Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

[stake]

A few questions..

What do all of you use to catch chickens, I find it harder than it used to be to go chasing them around,,,,anyone use a net if so what kind.??

Those that go to the swaps, what do you do with the ones that end up coming back home with you,,,are they put in quarintine?

What is the preferred age to process ducks, does it really matter with ducks ?

used for striped bass and if necessary chickens....(to date, mine follow me around so its easy to get them penned with some chow)....

 

[stake]

Question for those of you that compost. I noticed there are maggots in my composter. Is this normal??? This is my first time composting and really don't know what I'm doing at all to be honest. Lol

My understanding is that maggots are associated with meat.....not normal for veggie based composting...maybe a dead rat or something.....

 

[wingstone]

does this give a better idea of why I need a net or something,,,I am standing in the middle of the main pen here, so figure about the same distance in all directions,,,they have way to much space to get away from me when they know somethings up..

 

[SilkieSensation]

Quote: Maggots will thrive on any decomposing plant or animal matter, not just meat. Different types of maggots prefer different materials, but anything decomposing can be a breeding ground for insects.

does this give a better idea of why I need a net or something,,,I am standing in the middle of the main pen here, so figure about the same distance in all directions,,,they have way to much space to get away from me when they know somethings up..

Ummmm, yea...this could be a problem.

 

[chickencowranch]

Quote:
I second that. I'm from Mt. Wolf.

 

[chickencowranch]

Quote:
I use a chicken catcher so I don't have to wait until night.

 

[Blarneyeggs]

does this give a better idea of why I need a net or something,,,I am standing in the middle of the main pen here, so figure about the same distance in all directions,,,they have way to much space to get away from me when they know somethings up..

Great pic! And yep, they certainly seem to know when something's up. I use a net when the kiddos are not around to help. I call em over with some scratch and them catch up the hardest one first in the net.

 

[fisherlady]

Wingstone... It may not be very practical.... but maybe place a large wire dog crate in the run, (or something similar). every once in a while offer the birds treats in it (such as watermellon rinds, corn on the cob or any favorite of theirs)
Place the treat in the back of the cage every time, leave the door open so they can come in and out of it without hassle. Once they are used to it being a source of 'goodies' when you call them to it you should be able to repeat it as needed and just swing the door shut on the bird you want.

Another variation on the same theme. Set up a crate with the door open, create a 'funnel run' with a 15 or 20 ft pieces of chicken wire from the door outward. at a bit of an angle. Slowly walk around the bird you want to 'herd' him slowly into the funnel. Once you get it into the open end of the funnel just slowly walk it forward into the cage area. Biggest risk is scaring it when in the funnel and having it jump the chicken wire. But if you proceed slowly it should work.

 

[annie82005]

Maggots will thrive on any decomposing plant or animal matter, not just meat. Different types of maggots prefer different materials, but anything decomposing can be a breeding ground for insects.

Ummmm, yea...this could be a problem.

we have never put meat in our composter. Just the usual fruits and veggies, bread, egg shells and chicken bedding (Pine shavings). I just wanted to see what I was doing wrong. I'm guessing it was the heat thing. Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[heatherscooby77]

Meeting time for the Lebanon Valley Poultry Fanciers is on Thursday June 13th at 7 bring side dish for picnic. I have to nail down the location. Its probably the Lebanon County Fairgrounds. This is our second meeting. We will be discussing officers and by-laws. Please come and join the club. The meeting are going to be every other month, and we will have 2 poultry shows a year. You don't have to show your poultry. It is for anyone!!!! Waterfowl, and all other birds welcome!!! Please come out and make our club a success!!!

I wanted to also add, that geography does not matter. You can live wherever, you just have to decide how far you want to drive!!!!!!! Come on Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster county people!!!! Please let me know if you are interested so I can get you on the email list