San Diego Chicken meetup and Chat thread

[MissusC]

I feel bad for posting this, because I don't want to trash Modesto Milling, but I thought I should report that one of my bags of scratch from a group shipment was INFESTED with weevils. As in, I noticed the unopened bag in my garage was making a lot of noise ... opened it and just an unbelievable amount of bugs. I can't really do justice to how badly the bag was infested.

I'm not mad at Modesto Milling, but I am definitely not sure I'll order from them again.

We had the same thing happen this last time. I think Dana was going to contact them...

 

[Aumlet]

I like to support organic farming methods, because at minimum its better for the environment. And I understand organic methods may result in more insect impact .... but there's impact, and then there is a product so contaminated that it is worthless.

Phage - I'm on the fence about feeding the scratch. I gave them a little, the bugs crawled away while the chickens gobbled the scratch itself. I dunno. I've scooped the feed into ziplock baggies. I took a video but my phone won't send it to my email. I'm just ready to be DONE with these bugs. I had my fill yesterday, with them crawling on me and everywhere. (You couldn't do anything with the scratch without getting some of the bugs on you - there were just so many).

ETA:

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

@ Aumlet That's pretty disgusting. If you have a chest freezer you can freeze the bags and that'll kill the little varmints.

My friend Cindi wanted to pass along her thanks to you and Gail for the pullets. They're getting along great and doing
very well. The pullets have been a great distraction. Cindi emails me a daily chicken report. I think they've become
"her" chickens and not her husbands as was the original plan.

 

[dfdesigns]

Aumlet, we were just discussing this on Facebook this morning. I scrolled back on the MM Facebook page to September 9, 2011, and read this:

"Hey everyone! It's that time of year again! There are weeviles are here! They're in the feed, but do not worry! Chickens LOVE them! They're a natural source of protein. Unfortunately there isn't anything we can do about them. We're organic and of course that means we cannot spray for them. As always, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to call our office at 209-523-9167"

We've had good luck with Modesto replacing the super-infested bags (like where the bugs did so much damage that the feed has gone to dust). I don't mind a few weevils, but what your video shows seems to be excessive.

I just had a pallet delivered here this morning, and I'm going to have to open up some layer pellets tonight. I'll let you know if I see any bugs!

 

[dedicateddourly]

I like to support organic farming methods, because at minimum its better for the environment. And I understand organic methods may result in more insect impact .... but there's impact, and then there is a product so contaminated that it is worthless.

Phage - I'm on the fence about feeding the scratch. I gave them a little, the bugs crawled away while the chickens gobbled the scratch itself. I dunno. I've scooped the feed into ziplock baggies. I took a video but my phone won't send it to my email. I'm just ready to be DONE with these bugs. I had my fill yesterday, with them crawling on me and everywhere. (You couldn't do anything with the scratch without getting some of the bugs on you - there were just so many).

 
ETA:

Oh man, that gave me the heebie jeebies.

 

[WFF]

Hi All,

Does anyone know where I can get a Salmon Favorelle rooster? I have about 6 hens that just started laying and for some reason I don't have a rooster. Usually it is the other way around, 6 roosters and no hens.

Thanks,

Gail

 

[MissusC]

I like to support organic farming methods, because at minimum its better for the environment. And I understand organic methods may result in more insect impact .... but there's impact, and then there is a product so contaminated that it is worthless.

Phage - I'm on the fence about feeding the scratch. I gave them a little, the bugs crawled away while the chickens gobbled the scratch itself. I dunno. I've scooped the feed into ziplock baggies. I took a video but my phone won't send it to my email. I'm just ready to be DONE with these bugs. I had my fill yesterday, with them crawling on me and everywhere. (You couldn't do anything with the scratch without getting some of the bugs on you - there were just so many).

My scratch was about the same, but I don't really care. I keep it outside and chuck some out for the girls. As a former exterminator, this doesn't bother me at all. Now if it were roaches...

Edited to add: My immediate thought was the same as Knock Kneed Hen. I store most grains/flours in the freezer for precisely this reason.

 

[RHRanch]

Here are some pigeon/bird carriers on craigslist for sale, $65 takes them all. [email protected]

 

[Phage]

It seems that this week all 4 of our mottled ameraucana girls have started to lay !!!

One lays green eggs and 3 (I think) lay blue. Now to figure out who lays the green.

 

[dfdesigns]

I like those crates! I wonder if they're terribly heavy.

Beautiful eggs, Phage! I even like the green; it's a pretty shade.