Texas

[oweirdo]

We were out this morning, our LGD got out last night. She didn't get far, thank the Lord. Just in the neighbors yard. It was almost hot. As we were walking the fence line, we heard the wind in the trees. By the time we walked the fence, fixed the chicks food and feed them. The temp had dropped, rain had started, went from nice to yucky quick!

 

[hotrodflash]

Why would you take them out? Wing bands/clips don't need adjusting as they grow. My understanding is they are to be put on and left on. I want to start showing so I've gotta get some real perment way for marking them. Gotta figure out if I'm wing banding, leg banding and exactly what I need on them.

Because I did not need or want them on my laying hens, I am not showing them and they do not leave my property so they are unnecessary for me.

 

[Ms Jellybean]

Good morning Texas! It's good to see so many new folks here. The front isn't supposed to get here til late tonight but I see most of Texas has already been hit. We've got rain forecasted for most of today.

I'm sad because my backyard is full of weeds and I can't Weed and Feed as I have done in the past. Reason being is because my hens free range from dawn til they put themselves to bed.

Any suggestions on how to get rid of the weeds without using Weed and Feed? My St. Augustine just can't get through the weeds. Ugh

Maybe not what you are looking for but a good way to use the weeds. Hand weeding is best.

 

[jajeanpierre]

Why would you take them out? Wing bands/clips don't need adjusting as they grow. My understanding is they are to be put on and left on. I want to start showing so I've gotta get some real perment way for marking them. Gotta figure out if I'm wing banding, leg banding and exactly what I need on them.

I just went to my first show and they didn't ask for band numbers, although all four had wing bands on them.

I think it depends on the breed whether a numbered wing band or leg band is used. I think the feather-legged breeders use wing bands while those without feathers on their shanks use a leg band.

I wasn't sure what the show wanted since they didn't ask for band numbers on the entry forms. The breeder of the Ameraucanas I have said I would need bands and suggested these numbered bandettes. He buys from the supplier in the link below. You can order them in numbered sets. You just need to know the size to order. I ordered a set numbered 1 through 25 in size #9 and another in size #11. Somewhere, there is a sizing chart to show what breeds use which size band.

http://www.poultrysupplies.com/index_files/Page723.htm

 

[jajeanpierre]

Because I did not need or want them on my laying hens, I am not showing them and they do not leave my property so they are unnecessary for me.

That may be true, but there is a risk of trying to get them off. If you are adamant on taking them off, why don't you wait until they have grown and have stronger wings so there is less likelihood of breaking a bone or dislocating a joint?

 

[RachaelS]

Rain just hit here! I love the rain, not sure I will like the freezing temps that are coming with it, LOL!

Welcome to all the new comers!

For those that garden, when it says "plant in ground" now, do they mean plant seeds in ground now, or started plants? Seems early to plant seedlings, since our last freeze is not until the end of March usually.

 

[jajeanpierre]

Good morning Texas! It's good to see so many new folks here. The front isn't supposed to get here til late tonight but I see most of Texas has already been hit. We've got rain forecasted for most of today.

I'm sad because my backyard is full of weeds and I can't Weed and Feed as I have done in the past. Reason being is because my hens free range from dawn til they put themselves to bed.

Any suggestions on how to get rid of the weeds without using Weed and Feed? My St. Augustine just can't get through the weeds. Ugh

I know this sounds crazy, but my husband hand weeds what little lawn we have. He also hand weeds the part of the property that has bur grass growing on it. If you get the weeds out, they tend to stay out. It might take a couple of years. Also, keeping the grass cut short all the time will stop most weeds from producing seeds and multiplying since you cut off the seed heads before they are viable. Last, but not least, plant native and learn to appreciate an imperfect turf. Or, if you want a perfect piece of lawn, make is small.

In the long run over time, Weed and Feed is pretty hard on most trees.

 

[FreeRangePamela]

Hi, folks. I'm new to the TX thread and to BYC. I'm in Liberty Hill, NW of Austin, W of Georgetown. And it's getting cold. 69 degrees at 7 a.m. and now it's 38.

Anyway, I don't have chickens yet, as our neighborhood has had restrictions that prevented residents from having poultry, but recently a (seemingly successful) petition has circulated and it looks like the rules are changing. I've wanted chickens for a while, and am happy it is becoming a possibility.

We are looking at a small flock to start, maybe 3-4 hens. At the moment, we are looking for a reasonably-priced good coop, probably something chicken-tractor like or a chicken ark that we can move around the property. We don't have a fence around our property, but are looking at temporary moveable fencing (or do we even need fencing?) to allow the chickens to free range during the day. We also have a LGD that could eventually help with this, but she needs serious training -- she is still a pup and we haven't had any livestock to train her with -- before she is more use than trouble.

Just wanted to say hello and thanks for all the info I've already gotten by checking out these forums.

Best,
Pamela (aka FreeRange Pamela)

P.S. And, Rachael, about gardening, I believe they mean put the seeds in that that time, not seedlings. I've got my little seedlings inside now (they go outside in a mini-greenhouse on warm days), waiting for the end of March. Last year, I lost too many plants to late frosts so I'm being more cautious.

 

[lovingmyhens]

I know this sounds crazy, but my husband hand weeds what little lawn we have.  He also hand weeds the part of the property that has bur grass growing on it.  If you get the weeds out, they tend to stay out.  It might take a couple of years.   Also, keeping the  grass cut short all the time will stop most weeds from producing seeds and multiplying since you cut off the seed heads before they are viable.  Last, but not least, plant native and learn to appreciate an imperfect turf.  Or, if you want a perfect piece of lawn, make is small.

In the long run over time, Weed and Feed is pretty hard on most trees. 

I'm not worried about the Weed and Feed on the trees...I've used it for years and it works great. Kills the weeds and soon my at Augustine is pretty. I'm worried about the chickens getting into the fertilizer I've put on the yard.

 

[oweirdo]

Hi, folks. I'm new to the TX thread and to BYC. I'm in Liberty Hill, NW of Austin, W of Georgetown. And it's getting cold. 69 degrees at 7 a.m. and now it's 38. 

Anyway, I don't have chickens yet, as our neighborhood has had restrictions that prevented residents from having poultry, but recently a (seemingly successful) petition has circulated and it looks like the rules are changing. I've wanted chickens for a while, and am happy it is becoming a possibility. 

We are looking at a small flock to start, maybe 3-4 hens. At the moment, we are looking for a reasonably-priced good coop, probably something chicken-tractor like or a chicken ark that we can move around the property. We don't have a fence around our property, but are looking at temporary moveable fencing (or do we even need fencing?) to allow the chickens to free range during the day. We also have a LGD that could eventually help with this, but she needs serious training -- she is still a pup and we haven't had any livestock to train her with -- before she is more use than trouble. 

Just wanted to say hello and thanks for all the info I've already gotten by checking out these forums. 

Best,
Pamela (aka FreeRange Pamela) 

P.S. And, Rachael, about gardening, I believe they mean put the seeds in that that time, not seedlings. I've got my little seedlings inside now (they go outside in a mini-greenhouse on warm days), waiting for the end of March. Last year, I lost too many plants to late frosts so I'm being more cautious. 

we live close. I call it L.H. but the address is Georgetown. Luckily we got a few acres with no restrictions