Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[stoopid]

Yeah, that Irene woman didn't help out anybody, unless you needed some trees knocked down (like me). I can't believe this one HUGE tree fell along the fence line...Didn't damage one single board! That was luck.

 

[ChickenAl]

We had a tornado pass a hundred feet behind the house during Irene. it went for a hundred yards and took out a few trees. No damage on the property itself so we were lucky too.

 

[stoopid]

Something tells me this isn't going to be the end of it. The weather is getting too freaky to not be concerned.

 

[newchick13]

Hi All! my chicks are now 10 weeks, and i am wondering when I should change from chick food to developer? Is it really needed or should i wait till about 20 wks and start them on layer? I also am looking for an easier and cheaper way to find organic food for them. I don't mind ordering online, but the shipping is $$$ not to mention all the green house emissions! Ideally I'd like something locally produced that I can drive and pick up. Any ideas?

 

[chickendude]

Hey fellow down staters I need some help with possible feather mites. I believe my older girls have mites. Their feathers on their neck and breast/bottoms seem to be very almost shredded. What is the deal when using seven and also disinfecting the entire coop?

 

[newchick13]

I wouldn't use that stuff....have you ever read the whole label? too scary for me. I would fill up a small box or tub with DE and a little sand, put on a mask and gloves, and give each one a dust bath. Then I'd clean out the coop and all the bedding and put DE on the bottom and the roosts and then add fresh bedding back in along with a sprinkle of DE on top. Chemicals really freak me out.

could they be molting?

 

[stoopid]

Newchick, I'm gonna google where you live, and Chickendude, I get nervous with the "possible" feathermites. I wouldn't dose anybody until I was sure I saw them. Are you needing reading glasses like me? Roberta

 

[stoopid]

newchick. How far away is Danbury? There's an Agway there, they have organic food. Well, at least the one I do business with does. I'm finding every one is different.

 

[chickendude]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRppGUlBU20
Here is a link of how to dust chickens.
I believe it is feather mites and not lice because I can not see any lice. But the bottom feathers feel and look kind of rough, dry crusty and almost shredded near the base. I agree about chemicals but the more I read about DE, well it doesn't work as well. We have had these girls now since 2009 and this is the first time with any problems. My other concern is the 4 new birds getting the mites. Still undecided as what I'm going to do.

 

[chickendude]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVK8fwTLDMg&feature=related
Here is another link using a bag to dust them.