Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[Perris]

@Perris I recall you posted something about not wanted the short-legged gene in your flock. Is there any reason for this beyond personal aesthetic taste?

the reason is it seems to me a disadvantage for a species that relies on running to get away from predators (and also plays a role in their hunting as well of course).

 

[fuzzi]

That is handsome tax!

They seem to come in the house in August, I think looking for water, because it is hot and dry then. The vinegar seems to be helping. I know that cinnamon repels them, but I have read that it is also bad for the chickens and it is expensive.

They are a horrible insect. I got stung between my fore finger and middle finger in that tender spot, my hand was swollen to my ring finger, I had to take my ring off with some hand lotion. I have checked the little chicken feet and they look ok, but Blue was a grump today so I checked him all over with my flashlight tonight and he doesn't have any signs of stings under his feathers and seemed more annoyed that he was actually enjoying the attention. LOL

Thank you!

I didn't realize they'd gotten into my clothes until I put on a clean shirt and was bitten all over. Not fun.

I happen to have some talcum powder, and recalled that ants don't like it. I sprinkled the talc in areas where the ants were congregating and they withdrew.

 

[fuzzi]

I have many many hills of fire ants.

They got in my house last week.

I got a can of ant killer and sprayed them which got rid of the ones in the house.

I know cinnamon will make them move their hill.

Orthene is what will get rid of the fire ants outside.

Of course you need to keep the chickens clear of the area you treat.

I did research, read about the "Texas Two-step" and ordered the chemical stuff.

The ants are on the north side of the house, the chickens are on the southwest side. I always go organic, natural, but the fire ants invading this year is unbelievable and calls for a more direct response.

 

[MrsNorthie]

Cinnamon in small dose is good for the chickens ( see study mentioned in this post )

That is good to know, thank you. I had read that cinnamon was really bad for chickens so just avoided it.

 

[MrsNorthie]

Activated charcoal can help pull the poison that causes pain out of a sting if you put it on the affected area.

That is definitely something I keep meaning to keep on hand. Activated charcoal has a lot of home remedy uses.

 

[MrsNorthie]

I didn't realize they'd gotten into my clothes until I put on a clean shirt and was bitten all over.

Oh man! They are so horrible! I don't like most insects, but have a live and let live policy with most because so many have good benefits too. (it is one of few the things that I am super girlie about..lol)

 

[MrsNorthie]

I did research, read about the "Texas Two-step" and ordered the chemical stuff.

The ants are on the north side of the house, the chickens are on the southwest side. I always go organic, natural, but the fire ants invading this year is unbelievable and calls for a more direct response.

When we first moved here, we had good success with the Over and Out too, but because of the dogs and now the chickens, we have been just trying to use organic stuff to encourage them to move on, but it may become necessary to change our tactics.

 

[MrsNorthie]

I'm sure they serve some ecological purpose, but it's tough consolation when you're the victim of an attack.

I did read, in several places that the fire ants kill ticks and other nasties... but you are soooo right, getting stung by them erases any benefits.

 

[MrsNorthie]

Vapor rub applied immediately to the bite helps but doesn't totally alleviate the pain. A shot of good whiskey applied internally cuts down on my cursing when I step in a mound of fire ants..

I find whiskey, when taken internally, in appropriate doses helps with a lot of unpleasant afflictions.. ;-)

 

[MrsNorthie]

the reason is it seems to me a disadvantage for a species that relies on running to get away from predators (and also plays a role in their hunting as well of course).

Wouldn't the lower center of gravity increase maneuverability? I guess that being a benefit would depend on the predator.