Silkie thread!

[RawrOsaur200]

Hi. Wanting to put out some dusting boxes for my girls. They take dirt baths in the dirt area of their run but I would like to have boxes to cut back their digging. What do you put in the boxes though. I was thinking sand, but what kind specifically? Thanks

I have the same question!

 

[anbsmom]

I have the same question!

I would think that play sand you get at Lowe's would be good since it doesn't stain. Just a thought.

 

[RawrOsaur200]

Ok...Thank you!!!

 

[chitown chicks]

That "play sand" from the local hardware store isn't usually sand at all but rather crushed rock or crystalline silica (sp?) which is a known carcinogen. If you see dust coming from your "sand", it isn't sand. fyi

eta: There are safe options out there. Just as with everything else, you must do your research.

 

[RawrOsaur200]

I actually have nothing planned atthe moment for what Im willinng to do yet

 

[littlecritters]

I love all the sweet pictures of the children with their silkies! Just adorable!

For those of you dealing with chicks who have issues with head,neck and coordination problems please check out this thread--> https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/343607/uncoordinated-falling-over-unable-to-walk-botulism/10
I havent read the entire thread yet, but post #16 specifically mentions the four causes of torticolls (commonly called wry neck). Vira and /bacterial infections can cause meningitis which can also result in wry neck. See post #19 for a photo example of one form of wry neck.

Without knowing the specific cause of wry neck in your chicks, you may wish to cast a wide net in your treatment plan. If you feel that the wry neck is affecting the chick's nervous system or has caused damage to any nerves...a homeopathic remedy called Hypericum might help alleviate symptoms. I really hope that your chicks recover soon.
Tina

 

[1chicken fan]

Hey guys looking for a white silky roo, 7 weeks to 6 months old, well socialized. Anyone in the Portland area wanting to sell one?

 

[littlecritters]

Can you tell us, or at least me, what PBZ is?? Thanks! We have had an outbreak of flies here in Biblical proportions this year! I dusted the coop and runs with DE, and the flies are all dancing in it! Didn't help that the neighbor brought up about 30 head of calves, and feeds them right behind my coop!  

Try predator wasps to eliminate the flies. They work really well for flies caused by lots of manure (from horses, cows, rabbits etc). Not too expensive and easy to use..Just sprinkle them on the manure piles and they will eat the flies before they mature. Predator wasps are small and don't sting or bite. They almost look like a fly and not a wasp.
Tina

 

[skyl3r]

Can you tell us, or at least me, what PBZ is?? Thanks! We have had an outbreak of flies here in Biblical proportions this year! I dusted the coop and runs with DE, and the flies are all dancing in it! Didn't help that the neighbor brought up about 30 head of calves, and feeds them right behind my coop!

Oops typo there. It is Sweet PDZ

We put the DE on poop piles. We had a severe fly problem this year too, my stallion actually was bit and developed a fly dermatitis from it. He is going to the vet again tomorrow. So we have been putting DE on the poop piles and it seems like it has been working! I dunno!

 

[skyl3r]

Hi. Wanting to put out some dusting boxes for my girls. They take dirt baths in the dirt area of their run but I would like to have boxes to cut back their digging. What do you put in the boxes though. I was thinking sand, but what kind specifically? Thanks

We fill the poop box up with the Sweet PDZ. I think I have a photo of it in my coop photos in my signature. If not, I will try and get you a pic tomorrow!