The Middle Tennessee Thread

[CarolJ]

I read the requirements to be legally labelled "organic" and I decided that wasn't for me. My chickens live out in the country, get fruits and veggies in addition to layer feed, lots of fresh water, no chemicals or antibiotics - and they get to free range for a couple hours each evening when I can be out there with them. So when they finally start laying, the eggs will be "farm fresh eggs" - but not organic. I can't even call them "free range" since it's too dangerous to let them out when I can't be right there watching them.

Do any of you use an LGD so your chickens can free range? I've gone back and forth on whether or not I should look for one. We have a dog that likes the chickens, but I don't think he'd protect them from a predator.

 

[emmalynn]

I have a dog for chicken protection at the house. He has even amazed me enough because when a hawk attacked one day....he caught it and killed it.

I have LGDs in with the goats.

Be aware that you MUST socialize so the new dog doesn't think snacks on the wing.

Since the dogs have been on duty...not a single animal lost. Knock on wood.

 

[DMRippy]

Quote:
Holly where do you get your feed and how much is it? I have enough birds now i can buy in bulk would love to get good feed at a good price. A trip to lebanon every month or two would not be too bad if the price is right.

Sorry about your chickens

 

[HBuehler]

My feed comes from Edwards Feed..they have a 1000 pound discount and will make you anything you want as long as you order that minimum.Price depends on what you want but say their layer mash per 100 is about $21.00 without any discounts...$24 for the chick feed.It's a mash feed they don't do pellets.

We free range our layers with hawks,coyote live in our fields and all kinds of wild trouble and a JRT to keep things stirred up a bit.We have only lost a few taken out of the runs but never a free ranger. We did loose one free ranger because she walked under the walking horse

We provide them with lots of places to duck and hide if they feel like they need to.During the day chickens are very good at protecting themselves.They are very aware of any dangers around them and won't just stand there to be dinner to any hawk.Roos are more apt to be ate because he will stand up to one to protect the ladies.The hens leave and leave fast if a hawk even flies close.

 

[CluckyJay]

My chickens free-range all day unsupervised on our land. We have a pom-poo, Bella, she chases everything away from them. She even goes after HAWKS!! I am raising a mini schnauzer x basset x heeler (UGLY!) mix to guard them too. He is still a puppy but is aggressive and will be large enough to help protect them. He is already killing pests at this young age. He is chicken-friendly so far. He cannot be trusted with the kittens though, he plays too rough and nearly killed one of them. I am hoping by the time he grows up, he won't be quite as playful.

I started his "away from the family" training and soon he will be out there with the chickens exclusively. He's a stubborn cuss!!!

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

Ok so this is so off topic but I need advise from experienced parents. I have my stepson for the summer and he is hooked on video games. I will admit when it is too hot or too cold to be outside I do enjoy the xbox 360. But for the most part I get up at 430 rest a few times throughout the day but don't stop till an hour after dark. By then I am sometimes too tired to eat as was the case last night. Ok back to my problem....... this morning I could not get him off the computer so I disconnected the wifi and that fixed that problem. I had told him yesterday he needed to clean the dog kennel which has always been one of his chores but as he has gotten older he has become more and more like his Dad. VERY BULL HEADED! So 1 hour into it (mind you this is a 20 min job at most) the kennel still has poop in it and he has decided he is not going to do it. So I say to him when the kennel is clean you may then come inside. That was at 11:30. He has stood out there an hour and a half doing nothing. It is now threatening to come a thunder storm and he is scared to death of thunder storms but yet he is still standing out there.
What should I do? This is killing me because I don't like to be the bad guy and I see so little of him it is unfair to both of us for him to act this way. I was raised VERY differently than his mom has chosen to raise him. So I struggle with a child not doing as ask, or being disrespectful. However I am enjoying the peace and quiet.

 

[CluckyJay]

How old is he?

I wouldn't leave him out in a thunderstorm, LOL. I always treated my Chris like he was my own blood-son. When it came to his animals, if he didn't take care of them--I sold them and kept the money. As far as the video game thing, I just didn't/don't let my kids play them too much. They're not allowed to play/watch TV until whatever we told them to do has been done. It kind of varies with age though.

I can always lend you my electric, kid-minding cattle prod.

 

[Troyerchicks]

Quote:
With my oldest son (14) I took away all electronics untill the job was done. He usually gets allowance but if he gives me a hard time about doing something then he has to do it anyway and not get paid. Unfortunately it sounds as if your stepson is testing your boundries, seeing how much he can get away with. I say stick to your guns about the dog pens and don't let up. He will learn that when you ask him to do something you expect it done. Might make for a tense day or two but it's needed. But after he does the pens the two of you go do something fun.

Good luck and may the force be with you.

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

He is 10 and inside now. I knew the storm would break him but this is just an example of my day to day life till summer is over. I love him to death but he is a VERY strong willed child. I met his Dad when he was only 8mths of age so it is not like I just entered the pic. In fact I have kept him most summers all his life by myself his dad is usually deployed. I just hate being the bad guy when I don't see him near enough.

 

[cpegram]

Tish I would def take away electronics until chores are done....I am lucky I have a 14 yr old DD who watches the 5yr old DD and keeps the house clean w/ laundry done

very lucky