Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[ManueB]

so what is available to treat lice?

I'm not sure of the translation : pyrethrum ? Nothing stronger without a prescription from a vet. It's always possible (though illegal) to order online from abroad.
I've been using a spray product for the coop that contains a mix of essential oils in quaternary ammonium, but I couldn't do the second application since Chipie had already begun brooding.
I'm not sure of what I'm seeing because it's so small that I wouldn't see them on the hen without a magnifying glass (I've checked all off them several times and see nothing). And no, I don't need glasses .

 

[Perris]

pyrethrum

that's a traditional remedy and I think it works. But dusting a broody hen always strikes me as a bit dodgy, since it's bound to affect the humidity levels around the eggs, and I'd worry the chicks might struggle to hatch (get glued to the shell). You could give them a misting (old manuals recommend sprinkling water on the eggs a day or two before hatch), but then I think the dust on the hen would stick to them, and I don't know what that might do to them. As you can probably see, I am reluctant to interfere in brooding, except to break a broody if necessary (as now, with the 3rd in 2 weeks). I'm sure others have had success with interventions; after all, lice are very common on broodies; the conditions are perfect for them. No doubt they'll chip in in due course...

 

[MaryJanet]

There was an issue with drought before if I remember aright, especially along the Murray and Darling catchments; have the rains at least restored the aquifers and water tables, or did they fall in the wrong places?

As a timepoor suburbanite, I'm not much of an expert, but from what I've read, we're in drought in some places, not in others.

 

[ManueB]

except to break a broody if necessary (as now, with the 3rd in 2 week

!!! Well, that's one of the easier aspect of having an ex-batt flock I guess. By the way, how are your Royal eggs coming along ? And any news from the fox ?

I'm reluctant to treat Chipie for the reasons you mention and because I don't see anything on her. I'll check with a strong headlight again.
I think I would prefer having the chicks outside in the pen unless it turns out Chipie will not care for them. If there really is a storm I can always move them in. Our temperatures are between 12 and 29c (54 to 84f), I can put some tarps and covers to have them more protected at night.

 

[Perris]

how are your Royal eggs coming along ? And any news from the fox ?

fine I think; at least, none have been broken or pushed out, the broody has been extremely diligent (barely off for more than 10 minutes per day since she started) and she wanted and ate second helpings yesterday - I think she's expecting to go into confinement very soon...

And I'm pleased to say there's been no sign of the fox since that attack; either my deterrent measures are working, or he's decided that there's easier meals to be had elsewhere, or someone's shot him. A neighbour with chickens has a friend with a gun, and doesn't hesitate to call him in when he loses one.

I think I would prefer having the chicks outside in the pen unless it turns out Chipie will not care for them.

Yes I would too. Fingers crossed Chipie has the right instincts. My now-diligent broody was not the best to start; she over-reacted to everything, and did more damage trying to protect her chicks than whatever the threat was would have done She's an experienced 4 year old now, but I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch!

 

[BDutch]

….

I'm reluctant to treat Chipie for the reasons you mention and because I don't see anything on her. I'll check with a strong headlight again.
I think I would prefer having the chicks outside in the pen unless it turns out Chipie will not care for them. If there really is a storm I can always move them in. Our temperatures are between 12 and 29c (54 to 84f), I can put some tarps and covers to have them more protected at night.

These are great temps for chicks under , and with , a broody. Some sunlight is very important for good health. And a clean environment outside, gives you the possibility to clean the inside if the coop is another +.
No doubt: outside!

 

[ManueB]

Yes I would too

No doubt: outside!

Well, I'm always happy when people tell me exactly what I want to hear .

 

[Ladies-Eight]

I tried something new for the chickens today. I took my watering can and watered the soil in the run. They were scared of the watering can, but they sure do like the results! It's a hot day, they are settled on the nice cool, damp dirt.

I take the water hose and wet down the runs for the chickens.

 

[Iluveggers]

Does this count as tax? I have some babies in the incubator right now! Will have lots of fluffy tax in a few weeks I hope! Haven’t been down to the farm to get new pics…everyone was sick andthen trying to catch up on chores at home!

 

[Ladies-Eight]

Ex Batts good morning one and all!

67 and sunny.

Have a great day!