Okies in the BYC The Original

[GracefulBantams]

I think I'm about to get chicks

Click here

 

[GracefulBantams]

CHICKENHEAD - Bill Braden... ummm... oh, he's the guy that has "Land of Tobe" poultry right?

Jack T. - congrats! The first egg is always so exciting! Here's hoping it's the first egg of many

Cammie -

A house! That's awesome

And, hurray on those 5 chickies

What breed(s) are they?

 

[GracefulBantams]

Oh-no, Cammie. I'm sorry

Hey, your inbox if full, so I will just post my reply here:
I can send two, but I honestly don't know if it would be worth it...
I think you would be better off just waiting until I at least have a half dozen to send.

 

[Buckguy20]

OK all of my Okie friends I need help or I am liable to committ mass Henacide.

I am ready right now to sell every chicken on the place or start putting them one by one into the freezer.

I just spent another $40 on feed today. I have gotten only one egg since before Christmas. un
I spent a lot of money this winter on meds and feed to keep these birds in top condition and I am quite honestly burnt out on caring for them when I am getting nothing in return.

I am so ticked that none of them will lay that I find no joy even going to the pens to look at them.
The thought of raising more this year does not excite me at all.

I have had chickens for almost all of my 50 glorious years and I must say that this is the first time that I wish I had none.
I am having no fun with these birds and am seriously thinking about selling out completely.
So tell me, how do I get the joy back or do I just say good riddance to all of them.

A very frustrated Buckguy

 

[Foghorn Leghorn]

What kind of chickens are these? How old are they? Some of mine seemed to be late bloomers at first. Then they went through another spell of not laying. During the winter we put a light in the hen house, that perked them up, but we have quit that now. I also switched feed. I used to buy the layer pellets at Atwoods. Now I buy crimped oats, chopped corn and soybean meal. I mix 3 parts oat and corn to one part soybean meal. We get eggs everyday now. I really don't know what to tell you.

 

[countyroad1330]

Buckguy, I read the post before I read your screen name. Never would have guessed you'd be fed up with the chickens! Honestly, I've been feeling the same way with mine lately. I've been considering selling them all, but I've decided to wait until the spring and see how I feel about it then. That's what I'd prescribe.

Grace, don't worry about the egg rush, just thought I'd see.

My Brabanters HAVE to go into the incubator Thursday, so its ok. Oh, and congrats on the Cochin chick!! I think your Cochins are gorgeous, tempting to order some of those from you... *ha* Can you get pictures of the chicks?

I have a crippled chick that just hatched. Its left side seems pretty useless, it just kinda spins in circles on its side. I'm going to dry to feed it in just a few. Any suggestions??

Okie, I will get pictures as soon as I can! We are going to redo the kitchen, so I'm getting before and after of everything.

 

[Jack T.]

I'm gonna need a new rooster (and maybe another hen) the first part of next week (or sooner). . .but don't want to fool with a chicken swap/sale/whatever. . .

If anybody in the Stillwater area has one they might sell, give me a shout. Please.

Unfortunately, the dogs cost more than the chickens, so I can't just shoot 'em because they killed a couple chickens.

 

[okiechick57]

AH>......... Monty.I am so sorry your having such a hard time......surley they will start to lay soon.......... kick back and sit and enjoy them without eggs......its possible right? I still enjoyed mine....although I didnt have near as many as you do....... you would miss them so ! Wouldnt you?

 

[Buckguy20]

Foghorn, Thanks for the reply.
There are several breeds including production reds, Welsummers and Buff Orpingtons. They have always laid well and some have laid throught the winter before. They are anywhere in age from laying age pullets to three year old hens.
I have done everything to keep them laying including lights. I also supplemented extra protein and added some things to their feed that was supposed to kick start them into laying.
I might try switching feed but at this point I don't want to buy any more feed for them. When this 200 pounds I bought yesterday is gone the chickens may be too.

County,
Glad to hear you found a house. I am going to wait awhile before deciding to sell out. I do plan to take some to Harrah Saturday. Depending on how many feet of snow we get before then.
This weather is driving me nuts.

 

[Buckguy20]

Hello Okie, Good to hear from you. The lack of eggs hasn't usually been a big deal for me but this year I bought a bunch of layers with the intent on selling some eggs. Then feed prices keep going up. Then I look at my place which I still haven't cleaned up from the ice storm. I don't even like going outside anymore.
I do plan to sell some at Harrah this week just so I can cut back on feed.
I hope all is well.
monty