North Carolina

[NewHomesteader2010]

caught my first snake of the year in the hen house. Young rat snake, who I put in a bucket just to find out a few minutes later that I didn't weight the top down enough

I'm really glad it was YOU and not me...LOL, I think I might have passed out!! On a funny note...we found out today that our chickens will NOT eat a mouse, nor will they even bother with it. Cat snuck out and caught a field mouse...brought it inside, played with it, DH took it outside and tossed it in the run with the chickens...they watched it run out of the run and into the woods.

I think I have defective chickens!! On a positive note...the rooster I gave to a friend lasted all of 3 minutes before he was crowing and "dancing" (in a separate chicken pen) for the girls. She felt so bad that she ended up letting him "move in" with the girls.

Hoping it works out well for her. I don't THINK we have anything here to be concerned with, but I still told her that a full 30 days separation was best.

I think I am ready for a full vacation!! When do I get to go on one?? LOL

 

[ramirezframing]

I would have given it to my chickens. One of my girls (the red sex-link) ate a baby copperhead that was about a foot or so long a few weeks ago. My girls will FIGHT over snakes!

if I can I relocate them to the woods by a swamp wwwwaaaaayyyy down the road (next county infact

)

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Don't forget, as it warms up and the snakes start moving, that I will take any non-venomous snake you don't want, if it's within any reasonable driving distance.

 

[BHep]

Don't forget, as it warms up and the snakes start moving, that I will take any non-venomous snake you don't want, if it's within any reasonable driving distance.

p.s. I did get that blue kote for you... the one with the dabber.

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Don't forget, as it warms up and the snakes start moving, that I will take any non-venomous snake you don't want, if it's within any reasonable driving distance.

p.s.  I did get that blue kote for you...  the one with the dabber. 

Thanks! CSB found it at TSC, and called to let me know....and then I forgot to get it! Since I have nothing wounded, it's easy to forget!

 

[FireAntFarmer]

Thanks Matt, that's helpful info. I may do something like that and use a light dimmer so I don't have to bother with changing bulbs or height. I am still interested in hearing from people using reptile ceramic heaters to eliminate the bright light. Thanks again!

I have always used plain old incandescent light bulbs in my brooders. I have never used a large heat light in one. I start with 100W for alot of chicks in a large brooder. The 2x3 brooder that I use inside just has a plain light fixture I installed, not even a heat lamp. I heat the box up with a 75-100 watt bulb and then use a 60 watt for the chicks. As they get bigger the bulb goes down to a 40w or smaller. Also 2/3 of the box is open on top. I have a metal grate that goes over it. If I need more heat we just cover some of the top with a blanket. The light is on the side with a closed top.

Always have it so that the brooder has warm and cool spots. This allows chicks to move where they want to get comfortable. I put the feeders/waterers between the hot and cool places.

Matt

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

Good morning folks

half way through the week

not long before the big WCA weekend

hope your day is a good one

 

[BHep]

Who is actually going to WCA this weekend ????

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Good Morning, Happy Chicken People!

I am coming this weekend! I can't remember all the birthday people, though. Can someone help me out on that!?

 

[ramirezframing]

I be there if I aint frozen

they ruined the whole weekend with cold weather