The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[speckledhen]

It was easier when I realized he was literally leaning into it. I've never seen a bird almost welcome it, very odd. They almost always fight it to some degree, no matter how far down they seem to be. But, Spike had lost his will to continue, though he had eaten eggs and yogurt that morning. It must have been an effort to keep going and for a normally very energetic, tough little man, it must have felt just so foreign to him not to be able to control his body, very draining.

Different subject: I'm going to get chicks tomorrow, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, but does anyone feel that bantams, in general, do better on a certain protein level? I have only always fed mine the same Tucker Milling feed as everyone else. Not sure they really need 22% protein, these smaller bodied hatchery bantams, but what do you think? I mean, of course, what to feed after the chick starter phase. I may alternate the 16% layer with the 22% soon because of all the green forage coming in for them on range.

 

[getaclue]

To the best of my knowledge, while bantams are smaller, they're still chickens, and have the same nutritional requirements as any other chicken. They just don't eat as much, since they're smaller.

 

[speckledhen]

Well, I guess it was a dumb question. I almost said I never had an entire flock of bantams, but what am I talking about? I have raised Belgian D'Anvers for 10 years. Duh.
Today is one of those days, I guess. I supposed I was more wondering if anyone did something different for their bantams than their large fowl birds. Mine all get those Tucker Milling mini-pellets, even the Brahmas.

 

[h2oratt]

We euthanized Spike a bit ago. He was going downhill fast. I saw the same thing in his eyes as I did my 15 yr old Pointer/Lab girl the last few days before she made her final trip to the vet. He didn't even resist. It was like he welcomed it, wanted it. So, RIP, little Spikers.

So sorry for your loss. You are such a good chicken mama.

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you. I do my best.

 

[h2oratt]

We have finally put up a double fence on my chicken area. Now they can’t fly down into the dog yard. Very happy about that. When I got chickens I didn’t know how they could fly so well.

 

[getaclue]

h2, they fly very good, don't they?

 

[h2oratt]

h2, they fly very good, don't they?

Yes. I had no idea.

 

[speckledhen]

Ready, set....CHICKS!

and, my LGC (Livestock Guardian Cat) is already on duty...please ignore the dirty rug. It's chaos around here lately. Cohutta opens at 9 a.m. and we'll be there. They got those chicks yesterday afternoon late. I hope we'll be able to get my dozen, or Baker's Dozen if I just can't resist an extra large fowl pullet.

 

[speckledhen]

Oh, my, this day is shaping up to be a doozy! We have to leave for the feed store, will enlighten you later, but wow, sure did not expect this today.