North Carolina

[BHep]

Does anyone know of a breeder here in NC who has quality Delaware chickens? I tried calling the 4H for help finding one but they won't call me back and I'm getting so frustrated especially since the neighbors dog killed 4 of mine last month alone. They're my DH's favorite hens and I wanted to surprise him

I do not think the 4H here has a program for chickens, at least they did not this past summer when I inquired, they also dropped their rabbit program recently.

p.s. some of the chicks I am bringing to Fay. are Delawares.

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

Where is the flock swap that you're going to? We're going to one in Sanford. I'm hoping to find a few more hens for my flock

There is a flock swap in Fayetteville this Sat. also and several BYCers are going to that one. The swap in Sanford has more area but since Fay is having one the same day there won't be as many sellers at Sanford as there might have been. We are going to the one in Fayetteville and hoping the rain holds off till the afternoon.

 

[HenThymes]

I read somewhere that feeding medicated feed will make the mareks vacc. not work, this was a few years ago. So I could be remembering wrong. I fed medicated chick feed last year and that was my first year ever having cocci. My dad read that if you feed non medicated chick feed and take outside dirt and give it to them in a bowl from day one, they should build up a resistance. (CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG DAD)

There is soooo much controversy when it comes to vacc/ not vacc.

When you vacc for mareks the chicks are "suppose" to be kept separate from all others not vacc at the same time for 10 days. Well if those chicks get shipped as day olds to a store, say TSC, if people come in that have non vacc poultry and touch the vacc chicks - boom they now potentially have been exposed!

If you ask the old timers they are against vacc all together, they believe it is "Natures Selection" and only the hardiest survive thus ensuring a stronger flock in the end.

Feeding Non-medicated feed allows chicks to build a strong natural immune system from day one. I think in certain situations medicated feed is a good thing, like me, I have 50-100 chicks at all times in brooders and am raising primarily for show stock so use special show poultry medicated starter. If you only have a dozen or two and just every now and then I would recommend using non medicated feed and let the chicks be chicks.

 

[BHep]

Trying to hide from the killer camera

Delaware and Eng.Orps.

 

[AllyRodrigues]

Also, those of you who raise birds just for meat...DH has been thinking he would like to raise and stock our freezer for this winter (including a turkey or two)...Any suggestions/advice?? What is your favorite "natural" meat bird (meaning I know the Cornish X is a typical meat bird, but before they were "created" what was used?). Is it hard to raise them? How long do they grow for? Would you suggest ordering from a hatchery, if so, which one? Sorry so many questions, figured I should find out and break it down for DH before making any decisions.

I thought I would chime in with what works for us! Basically, I just keep heavier birds for eggs (barred rock, easter egger, orpingtons, and mixes of all of them) and that way my husband can butcher the roosters..I'm trying to get more and more ok with this! For instance, we hatched about 25 chicks in the winter and are figuring out now who are boys. He just picks them off when he feels like chicken for dinner. Sunday he put 4 in the freezer because they were getting too big..This has worked really well. Some people do order meat chickens and put several in the freezer at once, though, too.

My husband always misses fresh chicken from growing up and has never gotten used to the flavor of store bought chicken. The meat of these birds is not as soft or fleshy as you may be used to, but he actually prefers it that way.

 

[chickie fam]

There is a flock swap in Fayetteville this Sat. also and several BYCers are going to that one. The swap in Sanford has more area but since Fay is having one the same day there won't be as many sellers at Sanford as there might have been. We are going to the one in Fayetteville and hoping the rain holds off till the afternoon.

I'm guessing the one in Fayetteville is the one I should be going to since there'll be more options. When does it start?

 

[chickie fam]

Is anyone that is going to the Fayetteville or Sanford flock swap selling silkie hens?

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

I'm guessing the one in Fayetteville is the one I should be going to since there'll be more options. When does it start?

I think what will most likely happen is the sellers will be split between the two swaps.......each group going to the swap closer to them so not so sure they would be more options at either one over the other but there will be BYCers at the Fayetteville one for sure

Is anyone that is going to the Fayetteville or Sanford flock swap selling silkie hens?

I'm sure someone will be selling silkies.....always seems to be some at every swap as well as lots of other breeds and other animals

Vet has been here and got his share from the wallet

Priss, my mare, has managed to tear the tendon sheath but not badly sooooo

some meds and sauve and a lay-off and she should be ok......
.just gonna have to figure out someone to ride for a moth or two

 

[Moores6]

So glad she will be ok.

I think what will most likely happen is the sellers will be split between the two swaps.......each group going to the swap closer to them so not so sure they would be more options at either one over the other but there will be BYCers at the Fayetteville one for sure

I'm sure someone will be selling silkies.....always seems to be some at every swap as well as lots of other breeds and other animals

Vet has been here and got his share from the wallet

Priss, my mare, has managed to tear the tendon sheath but not badly sooooo

some meds and sauve and a lay-off and she should be ok......
.just gonna have to figure out someone to ride for a moth or two

 

[BHep]

CoopScoop...glad to hear your mare is going to be ok. Sorry about the wallet .