Texas

[Ms Jellybean]

New questions (should I start a thread on my plans or is it ok to do this here?)....

I read that making a coop from old shipping pallets was a good way to save money. Good idea?

Would this be a better coop?

I could add more ventilation to my original coop idea though too. More windows at the top that open and close....


Just tell me when I am becoming a pest with the questions. I do tend to over think and over plan at times.....

 

[Aphrael]

Everything I'm seeing with the use of DE people are just using a sprinkle or handful in whatever you are using for your litter for smell, bugs, mites, ect. Not to use it as the MAIN bedding. It's too fine a particle.

I'd like to talk the hubby into 3 birds cleanliness is key.

DE is not used as a bedding and, as far as I know it has no impact at all on smell either. Some people use it to kill bugs, mites etc. It works by cutting up their exoskeleton and then they dry up and die. The reason it should not be used in deep litter method is that it will kill the good bugs as well as the bad and proper deep litter requires a healthy population of "good bugs" to work. If you are only going to be using sand that you will scoop clean then the DE would be fine if you want to use it for pest control.

 

[Heidisgran]

New questions (should I start a thread on my plans or is it ok to do this here?)....

I read that making a coop from old shipping pallets was a good way to save money. Good idea?

Would this be a better coop?

I could add more ventilation to my original coop idea though too. More windows at the top that open and close....


Just tell me when I am becoming a pest with the questions. I do tend to over think and over plan at times.....

chickens is what we do

 

[AussieGirl]

I know that Home Depot sells theirs because I've asked. I'd go to Walmart or hobby lobby or some place like that. I just usually ask any where I see some in the back of the store

I actually found somebody local that sells theirs! Cant wait to get started on my coop!!

 

[hungnguyen]

Quote:
haha, you reminded me of Popeyes

 

[TammyTX]

My chickens have had dry pox...if that is the one that looks like fire ant bites. I think once they get it they are immune because I've never had a repeat. I've also not noticed it making them feel bad....but it is not pretty!

I have used DE in my nest boxes mixed with cedar shavings for years. Just a handful per box. I also sprinkle on the roost, under the roost, on the floor and on the chickens...again, small quantities....never had a problem with the chickens and I haven't had a mite problem since I've done this. Is this where I should mention that I also spray Skin-so-Soft here and there around the coop once a year for Mosquitos?

 

[jockeyeba]

New questions (should I start a thread on my plans or is it ok to do this here?)....

I read that making a coop from old shipping pallets was a good way to save money.  Good idea?

Would this be a better coop?  

I could add more ventilation to my original coop idea though too.  More windows at the top that open and close....


Just tell me when I am becoming a pest with the questions.  I do tend to over think and over plan at times.....  

This is what this forum is for: asking questions, answering questions, just visiting,
We find free pallets everywhere, McCoys, 87 Lumber...........This is our last coop built entirely from free materials. The base frame is from those long pallets.

 

[LBejaran]

I read an article (blog post) on pox the other day and it said there wasn't a medicine for it.  Was the writer wrong?  She did say to treat the sores with something....

There is a vaccine with a live strain of the fowl pox that is meant to prevent and create an immunity. I'm going to get it this afternoon when I can get a ride. I need the other birds to get an immunity to it so I don't have to deal with it later. We have mosquitoes around here year round, so there is really no way to prevent the birds from getting it eventually.

I also need to treat their sores with iodine.

 

[LBejaran]

Ibejaran is it wet or dry?

I'm pretty sure it's dry. I need to purchase some iodine to treat the sore tonight while they are cooped up.

 

[LBejaran]

there is no cure it has to run it's course...best way is to try to prevent....keep away the mosquitos

There isn't really an economical or natural way for us to prevent mosquitoes around here (our weather creates a haven for them). I might just try and install a solar powered fan, but I'm not a big fan of the idea. The vaccine should create an immunity for all my healthy birds. I hope my turkeys can hold out a little longer for me to treat their sores. They don't seem to be bothered, but it's getting a little too close to their eyes for comfort.