NY chicken lover!!!!

[Lynzi777]

Morning!!
I candled my silkie eggs this morning and it looks like only 2 fertile, the ones from the 16th and 17th. It's still early so I'm going to leave the rest for a few more days BUT if that's the case and those two are the only ones fertile, then that means these eggs are fertilized by my sizzle roo and not the splash silkie! That makes me happy!!! So I'm going to continue to collect eggs from my splash hen from Pharm who I've decided to name Blossom, and fill the other bator since it's now empty.

I have a feeling this having two bators is going to keep me from ever taking a break with hatching.

 

[Lynzi777]

I am in the same boat Pyxis. I've decided that I want to try to focus on one breed of chickens to have a small breeding project. I may be selling most of what I have not that there are that many. I'm having a hard time trying to decide what breed that I want to go with...

I like my Marans and I may stay with the blue color. I already have 2 nice girls. But I'm interested in Delawares also, but then again I do like the cochins both bantam and LF...And then there are my frizzles and silkies that I love. I know that the Orps are popular, but I like the idea of having something that is a little less popular. I know that if I don't like what ever I decided that I can change my mind, and I plan on trying several different types in the future, but I can't decide what to start with...

I would like to go with something that isn't too rare or to expensive? Something that is good for our climate and one that is on the docile side...I know that everyone has their favorites, but does anyone have any suggestions?

That's a tough one. I've been happy with my Orpingtons as my large breed and egg suppliers and keeping my bantams as my project birds. I'm not too familiar with many other large breeds. I guess you have to decide on what it is you want to do with this next breed. Do you want to breed and hatch eggs? Do you just want eye candy in the yard, do you want a specific color egg? I've decided to part with Gru to keep me from hatching out any more eggs from the Orps because it does get addicting. And those were never intended to be any kind of project, I just wanted to try to get some splash hens. Now that I have 4 I'll let them grow out and sell any roos in possible pairs with a hen once I decide which I want to keep and that'll my done deal with the Orps. Maybe I'll keep a roo for protection, who knows. I'm just one to get sick of all the crowing quickly. LOL

 

[SAHchickenmom]

I got a dozen eggs in the mail today, 7 CCL and 5 Royal Palm Turkey eggs! I love getting eggs in the mail! Its like Xmas, lol. I'm in love with these little turkeys I got. They are so sweet

Another beautiful day at the farm!
Rancher, get ahold of me.

 

[rancher hicks]

I am in the same boat Pyxis. I've decided that I want to try to focus on one breed of chickens to have a small breeding project. I may be selling most of what I have not that there are that many. I'm having a hard time trying to decide what breed that I want to go with...

I like my Marans and I may stay with the blue color. I already have 2 nice girls. But I'm interested in Delawares also, but then again I do like the cochins both bantam and LF...And then there are my frizzles and silkies that I love. I know that the Orps are popular, but I like the idea of having something that is a little less popular. I know that if I don't like what ever I decided that I can change my mind, and I plan on trying several different types in the future, but I can't decide what to start with...

I would like to go with something that isn't too rare or to expensive? Something that is good for our climate and one that is on the docile side...I know that everyone has their favorites, but does anyone have any suggestions?

I tried to do this but it's very hard to pick one breed. Can I suggest a breed that is endangered.

The ALBC considers a breed endangered when there are fewer than 50 breeding flocks of 50 breeding pairs or something like that. I can't keep that many birds, but I do what I can.

Keep in mind too, that buying from a breeder will not yield all birds being up to the SOP. Nor will many that you hatch. IMO, it's a fine line between keep birds in the SOP and inbreeding.

Also IMO, what good are birds that fit the SOP in appearance but don't lay worth a darn?

Also do research into the history of the breed. Some breeds like the JG, were larger than today's birds. Also in White and Blue the newer colors are not as large as the Blacks.

As far as Delawares are concerned, they're what is called a "Composite" breed. Created by crossing other breeds. In the Del it's the BR's and the New Hampshire. They have been recreated by some and very nice.


The "Rocks" are popular IMO because feather patterns are not as hard to deal with as the Dels and Columbian. Too, many are good in the dual purpose area, being decent layers and eating size.

With certain exception, Orpingtons are popular for the same reason, feather patterns easy to deal with.

I do like them all which is my dilemma.

 

[wny egger]

Little BR chicky is having some trouble. Had pasty butt that I washed off last night. Tonight it's poor little vent is swollen terrible and can't poop. It cries every time it tries. I rinsed off what little crusty stuff there was then ran it under cold water for a minute, then applied some A&D ointment. Everyone else seems to be ok, now that I got the brooder temp down. And it looks worse on this chick since it has no tail. Wish I still had those witch hazel pads from the hospital after having little girl 4 years ago, that is the only thing I can think of possibly helping.

i just went threw this with one of mine ..the hazl and ointments and prep h worked for me ..i hope its ok ..i no it takes weeks of treatments to fix.i would push it back in when ever i cleaned her up...good luck and stay vigilant..

 

[hugz4all4]

Keeping the run clean..
My run for the girls is not as big as I would, this year... Next I will expand..
Im a clean freak.. Cant stand ordors of anykind.. this is partly why I sold off my muscovies. Love the breed, but that musky ordor that have and thier defensive pooping they do.I was always covered, do to always having a million babies running around.. Keeping the homestead clean was impossible..:/ off track as usual..
I clean the hen house weekly, if not more.
The run gets a good scraping down at least once a week agian if not more if they made a real mess with their food, if it rained etc.
The run is heavily shaded doesnt get a lot of sun so I worry about left over food particles getting moldy etc..
Am I too much of a freak? lol
Should I add hay?
Other than that, girls are growing well..
The itty bitties are now out with the bigger girls everyone is happy.
Have a good day!

 

[Lynzi777]

I may be parting with my Splash Silkie roo if anyone is interested. I hate this because I paid good money for him but he is mean. How do sell a mean roo?!? I've tried holding him by his feet, he doesn't go after me but runs to the fence when the kids walk up to it or anywhere near it. I don't know if it's their size that doesn't intimidate him? Where as I'm bigger than them so he is afraid of me? He is a very good protector of his girls when I did have in the run with everyone. If anyone messes with them he kind of walks around with his head up high and all alert like "you better not hurt her!" LOL

 

[Lapeerian]

Quote:
This poor baby is only 6 days old now. Did the rinse, then cold water, then A&D treatment again this morning. Then I hold it closer to the heat lamp to warm up and dry off a bit before back into the brooder. Would really like it to survive just to see my little genetic mutant grow without a tail. Think I'll go get some witch hazel today, I remember that being some amazing stuff.

 

[LuvMyChicks1491]

Well it is done.

No more mean rooster.

It is very quite here. I didn't hear a peep out of anyone when I was busy with him this morning. They couldn't see me, but I'm sure that they knew.


Reminder to self: Invest in a sharper knife next time!!!

Now 3 days in the fridge and then DINNER!!!!!

I know that I'll get better with practice, but not bad for my first time. It was also easier then I thought it was going to be. The hardest part was catching him, and not having a sharp enough knife.

 

[SAHchickenmom]

Looks delicious!