Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[Perris]

one of my Anrocks had a dark colouring in the front of her head and comb

Anyone with similar experience ?

Only once, when they'd been foraging in ashes/dark humus.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Yes but...
The Old Poultry books are mostly based on a, or a collection of, keepers experiences.

Quite so. And the more one reads, the more keepers' experiences one accumulates

Anecdata! Sometimes it's all you have, at least for a while.

When it comes to research, backyard chicken keepers are in much the same boat as hobby gardeners. Most large-scale university-level research is going to focus upon large commercial growers, whether of chickens or corn, and their findings are heavily influenced by the economics and concerns of Big Ag. (Or at least a lot bigger ag than a half-dozen hens or 3 raised veg beds.)

That leaves us trying to extrapolate evidence-based hectare-sized findings down to our own little square meter projects, or to traditional accounts, or to information sources like Charles Dowding (vegetables) or the gurus on Backyard Chickens. People who get out there and work, and observe, and ponder, and do some research, and compare notes, and change their minds when they see that they were wrong, and then share this knowledge with others.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I can share my observation of a wild duck that chose to make a nest right where I could observe it closely. And unfortunately so could the raccoons.
Incidentally, I say I could observe it closely but the camouflage of a wild mallard on a nest in unbelievable. Even knowing exactly where she was I practically had to trip over her before I could find her!
Anyway, one night a raccoon came. Mother duck escaped by the tips of her tail feathers. Raccoon ate two eggs and broke a third but left 3 sitting un damaged in the nest.
I thought the mother would come back and finish hatching the remaining eggs.
But no, she created another better nest a few yards away and hatched 6 little ducklings.
Eventually when it was clear she wouldn’t return I took the 3 eggs.
I know this isn’t exactly what you were asking @Mother of Chaos, but it’s all I’ve got that is broadly relevant.

I see what you mean about mallard camouflage!

 

[Shadrach]

13/06, I think...

 

[Shadrach]

14/06, possibly.
I'm on one day at a time as you may be able to tell.

 

[Shadrach]

15/06.
Erm, oh, I haven't lived that day yet,

 

[Molpet]

I kept a record 1 year (2016) on egg production. I figured from hatch, until they were a year old what the whole flock including the rooster ate. It came out to $4 USD a DZ eggs and $7 a lb for 16w cockerels.....just for feed. I decided I didn't want to know

 

[MrsNorthie]

I can share my observation of a wild duck that chose to make a nest right where I could observe it closely.

We have a lovely mallard couple looking to make a nest in the former nursery coop and run section. They have been flying in and spending most of the day with the chickens. I am kind of excited about the prospect.

Having wild bird flocks decide you are a bird sanctuary is a blessing and a curse. We have so many varieties now, I have a twitcher's paradise. I love watching them and I love how tolerant the rightful residents are of the visitors. The roosters are even protective of the goslings. (Have I said how much I love our boys??) The Southern Mocking Birds even attacked the hawk that tried to get the little Mohawk menaces.

The down side is, the geese are eating the turkeys out of house and home, we had to start driving them off and standing there to give the turkeys time to eat. They eat way more, bird for bird. This takes up a good chunk of our time, because, unlike chickens, the turkeys would rather socialise with us than eat.

 

[MrsNorthie]

The Old Poultry books are mostly based on a, or a collection of, keepers experiences.

Quite so. And the more one reads, the more keepers' experiences one accumulates

Taking accumulated experiences from a variety of keepers, in a variety of keeping circumstances is extremely valuable. Of course one would have to be able to analyze each situation as a whole and be able to compare and contrast that information, to their own circumstances to decide what would be of value to them.

It is kind of like this forum. You will get a lot of advice to help with various issues, but not all of it is good advice, and not all of it applies your circumstances or environment, but if you are careful, you will find a treasure trove of valuable information.

 

[MrsNorthie]

I kept a record 1 year (2016) on egg production. I figured from hatch, until they were a year old what the whole flock including the rooster ate. It came out to $4 USD a DZ eggs and $7 a lb for 16w cockerels.....just for feed. I decided I didn't want to know

I work so that chickens, turkeys and dogs live a life of luxury.