooning, he definitely got frostbite. Let Nature take its course to work the fluid out though. Some people I have seen say to drain it, but that is asking for more damage and possible infection. I have had enough that this happened to to know, Nature takes care of that stuff well enough. I have been trying to figure out ways to cover the water so they don't dip their wattles, like just a slot or hole for them to dip their beaks into.

 

[KlopKlop]

Be gentle.  If they are ballooning, he definitely got frostbite.  Let Nature take its course to work the fluid out though.  Some people I have seen say to drain it, but that is asking for more damage and possible infection.  I have had enough that this happened to to know, Nature takes care of that stuff well enough.  I have been trying to figure out ways to cover the water so they don't dip their wattles, like just a slot or hole for them to dip their beaks into.

They seemed a little puffy but I wouldn't say fluid filled. I've never touched them before so I have no reference. I put the bag balm on and now I will let him be. Just keep an eye on him.

He didn't fuss or fight me so I am hoping that means it didn't hurt him.

Fortunately Buck had a nice tight peacomb!

 

[The BlanchRanch]

I just ordered 1/8 of an 1100# steer from a friend that should be here before the new year.  I need some beef in the freezer.

Where do you get this? I was looking to get a quarter or so. Thought I should split up a half or whole among friends though. For a cheaper proce. Wanted a steer that had a happy life and a good hang time. Do you have a good contact? When you get 1/8th do you get is that split equally? Do you save much buying more?

 

[The BlanchRanch]

 I have been trying to figure out ways to cover the water so they don't dip their wattles, like just a slot or hole for them to dip their beaks into.

I know I am on a tiny scale compared to you. But others may find it helpful too.
I was tired of thawing out my water all the time so i broke down and bought one of those expensive heaters you put under the fount. I had a metal fount that started rusting so i got a couple cheap plastic ones from menards last summer. They have been working great on this thing and it keeps it up away from their feet. 50 bucks for the heater. I consider it a good buy considering how well it works. Free of worries.

 

[Cluckies]

I was out spending some time with the chickens and giving treats and I noticed the bottom edges of his wattles, which are huge, are a shade of purple

I quick scooped him up and brought him inside for a new coat of bag balm. He was a little puffy but didn't seem bothered by my touching them. They are so floppy I'm sure they fall in the water when he drinks. Poor fella! I will have to keep an eye on him. We took the moment to recoat a few single comb hens while I was at it.

Have you tried elevating the waterer? that way the waddles will rest against the side of the waterer when they drink, and not dip into it.

 

[KlopKlop]

Have you tried elevating the waterer? that way the waddles will rest against the side of the waterer when they drink, and not dip into it. 

I use a heated dog dish that is deep. Probably wouldn't help. Good idea though!

 

[scandiafowl]

Omg.

It brought tears to my eyes.

Luke Skywalker lives on.