NY chicken lover!!!!

[myfivegirls]

BakerzDozen, I hope & pray your flock recovers - you've been going through a lot lately! Glad you did have some encouragement with getting your first eggs.

Not much "new" and exciting here, except last Saturday we rented a Bobcat "track loader" from a neighbor to make piles of compost from the big chicken yard after living here one year.

Sowed grass seed, then it rained hard, and I'm not sure how much got washed away, since it's on a side hill.

Then, all the water ran down into the low spots we'd just dug the compost out of

Before we lived on a "gravel bank", so the "soil" was more rocky & had excellent drainage, no issues. Here, the whole chicken area is at the bottom of the valley, so every amount of rain & moisture drains right into it. Thankfully, most of the coops are on "trailer" frames or up off the ground, so they're not affected. I guess I just have to keep adding more mulch on the ground, and it'll eventually dry up.

 

[Beer can]

@jmdarrow I wouldn't worry, but I've heard a few people getting birds from swaps etc that infected their flock, some minor but still had to treat the flock with antibiotics, so probably bad advice.
Could have put the dog cage outside covered with something.
I had something similar for a few small ones until they got bigger and could be put into the big coop with the rest of the flock. I think it was a isolation cage the previous owners of our house used. I had a piece of plywood on it, when it got colder wrapped it in a heavy canvas tarp with one side open.

 

[Beer can]

Think I messed up. When I culled all non-breedable white giants I had one with no tail to much leg feathering and wrong color legs. Looked like the giants otherwise.
Ended up had no tail bone and was way to meaty for a giant pullet, they are huge but don't put on weight until older. SandHill only sells one breed that is rumpless. I think it was a manx rumpies, lay blue green eggs and are superb layers according to their site. Their oops and then my oops, I would have kept it if I knew.

 

[boskelli1571]

Hi everyone!

Bakerz, how utterly disappointing this must be to lose so many of them. You've got me trying to do more research as like the last few folks posted, I'm a newbie too. I'm glad that we have the more seasoned folks helping us through our backyard chicken experiences.

Rancher, I saw you mentioned one helping another with culling. I'd like to help sometime and learn how to cull myself as well. We live between Liverpool and Phoenix area. We also travel to Auburn and Cortland once in a while. So we're open to learning and helping out if anyone is up for it sometime too.

Beer, Thanks for the lesson on the types of processing wrap to freeze the birds with. It was certainly helpful knowing the difference.

It's been very busy around here. My husband had the last 3 days off and most of you men know that when the guys are home that hunny-do list comes out with a whole lot of stuff to do. Luckily we got a lot done. Still working on that mound in my flower garden but it's looking SO much better! Had some Dr.'s appointments and testing done. Much or it has come out normal and one test came back with an infection. I knew something wasn't right with me. I've just been off. Most likely due to all the stress lately. A little rest will do good. My mom is coming tomorrow with one of the littles in our family to play with our daughter.

I have to say that I've been off facebook for a week now for the most part and I have missed every news casting local and national this week. My mood has been SO much better and I the closeness I feel with my family, doing chores together, going back to playing board games, reading together and even listening to devotional podcasts has been such a positive change over the last week.

I used to frequent a website called Homesteadblogger before we moved back home to CNY. I missed the comradarie and opportunity to learn the basic skills of homemaking and homesteading. After much intrepedation, I joined facebook with my husband. He likes it to keep in touch but I'm honestly not a fan of it. I don't like the drama and for me, sites like this one I get more out of because I am able to talk with people who actually DO things that can teach or help someone learn. I like to get something out of it and put it to good use. So luckily the past week while it's been quiet off the internet. I can come back here and see what's going on with everyone and their chickens but just feel that great sense of peace and satisfaction that we've gotten so many things done and actually enjoyed ourselves doing it as a family.

I hope you all have a great weekend and Bakerz, I pray for continued healing for your girls and guys over there. Hopefully no more behavior that leads to sickness. Bugs be gone!

Sounds like you have been busy! I agree with you about Facebook - too much drama and negativity. I had joined a couple of sites hoping to learn stuff, but it seems all are interested in talking, not listening or learning....have a great weekend!

 

[jmdarrow]

Leather washes well!   Are you going to be driving with them in the back? If so, what Pyxis said about temperature is spot on - they need to not be 'boiled alive' at human comfort level. Have you got a daytime stash area for them? Perhaps in the house while you are out? Husbands' den perhaps...

Haha...husband's den...the car just sits in the driveway so I thought why not? At least it will motivate him to fix it.
He did take it well, but then again when it comes to me and my chickens nothing surprises him.
Anyway, they spent a comfortable night in the car and back in the coop they are going. Poor babies must be so confused.
How long do you think I should keep them in their cage. I really want to let them out in the yard. Patience is not one of my virtues.
Thanks to all of you for your advice.

 

[rancher hicks]

Hi everyone!

Bakerz, how utterly disappointing this must be to lose so many of them. You've got me trying to do more research as like the last few folks posted, I'm a newbie too. I'm glad that we have the more seasoned folks helping us through our backyard chicken experiences.

Rancher, I saw you mentioned one helping another with culling. I'd like to help sometime and learn how to cull myself as well. We live between Liverpool and Phoenix area. We also travel to Auburn and Cortland once in a while. So we're open to learning and helping out if anyone is up for it sometime too.

Beer, Thanks for the lesson on the types of processing wrap to freeze the birds with. It was certainly helpful knowing the difference.

It's been very busy around here. My husband had the last 3 days off and most of you men know that when the guys are home that hunny-do list comes out with a whole lot of stuff to do. Luckily we got a lot done. Still working on that mound in my flower garden but it's looking SO much better! Had some Dr.'s appointments and testing done. Much or it has come out normal and one test came back with an infection. I knew something wasn't right with me. I've just been off. Most likely due to all the stress lately. A little rest will do good. My mom is coming tomorrow with one of the littles in our family to play with our daughter.

I have to say that I've been off facebook for a week now for the most part and I have missed every news casting local and national this week. My mood has been SO much better and I the closeness I feel with my family, doing chores together, going back to playing board games, reading together and even listening to devotional podcasts has been such a positive change over the last week.

I used to frequent a website called Homesteadblogger before we moved back home to CNY. I missed the comradarie and opportunity to learn the basic skills of homemaking and homesteading. After much intrepedation, I joined facebook with my husband. He likes it to keep in touch but I'm honestly not a fan of it. I don't like the drama and for me, sites like this one I get more out of because I am able to talk with people who actually DO things that can teach or help someone learn. I like to get something out of it and put it to good use. So luckily the past week while it's been quiet off the internet. I can come back here and see what's going on with everyone and their chickens but just feel that great sense of peace and satisfaction that we've gotten so many things done and actually enjoyed ourselves doing it as a family.

I hope you all have a great weekend and Bakerz, I pray for continued healing for your girls and guys over there. Hopefully no more behavior that leads to sickness. Bugs be gone!

Not that you asked but I've commented on stress being the number one killer of chicken and I also believe it lowers our immune system too. Studies have been done. This is also another reason I advise to limit time with relatives that stress us out. I don't believe we are obligated to hang with family that raises our blood pressure.
Stressing about world events and things we have no control over is not good. IMO we can only improve or destroy our own little corner of this world. What's going on in the middle east is sad to be sure but sometimes all we can do is ask God to help. (or whoever we look to for strength). The bible tells us to pray for our leaders that we might live in peace, not so we can have everything our own way. Though if God allows things to be our way that is always nice too.

1Ti 2:1

¶​

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

1Ti 2:2

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

As for facebook? Lord have mercy more relationships have been destroyed by this horrible site. Everything you say can and will be used against you. Even here you can be misunderstood if folks won't allow you a little grace. Though DW likes to see pictures of the grandkids in FL and TX.

As for what is going on? I'm still behind on getting ready for the snow. Not enough chicks hatched this time round and that's a bummer. I always like to hatch more than I need so I have lots to choose from and some to share. On a good note it looks as though all three chicks from my previous hatch are pullets.
DW has started PT and seems to be feeling someone better. We may be able to get back to church. I still went into school to help out three days this past week.

It looks like we've a couple of warm days coming so I might get all outside work done. In winter it's go out water the chickens let them out and back in the house. Then it's go out collect eggs and check to see everyone is okay. Then it's out to close things up and say good night. Lights are on for the evening. I do use colored lights in some places but none were on sale at this past after holiday sale. Hopefully this year I can get more. I stock up if I can. It makes for a pleasant trip if I decide to take a stroll in the early morning before the sun comes up.



There is always a straggler reluctant to go in.





I'd seen a rabbit some days ago but not lately. I do like to see Night Rabbits. Take care everyone, I'm off to the farmers market. I haven't been in a long time. I wish you all peace.

Your friend,
Rancher

​

 

[boskelli1571]

Haha...husband's den...the car just sits in the driveway so I thought why not? At least it will motivate him to fix it.
He did take it well, but then again when it comes to me and my chickens nothing surprises him.
Anyway, they spent a comfortable night in the car and back in the coop they are going. Poor babies must be so confused.
How long do you think I should keep them in their cage. I really want to let them out in the yard. Patience is not one of my virtues.
Thanks to all of you for your advice.

Personally, I would wait until they are integrated with the other girls. If your older birds intimidate and harass them, you would likely have a very hard time to get them back in for the night!

Since you are putting them back in the coop, I would give them a week or so of the 'look no touch' thing and go from there. Some birds integrate better than others, so see how it goes. Make sure you are around for the first full integration day - it can get ugly very quickly if the chickens have a mind to.....

Having said all that - that is just what I do, others may do different and it works ok. No set rules.....

 

[rancher hicks]

Haha...husband's den...the car just sits in the driveway so I thought why not? At least it will motivate him to fix it.
He did take it well, but then again when it comes to me and my chickens nothing surprises him.
Anyway, they spent a comfortable night in the car and back in the coop they are going. Poor babies must be so confused.
How long do you think I should keep them in their cage. I really want to let them out in the yard. Patience is not one of my virtues.
Thanks to all of you for your advice.

Personally, I would wait until they are integrated with the other girls. If your older birds intimidate and harass them, you would likely have a very hard time to get them back in for the night!

Since you are putting them back in the coop, I would give them a week or so of the 'look no touch' thing and go from there. Some birds integrate better than others, so see how it goes. Make sure you are around for the first full integration day - it can get ugly very quickly if the chickens have a mind to.....

Having said all that - that is just what I do, others may do different and it works ok. No set rules.....

One thing I like to do when integrating is make a small change in the run or coop. Kinda makes them concentrate on something other than the new girls. Move a feeder or waterer or add one. Even giving them some pumpkin or squash will do.

Too the new added waterer or feeder will give the new girls an edge on eating and drinking.

In other news there are new neighbors next door. The house was renovated. It's a young couple but THEY HAVE A DOG!

This will mean I've got to fix things to keep the birds in their own yard. Specifically the Marsh Daisies. They like to come to the garage and have on a couple of occasions wandered next door.

 

[Purpletie3]

In other news there are new neighbors next door. The house was renovated. It's a young couple but THEY HAVE A DOG!

This will mean I've got to fix things to keep the birds in their own yard. Specifically the Marsh Daisies. They like to come to the garage and have on a couple of occasions wandered next door.

Hopefully, it's a nice dog that stays on his own property!

 

[Beer can]

Some dogs don't bother chickens, I have had a couple neighbor dogs visit us, grrr!!! I fire bottle rockets at them. Lucky I guess, heard bad can happen, whole flocks destoyed by dogs. The other day had a collie mix from a mile away trespass, fired six rounds from the shotgun, didn't phase it. Definitely not gun shy. Screamed at it to get the frill back home, and it left. Walked by my breeder cooop run twice, no interest, think it just wanted to piss on my dogs dog houses, got away with it with the beagle but not the mountain cur.