NY chicken lover!!!!

[Devona]

​ I use topical ivermectin for external bugs of any type. A drop on the skin under each wing, a drop on each side of the vent and a drop on the neck where they can't reach while preening. Works great ! If you have bantams ( I do ) on them a drop under each wing and maybe one by the vent if you see bugs or eggs sacs at the base of the feathers.

 Make sure they have acsess to a dust bath.

I ordered the ivermectin when I noticed the problem, but they said it would take s week to be delivered, and being the impatient person I am, couldn't wait that long. I had read about someone using the shampoo so I decided to try it, and the pet shop was on my daily route, so I bought it and gave my poor hens a bath

 

[Devona]

Have any of you herd about us getting 2 feet of snow up here soon?

Maybe that's the same time we are supposed to get snow down here too. On Saturday, they say

 

[Chicken girl 15]

Thought this was a nice idea..wanted to share for any chicken friends that might have a kiddo(s) with special needs:

Empower Offers Quiet, One-on-One Time with Santa to Families of Children With Disabilities On Sunday, December 18, Empower will hold Sensitive Santa, a free sensory-friendly opportunity for children with disabilities to visit Santa. Every holiday season, families of children with disabilities forgo visiting Santa out of fear of how their child will react to the noise and crowds that go along with this popular tradition. Some children with disabilities, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder, are more sensitive to and are unable to process bright lights, loud noises or crowded areas. They may respond to such heightened surroundings by lashing out, yelling or engaging in repetitive behaviors, which can draw stares from passersby. That is why Empower is offering Sensitive Santa, where children can spend one-on-one time with Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. According to Empower CEO, Jeff Paterson: "Sensitive Santa ensures that every child gets the chance to visit Santa, to share what they most want for the holidays and to preserve the memory by having a photo taken. It is just Santa and the family with two Empower staff members taking photos. It is a fun, anxiety-free outing for the whole family." Sensitive Santa will take place in the afternoon, on Sunday, December 18 at Empower, 9812 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304. It is free, but advanced registration is required. To make an appointment, please contact Robin Stevens at (716) 478-9528 or [email protected].

That's is amazing!!! I have a severely autistic daughter and the fears of Santa and the crazy lines are a very real problem. I am so happy that someone has done something like this. Now maybe more areas will do something similar. Thank you @baunlee for sharing this. You made my day.

 

[rancher hicks]

Just my two cents on heating the coop and all that sort of thing.

When I first got chickens I too thought to add a heat lamp but then more experienced keepers said it was not needed. Too not much of what I read said to add heat.

I chose breeds that were better suited to the cold. Have a friend in Israel who tried Brahamas but the succumbed to the heat.

I've not done it but suggested that if you can't help but add heat to "hang" one of those oil filled heaters from the ceiling if you can.

This coop has not heat and my marans did just fine. I would open the door during the day and they still laid okay. There is nothing over the top but some tarps. The back is cardboard covered with feed bags. The front covered with fleece.





Too, I once had a Dominique hen hatch two for two in an unheated coop in the cold of February. We had a few days of below zero weather then too. I really should have hung on to that girl.

 

[rancher hicks]

anyone else have a chick that has failed to thrive ?
It is 3 months - has not grown in a month or so .
It has this hunckered down stance ...tells me it doesnt feel well.
I started it on amoxilin to see if that helps it .
Most times I cant feel a crop ...it has never had stinky breath that I know of ( crop issues )
I have seen it eat though...it does kind of pick .

Yep. I had a White orp that was smaller than her sister and she just up and died. She lived for quite a while but I wasn't surprised when she went. I think it was genetics as I got her from a reputable breeder.

 

[rancher hicks]

Have any of you herd about us getting 2 feet of snow up here soon?

I think snow and weather is regional. Up north they may get it worse. I've driven out of Fulton and it was a complete white out. Got to Oswego and now snow. Completely clear. Left Oswego into a complete whiteout. Got to Fulton and it was completely clear. One of the scariest drives I've had. Didn't know if I was on the road or not.

I always depend on "I see" weather reporting. I open the door and "I see" what's going on out there. Unlike the TV weather man, I'm never wrong. Today's weather is cold and blowing. Light flakes. No need to snowblow.

 

[boskelli1571]

Well, last night George my bantam rooster was going to spend the night outside b/c of the bullying, so I picked him up and tucked him in with his ladies. This morning at daylight I caught all 3 of the big roosters - they are now in jail. Peace now reigns in the barn.....

 

[tao chick]

Well, last night George my bantam rooster was going to spend the night outside b/c of the bullying, so I picked him up and tucked him in with his ladies. This morning at daylight I caught all 3 of the big roosters - they are now in jail. Peace now reigns in the barn.....

Good!!

I have two cockerels growing up but their dad rules the roost and is feeling better post-molt so they are all getting along right now. The cockerels will find a new home in the spring. They're only 12 weeks right now so they aren't tasty sized yet.

I'm not opening the coop today, other than to check on eggs food and water. The door is sheltered so the wind doesn't blow in even if it's open, but I would rather them maintain their temperature more easily. 21 chickens that mostly get along are fine in a 12 x 16 coop with plenty of roosts and nests. I'm using a heated water bowl this year. I'm glad I don't have to thaw out waterer nipples this year.

Stay warm everyone!

 

[Chicken girl 15]

I love rubber horse bowls. Fill them half way then when they freeze kick it across the run. Flip upright and fill. The chickens seem to think it's nice and comfortable outside. The EEs are playing like it's sunny and 75 out. Crazy dinosaurs..

 

[salsss]

Wow. -20 this morning when we got up in the Adks. I have to admit that my husband put an oil filled radiator inside the coop overnight...I'm a wimp. It's our first winter with chickens, and the 4 cream leg bars don't look so great. The sex links and EE's look fine though.

The coop stayed at about 26 all night--not too warm I think! My chickens are spoiled...I got 4 eggs this morning so far.