Surviving Minnesota!

[Bogtown Chick]

I will also say that having the dog see you pet and cuddle the chickens may instill a sense of pack with the chickens. The chickens are viewed then as "pack members" like the rest of the family is.

Here is a nice article.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-your-dog-to-chickens-tips-tricks

 

[holm25]

I am having a good rate so far with the eggs in the incubator. I put in 18 standard eggs and have 15 still in it

 

[I Love Layers]

What's your opinions on feeding chickens that free range at least 13 hours a day.
I feed mine Whole Corn, and oats and they have access to a scratch block while they free range. And my egg production seems to be higher then most peoples.

I've been told by some people that its not good for my birds, but I feel like the people telling me are also the people who have the most expensive chicken coops, feed, and appliances..

 

[duluthralphie]

I have free will feed out for mine year round. BUT they do not eat much feed when it greens up like this. They would rather eat whatever they find for bugs and crawly things....and of course treats they can beg off me. If they ran out of feed in the coop it would not be a big deal to me this time of year.

 

[KlopKlop]

I just realized today is my chicken anniversary! When the first batch of new chicks arrived on the new farm!

 

[eastbethel]

Eastbethel. I have a labrador I've trained just recently. It was relatively easy with her. But she is a labrador, albeit challenging in other ways. Training dogs to do something they don't wish to do is exhaustive and frustrating when there are days with set backs. But you having the upperhand. (Leashing) and using calm assertive energy. is the key. I think that breed of dog needs a job. So one of those weight vests or a yard full of obstacle course training....whatever. I would exercise that dog first before I do any chicken training so it is in the right mind space for learning. Then you sit down with your calmest chicken and let the dog look at it. But it cannot be in an excited state around it or it gets a swat on the nose in a low stern voice reprimand. "Mine. Leave it." Then remove the dog from the bird. Come back in an hour later. If nervously licking or not able to redirect it's behavior. Remove again. Low stern commands.

Thanks, sounds good. He was going to have a job once he is trained. Herding obviously. We planned to get some ducks and geese, but right now, I am thinking we will wait since he is most definitely NOT trustworthy to just herd them. We'll see how it goes! Sigh...dogs...and I never understood why the city did not allow chickens in the past when they are hardly any work compared to dogs.

 

[KlopKlop]

Yay I have 2 pancakes still! It looks like the one hen that was iffy this morning reorganized her hutch how she liked and made her own nest where she was laying this morning. I got straw bales today and may just put some beside them. They can stick it under and around as the please!

 

[duluthralphie]

Yay I have 2 pancakes still! It looks like the one hen that was iffy this morning reorganized her hutch how she liked and made her own nest where she was laying this morning. I got straw bales today and may just put some beside them. They can stick it under and around as the please!

Good job!!



I might be blessed with 2 pancakes soon The PC hens were laying in the nest tonight when I gathered eggs, and one of them actually bit me! I had eggs so I hope they are not going broody! I have never seen 2 hens that like to be broody so much....



Have any of you ever ordered anything from Sandhill Preservation? What can you tell me about them? Do they have good stock or hatchery stock at show prices? They have a couple breeds I would like, but when I read the fine print I am not sure of what they really sell. Thanks for any input. They sure have lots of breeds but are pretty much sold out for the year of the stuff I really want.

 

[memphis]

Ralph, my understanding is that Sandhill's mission is to preserve & promote endangered heritage breeds. They DO NOT breed to the SOP.

What breeds are you interested in?

 

[NathanZee]

The Marsh Marigolds are everywhere here!
A Snipe hiding on a Muskrat dam.
First Leopard frog I have seen this year.

That's beautiful! How do you take such great pictures?