The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[salt and pepper]

How old are they? My guess would be at 18 to 30 weeks.

I meant by their comb color how many more weeks, but they're 16 weeks. Thanks!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

so I am guessing 2 to 10 weeks more but it varies a lot.

 

[SallyinIndiana]

I know they'll lay an egg when it is time, but what do you think about these girls, do you think they're about ready? These are my first chicks and they are 17 weeks on Monday. These are 4 of mine that have really red combs and wattles that are pretty big too. They do look redder at times as well, the photo did not capture how dark red they look at times.

Rhode Island Red - Red


Rhode Island Red - Red again


Rhode Island Red - Ash (her combs and wattles are a little smaller then Red's)



CW - Freida



SLW - Nemo

So what do you experts think? I am not worried about it, but I wanted to just see what you thought for some fun and also show off some of my pullets.

Great duck and chick pics Stony and that garden Mumsy is amazing, I only hope to do half as well with my garden!

-Lynn

If the RIR is squatting, I would say in the next 2-3 weeks, maybe sooner as it is warmer now than when my pullets reached POL.
No idea for the others.

 

[SallyinIndiana]

I have a production RIR roo. He is nice but lately I have noticed that the bottom inch of his legs and most of his toes swell as the day goes on. By night fall his legs and toes are quite large, but they look fine again the next morning. I have checked for bumble foot but don't see any thing that looks like it could be cut out. It is both fee as well not just one. He does not limp but he does not run as fast as the other roosters I have either. He is still mating of course, after all he is a rooster and knows that he either mates well or bye bye.

 

[Quailsong]

I have a production RIR roo. He is nice but lately I have noticed that the bottom inch of his legs and most of his toes swell as the day goes on. By night fall his legs and toes are quite large, but they look fine again the next morning. I have checked for bumble foot but don't see any thing that looks like it could be cut out. It is both fee as well not just one. He does not limp but he does not run as fast as the other roosters I have either. He is still mating of course, after all he is a rooster and knows that he either mates well or bye bye.

Can you show us a pic, Sally?

Are the undersides darkening in one area? Have you checked for scaly mites at the legs (they can dig under the scales)?

I think you can put some vaseline on the legs for the mites. There's many other methods for it. I'd also check where he's roosting at night & dust the area w/ ash.

I'm sure the other OT's can give you more info than me.^^

 

[aoxa]

Look who came home tonight!!

 

[Bulldogma]

Aoxa...

What a fun family addition! I know you'll never get tired of watching them!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Look who came home tonight!!

 

[CoopChick719]

Such a beautiful garden!! I'm green with envy!!

 

[aoxa]

Aoxa...

What a fun family addition! I know you'll never get tired of watching them!

Never!! I had to go check on them at 11:00pm. They were happy to see me!