Surviving Minnesota!

[Cluckies]

I have two really old heating pads that were my Dad's at one time. I looked at heating pads while I was over in Monti running errands. They all automatically shut off after one or two hours. Another customer and I were talking and they told me that they all shut off now. So do yours Ralphie? I mean, since you bought them on Amazon are there a special name for Mama chicks heating pads?

Next, what if I were to use a plastic/vinyl (isn't plastic and vinyl the same thing?) kennel cover. It is small and has the holes on each side for venting. I would think it would heat up nicely and warm those little guys up. What is a hens temperature anyway? Anyone ever thought about that? How would you know if you had a sick hen - besides the characteristics being displayed by the bird - if you did not know their temperature?

So as soon as my brooder warms up to room temp I am going to wash/disinfect it and then wait for chicks. Let me see. I bought six chicks to begin this adventure. Out of that original six one got sick. Three I raised to feed the eagles which left me with two. The two ISAs. Then I got two RIR then I purchased the BPR Roo and hen. So that brings me up to six total. Well, that fills up my run and coop for right now but . . . .

Now I am thinking about getting at least six more; two of this kind, two of that kind, and two of another kind. I have a plan on how to house them and where to put a run that is easy for me to build. After all, I am the one that dug out all the dirt, laid a fence, put in cinder block around the perimeter, and then put that kit coop/run together. I think in a few more years I simply will not be able to work that hard. What should have taken me two days to do in my forties now takes twice that long in my sixties.
So I figure I had been hurry up with my plans because when I am seventy the heavy stuff of hauling and digging will probably go away for seventy year old stuff that is taking over the life.

lvy, I bought the one they recommended on the mama heating pad thread (the first one) you can get it here from amazon, I got it on a lightening deal. it has auto shut off, but also continuously on.
Sunbeam 2013-912 Xpress Heat Microplush Heating Pad for Quick Pain Relief, Extra Large (12" x 24"),Olive

from Sunbeam (same as Ralphies)
they say to put glad press and seal over it, covered with a towel or pillow case. they will also like to stand on it, like they would mama.

a dog kennel cover may be too big. I would go here and read the thread a ways in to get a better grasp on the idea. many, many people have inputed on there with terrific ideas.

Quote: Yes please!

 

[Cluckies]

Quote: Andy is adorable!

 

[KlopKlop]

My chicken butt is fully healed! It stayed in all day!
Hahaha

 

[Rhetts]

Klop, that is great news!!

 

[Cluckies]

My chicken butt is fully healed! It stayed in all day!
Hahaha

That is wonderful news! Did you put some preparation H on it as well to help?

 

[KlopKlop]

That is wonderful news!  Did you put some preparation H on it as well to help?

Nope, just kept it clean and daily soaks to help soften the scabs. I withheld food for 3 days too. I felt bad starving her a bit but I wanted to reduce the poo volume while she was so swollen. She was a tough girl and worked through it just fine. She is eating and pooping good again. If she looks good tomorrow she will go back outside

 

[Cluckies]

she has been inside for awhile, might want to wait until sunday when it starts to warm up a little... Did you soak her in epsom salts? that is what I soak my hens in when they are unwell, they love it!

 

[Cluckies]

Target to go cage free

 

[KlopKlop]

she has been inside for awhile, might want to wait until sunday when it starts to warm up a little...  Did you soak her in epsom salts?  that is what I soak my hens in when they are unwell, they love it!

just warm water. She had been in my 55 degree basement so I was hoping it wouldn't be too shocking. I worry she doesn't have enough room to move around.

 

[Rhetts]

Target to go cage free

Interesting that it will take so long to restructure for cage free. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal.



General question for those that sell eggs to others: How much are you charging per dozen?
Mine are $3. But I never get cartons back and I will need to buy some soon and they are not cheap! L&M are $.50 a piece!! Yikes, time to look around. And our birds are non gmo. Raised organic but switched to non gmo last November. Should I charge more to cover cartons?