North Carolina

[Hollowoakfarm]

Eggs don't have to be refrigerated. We're the only country I know of that does, although I assume there is another one somewhere that I don't know about! Rule of thumb, though...don't wash if you keep them on the counter. Wash if they're going in the fridge.

Oh! And congratulations on the egg!

Okay, now I've got egg washing questions...I didn't wash my girls eggs. One had stuff on it, I brushed it off with paper towel. All of them have gone straight to fridge, more bc of my cat than worry about food safety. I ate a couple scrambled yesterday, no bad side effects other than immense pride!!

Basic rules. I've also eaten refrigerated, unwashed eggs. But it doesn't guarantee your eggs will start growing bacteria. Just increases the odds. Now eggs that are being sold get washed and refrigerated. Our eggs usually stay on the counter.

 

[tammyfarms]

Do you mean appropriate feed for the various ages?

On basic signs of illness - what would you recommend? Nasal discharge, swollen eye, limping, puffed feathers, what else?

Along with the other excellent recommendations maybe something about worming? I had chickens for several years before learning on BYC that I should be worming.

Did anyone mention lice or mites?

You mentioned predator proof housing, maybe take that step further. I once saw people keeping chickens without any shelter. They were in a dog run but had no place to get out of the weather.

Thanks for being a chicken ambassador!

 

[nursebecky99]

Basic rules. I've also eaten refrigerated, unwashed eggs. But it doesn't guarantee your eggs will start growing bacteria. Just increases the odds. Now eggs that are being sold get washed and refrigerated. Our eggs usually stay on the counter.

Thanks Hollow! I appreciate all of the help, advice and support from all of the experienced chicken owners!

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Do you mean appropriate feed for the various ages? On basic signs of illness - what would you recommend? Nasal discharge, swollen eye, limping, puffed feathers, what else?

Along with the other excellent recommendations maybe something about worming? I had chickens for several years before learning on BYC that I should be worming. Did anyone mention lice or mites? You mentioned predator proof housing, maybe take that step further. I once saw people keeping chickens without any shelter. They were in a dog run but had no place to get out of the weather. Thanks for being a chicken ambassador!

oh, gee....how could we have overlooked parasites! Tammy, you rock! Really? Who keeps animals like that? Oh. Yeah. The same type of person my friend lived next door to in Colorado, who kept his Chihuahua outside. In Colorado winter. Idiots. That kind of person. I always have people tell me, "They're animals. They're supposed to live outside, and they know what to do." Maybe. If they were free to do it! If they could, they'd find their own shelter. If they are locked up, they can't. And ones that we've bred to extreme body types, like little Chihuahuas, can't even then. What makes so many of our species like this?

 

[Lizabelsherrill]

Really? Who keeps animals like that? Oh. Yeah. The same type of person my friend lived next door to in Colorado, who kept his Chihuahua outside. In Colorado winter. Idiots. That kind of person. I always have people tell me, "They're animals. They're supposed to live outside, and they know what to do." Maybe. If they were free to do it! If they could, they'd find their own shelter. If they are locked up, they can't. And ones that we've bred to extreme body types, like little Chihuahuas, can't even then.

What makes so many of our species like this?

I can't stand people that don't take care of their animals!! If you won't take care of them don't get them!

Elizabeth

 

[SPARKLESILKIE]

I know! We also have a parakeet named sunny and everyone is like, he wants to come out! But the truth is that we try to get him out but he won't budge without his mirror!

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

[COLOR=0000FF]Elizabeth[/COLOR]

Yes, she had her little girl. They should have gotten to come home yesterday morning.

 

[atmaclean]

oh, gee....how could we have overlooked parasites! Tammy, you rock!

Really? Who keeps animals like that? Oh. Yeah. The same type of person my friend lived next door to in Colorado, who kept his Chihuahua outside. In Colorado winter. Idiots. That kind of person. I always have people tell me, "They're animals. They're supposed to live outside, and they know what to do." Maybe. If they were free to do it! If they could, they'd find their own shelter. If they are locked up, they can't. And ones that we've bred to extreme body types, like little Chihuahuas, can't even then.

What makes so many of our species like this?

Thank you Tammy and Meg! Great suggestions. I will make sure to let folks know that chickens can lay much past 2 yrs of age and also that they can get worms (like our dogs and cats) and need appropriate space and shelter!

A week or so ago, I saw an ad on one of my FB groups about a BCM pullet for sale near me. I messaged the person about it and was told the pullet was for sale (for $12) because they needed to buy feed for the other chickens on the property. My husband said "no way" as he didn't want to have to quarantine one pullet for 30 days. So, I messaged the person back and told them that I couldn't take the pullet. I felt really bad so hubby said we could either give them the money or just take them some food. I decided to take the chicken feed. Also ended up taking a big bag of dog food which they needed. It was a pretty bad situation. I think that some people get in way over their heads with getting cute chicks or bunnies and have NO clue about their proper care and needs - especially after the "cuteness" wears off.... So sad because the ones who suffer the most are the innocent animals.

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Good Morning, Happy Chicken People!

Long day today! See you later!

 

[skitzkle]

Thank you Tammy and Meg! Great suggestions. I will make sure to let folks know that chickens can lay much past 2 yrs of age and also that they can get worms (like our dogs and cats) and need appropriate space and shelter!

A week or so ago, I saw an ad on one of my FB groups about a BCM pullet for sale near me. I messaged the person about it and was told the pullet was for sale (for $12) because they needed to buy feed for the other chickens on the property. My husband said "no way" as he didn't want to have to quarantine one pullet for 30 days. So, I messaged the person back and told them that I couldn't take the pullet. I felt really bad so hubby said we could either give them the money or just take them some food. I decided to take the chicken feed. Also ended up taking a big bag of dog food which they needed. It was a pretty bad situation. I think that some people get in way over their heads with getting cute chicks or bunnies and have NO clue about their proper care and needs - especially after the "cuteness" wears off.... So sad because the ones who suffer the most are the innocent animals.

I wish that was closer to me! I would love to have a a BCM pullet!