Okies in the BYC The Original

[faerielady]

My second trio of MFC arrived today... the last three birds I'll be buying for a long time:

These two girls are Sandstorm and Tsunami (S in front, T in back)

Here's Volcano (the roo) and Tsunami:

So as a recap, I have 4 pullets (Blizzard, Cyclone, Sandstorm & Tsunami) and 2 cockerels (Tornado & Volcano). I think the natural disasters theme is working very well

 

[poultryand bees]

Quote:
Sounds like the bees detected something that smelled like flowers on ya'll. What kind of clothes softner do you use?

The behaviour you are describing, of non-agressive bees just landing on you is what I would expect from bees that were looking for a pollen or nectar source - landing on people in the middle of a field of wild flowers or drinking soda pop. As long as you don't swat at them, which would put them into defensive mode, they shouldn't sting you. I do however suggest that you get a bottle of children's liquid Benadryl and keep it on hand, in case someone does get stung. Two times the recommended children's dosage is the equivalent of an adult dosage that you would normally buy in tablet form, but the liquid Benadryl will get into your system much more quickly than a tablet, to cut down on any allergic reaction. You can always expect swelling at the site of a sting, even if you are not considedered to be "allergic" to beestings. Someone who is really allergic can experience swelling of their throat and that is what is dangerous, and the reason you keep Benadryl on hand.

Bees are going to continue to fly as long as we are having weather over 45 degrees and they will be looking for food sources to store for the winter, if they don't already have enough honey stored up. You might consider placing a shallow dish of table sugar that is slightly moistened with water at least 25 feet from where you are working - add a drop of vanilla to attract the bees - to see if you can divert their attention away from ya'll. If they get to be a nuisance, spraying them with soapy water will kill them.

 

[faerielady]

Quote:
I was planning on it

I have two trios... gonna start by breeding them to the roos that they came with (Blizzard & Cyclone to Tornado, Sandstorm & Tsunami to Volcano), then swap the roos. We'll play mix and match for a while until I figure out who makes the best babies.

On that note, there were 2 pips in the incubator this morning, and we heard cheeping!

Now, here's to hoping they can get out of the shell and whatnot while I'm at work!

 

[FunChick]

Quote:
The Ivomec I have is injectible...but I give it orally? I just want to be sure...

That is how it was recommended to me many years ago by an older keeper. He had way more birds then I do and had been keeping birds for over 50 years.

OK I will go with that then! Thanks Les!

 

[BetsyOK]

Quote:
Thoughts and prayers headed your way.

 

[RonnieAtkeson]

Good morning Okies, hope everyone has a great day. Mine is started to well, I had to put down 3 of the chicks we hatched because for some reasont hey couldnt stand up. One had its legs twisted the wrong way, any idea how or why deformities happen so much in poultry?

 

[Dandelion007]

Wrong temperature in incubator.

You can use tape on their feet to straighten legs. You need to do it during the first day. You can use a bandaid by cutting it in half longways. Then hold the on it's back. Use each sticky side to wrap their ankles. A normal bandaid is the correct width for standard sized chicks. Change the size of the bandaid for the chicks. They will hobble around but leave it on for a week.

 

[Buster52]

Quote:
I've read horror stories. The laws and regs are set up to favor the big guy. That's one reason it has been so hard to get a small time poultry processor in this state. I hope for the best, but this new guy has his work cut out for him.

There is nothing wrong with a little healthy skepticism any time a government agency is involved, no matter how well intentioned the laws, regs, or those who carry them out. It bears watching, that's all I'm saying.

 

[CityClucks]

Quote:
Sounds like the bees detected something that smelled like flowers on ya'll. What kind of clothes softner do you use?

The behaviour you are describing, of non-agressive bees just landing on you is what I would expect from bees that were looking for a pollen or nectar source - landing on people in the middle of a field of wild flowers or drinking soda pop. As long as you don't swat at them, which would put them into defensive mode, they shouldn't sting you. I do however suggest that you get a bottle of children's liquid Benadryl and keep it on hand, in case someone does get stung. Two times the recommended children's dosage is the equivalent of an adult dosage that you would normally buy in tablet form, but the liquid Benadryl will get into your system much more quickly than a tablet, to cut down on any allergic reaction. You can always expect swelling at the site of a sting, even if you are not considedered to be "allergic" to beestings. Someone who is really allergic can experience swelling of their throat and that is what is dangerous, and the reason you keep Benadryl on hand.

Bees are going to continue to fly as long as we are having weather over 45 degrees and they will be looking for food sources to store for the winter, if they don't already have enough honey stored up. You might consider placing a shallow dish of table sugar that is slightly moistened with water at least 25 feet from where you are working - add a drop of vanilla to attract the bees - to see if you can divert their attention away from ya'll. If they get to be a nuisance, spraying them with soapy water will kill them.

I am so glad you posted this info, P&B!

 

[HennyPennies2007]

I'm with Ronnie...probably going to have to cull a hen today....Don't know what it is. She wont get off the roost. Then when she does she just squats down onto the dirt. Nice big hen too. Poop looks normal except the urine is yellow. Yesterday I was out there for three hours and they were all fine. This hen was up on roost while I was cleaning the dropping boards underneath. I smelled a dead decomp smell...Turns out it was her...how weird is that. Gave her some vitamins in case it was from the worm infestation...but I know I will have to cull her later.

Other hens are giving her grief.