North Carolina

[ramirezframing]

hope its nothing, but please let us know if you need anything NH

 

[KristanB]

I found this very interesting, I recently read a lady's blog who puts herbs such as lavender, chamomile, peppermint, catmint, and other aromatic herbs in her nesting boxes (mixes it 50/50 with nesting material such as straw etc.) and she says she has seen a dramatic reduction in flies, and notices a pleasant smell in the coop. She thinks it makes the chickens happier, and more relaxed...although she nor I have been able to find any scientific resources that prove this theory.

As far as the herbs you listed I am sure that eating the herbs would provide those holistic health benefits, but if they are just in the nesting boxes then I am left to wonder how the chickens would absorb those health benefits. Just through inhaling the aromas? I certainly would like to give it a try.

Something else I would like to try, and intend to try this Spring is mixing dry garlic powder in with the water. Scientists at Clemson University tested this, adding garlic powder to chickens water and it physically masks the chicken droppings odor. It smells like a "pizzeria" rather than a chicken coop...also in blind taste tests people preferred the eggs that were laid by hens that were fed garlic, it adds taste...again supposedly. I myself have not tried this, but I will, and I grow several of the herbs you listed and in the Spring I would like to play around with adding a mixture of those items in the nesting boxes.

Thanks Zak! I found it pretty interesting too. Im gonna try next spring as well. Just wanted to make sure none of the herbs could hurt them.

 

[emarketwiz]

Here's a short timelapse video of the girls!

 

[KristanB]

Here's a short timelapse video of the girls!

Awesome job!!

 

[mistressangyl]

Lots going on with everyone I see hope all is well...

-Angyl

 

[wildriverswolf90]

Good evening everyone!! Hello and welcome to the new folks!!

A special thank you to all of you out there offering advice on my non-laying chickens. Since we have done nothing different, I am going to assume it is the weather and keep my fingers crossed that is it!!

KristinB - I too have heard a lot about putting herbs in the nesting box. Although, I found my "source" on Pinterest so I wasn't too sure how "valid" it was. LOL

On a side note...I may be quiet due to some major problems at home...so please do not miss me...TOO much!!

Took DD#2 for her 6mo check up (I CAN'T believe how fast time has flown) and the doctor was concerned with a few things, including the fact that despite eating every 2 hours (and YES she EATS) she only gained 0.5lb barely grew at all (less than 0.5") as well as having other "issues". We were referred to a genetic specialist as they fear she has a genetic disorder dealing with her connective tissues. As you know the heart is comprised of a large amount of connective tissue so now we get to sit and patiently wait for Duke or UNC to contact us to schedule an appointment. Don't they know that patience in a worrying mama is NONexistent? I have refrained from googling all the possible genetic disorders dealing with connective tissues for I know that it will only make things worse. Best case scenario: nothing...worse case scenario: death...so since I know the 2 extremes I need no other information to freak me out even more!! Right??

Have a great evening everyone!!

You and your family are in my prayers! If it helps, my step-sisters little boy was diagnosed at 9 months with a connective tissue/growth disorder(can't remember the name) but he is now 5 years old and normal weight and height. I pray duke or unc hurries up and that the outcome is a good one!

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

Good morning folks

Although I do not show birds I have always
enjoyed looking at the birds being shown
at the State Fair. We didn't go this year and
was a bit disappointed at the show last year.
I hope to go to the show in Smithfield this year
to see more of a professional type show. I
wonder how much different it will be.

hope your day is a good one

 

[BHep]

Good morning folks

Although I do not show birds I have always
enjoyed looking at the birds being shown
at the State Fair. We didn't go this year and
was a bit disappointed at the show last year.
I hope to go to the show in Smithfield this year
to see more of a professional type show. I
wonder how much different it will be.

hope your day is a good one

We went to the Smithfield show last year. The birds there were beautiful. There was a raffle and my kids won some awesome things. It is not a huge show . They also have birds for sale in the parking lot, brought home a pair of spangled Cornish (bantams). Met henthymes there last year, she has some beautiful birds.

 

[ramirezframing]

you going this year Bhep?

 

[BHep]

you going this year Bhep?

I am planning to go.