***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[Kassaundra]

I don't have any problem w/ adding light in increase egg laying in the winter, though I do not do it. The only caveat to that is this, a bird has xyz number of eggs in her to lay during her life, she will stop when she meets xyz number, if that happens in 2 years or if that happens in 6 years. In all likelihood birds that are induced to lay more will burn out earlier, which is fine as long as you prepare for that in your husbandry practices and have an "outlet" for spent hens.

 

[Tim K]

I have approx 15 Bielefelder cockerals to give away for FREE .They range in age from 1 day old to 2 1/2 weeks old . I just have no use for them and would like to move them out quickly. I do not have any pullets available - sorry ! I am in the Newcastle area .

 

[NanaKat]

 
Wow that's terrible with that tree! It will probably be dangerous now about the other half falling . Especially if the wind catches it.

It seems rooted well enough for wind but I'll most likely take it down if we have another ice storm on the way.  Our hope is that over a few years it will fill out again.

The older variety of Bradford pear has a reputation for splitting in severe weather. They don't often fill out on the lost side.

Honestly they need that break in the winter, its will help them later lay better and stay healthy- I have hens still laying at 6, don't do light, feel they need that recharge every year- laying takes alot out of them

My belief is, that Robin is correct in this assertion.
But, I have birds for 1 reason. Food. If they're not producing eggs, then they should be producing meat. Mine free range every day, and, other than the artificial light, combined with high quality feed, mine aren't given anything else artificial, to stimulate production.
I'm getting 8-10 eggs a day (I got a total of 8 yesterday, and already 7 this morning) now, and I counted 32 hens, this morning. That means that I'm getting 1 egg, per 4 hens, per day. I don't think that is pushing them too hard. Especially, considering that they're getting high quality feed, AND get to free range every day, supplementing their diet with bugs and plants that just aren't in their feed.

Now, I have a breeding question, for the more experienced breeders among us.
I pretty much stopped breeding, in June. It was getting too hot, and with no A/C there was just no way to regulate temp, very well. With the cold weather, I'm able to keep the temp pretty constantly warm and comfortable. So, I want to start breeding, for the upcoming Spring. I've already been getting some requests for specific breeds.
Here's my situation, that brings up a question. Once I stopped breeding in late June, I put pretty much all of my birds in general population, in the big coop. If I wish to start breeding true, how long do I need to keep the girls separated from the boys of a different breed? I'm thinking I recall someone telling me two to three weeks. I'm guessing that should be sufficient. But, I'd like some confirmation, from those of you, with more experience.

I agree with Okla-doodle-doo's answer...especially if you are selling chicks. You will know if you are getting crossbreed chicks pretty quickly. A few hens can hold sperm for up to 4 weeks. If you are selling eggs for hatching...wait three weeks to collect specific breed eggs for sale.

I don't have any problem w/ adding light in increase egg laying in the winter, though I do not do it.  The only caveat to that is this, a bird has xyz number of eggs in her to lay during her life, she will stop when she meets xyz number, if that happens in 2 years or if that happens in 6 years.  In all likelihood birds that are induced to lay more will burn out earlier, which is fine as long as you prepare for that in your husbandry practices and have an "outlet" for spent hens.

X 2 ...what Kass said!

 

[Matt in Okla]

Mealworms eat styrofoam
http://www.popsci.com/mealworms-can-safely-devour-plastics

Dunno if any of you raise them or not. The thoughts crossed my mind. This is crazy though

 

[artsyrobin]

Mealworms eat styrofoam
http://www.popsci.com/mealworms-can-safely-devour-plastics

Dunno if any of you raise them or not. The thoughts crossed my mind. This is crazy though

hmmm wouldn't surprise me really- have mine in a plastic dish pan- happily munching on crumble and potatoes

 

[lonnyandrinda]

I tend to be suspicious by nature- maybe gone dormant?


On November 18, USDA reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) that all cases of HPAI in commercial poultry have been resolved and that the US is again free of HPAI!

http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/bulletins/128fbc7#.VmWGdikzK6A.facebook

All this article says is that the US has officially gone through all the steps to prove the spring outbreak is over. I don't know what kind of conspiracy all of you are thinking about!

The article does mention that it could show up again due to migrating wild birds.

My belief is, that Robin is correct in this assertion.
But, I have birds for 1 reason. Food. If they're not producing eggs, then they should be producing meat. Mine free range every day, and, other than the artificial light, combined with high quality feed, mine aren't given anything else artificial, to stimulate production.
I'm getting 8-10 eggs a day (I got a total of 8 yesterday, and already 7 this morning) now, and I counted 32 hens, this morning. That means that I'm getting 1 egg, per 4 hens, per day. I don't think that is pushing them too hard. Especially, considering that they're getting high quality feed, AND get to free range every day, supplementing their diet with bugs and plants that just aren't in their feed.

Now, I have a breeding question, for the more experienced breeders among us.
I pretty much stopped breeding, in June. It was getting too hot, and with no A/C there was just no way to regulate temp, very well. With the cold weather, I'm able to keep the temp pretty constantly warm and comfortable. So, I want to start breeding, for the upcoming Spring. I've already been getting some requests for specific breeds.
Here's my situation, that brings up a question. Once I stopped breeding in late June, I put pretty much all of my birds in general population, in the big coop. If I wish to start breeding true, how long do I need to keep the girls separated from the boys of a different breed? I'm thinking I recall someone telling me two to three weeks. I'm guessing that should be sufficient. But, I'd like some confirmation, from those of you, with more experience.

Two weeks is usually enough time to clear the sperm, but three weeks if you want to be sure.

 

[artsyrobin]

on the lighter side-

 

[Kassaundra]

I over simplified for the purpose of making the point. Each hen individually has a max potential for her lifetime at hatch. The amount of eggs she will lay if she lives long enough, stays healthy, doesn't egg bind, doesn't get CA, has good food sources etc........

 

[NanaKat]

Robyn...sent you pm to set a time for Thursday morning.

How many are making the trip to Shawnee Saturday for the big poultry show at the EXPO center on Hwy 177?
Betsy is showing some of her Silkies. Is anyone else showing birds?
There should be hundreds of birds in both Large fowl and Bantam.

 

[mjgigax]

Robyn...sent you pm to set a time for Thursday morning.

How many are making the trip to Shawnee Saturday for the big poultry show at the EXPO center on Hwy 177?
Betsy is showing some of her Silkies. Is anyone else showing birds?
There should be hundreds of birds in both Large fowl and Bantam.

I can't wait! DH is even going to come, (maybe to keep me from buying). He mentioned, "Why is the weather always bad for the Chicken show?"
Seems to me that Christmas often has terrible weather in OK.