The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Alibabe]

I don't know if garlic will kill it now since it's something better given frequently to obtain the best effects, but it's worth a try. I've never once had coccidiosis, and I always give garlic. I don't use vaccines or medicated feeds. For chicks I would always start them, in their very first feed and from then on, with raw freshly minced garlic. I've experimented with different ways of raising chicks and nothing compared to those raw garlic raised chicks, as babies or as adults.

I have chicks that will be 1 week on Friday - can I crush some fresh garlic and offer it to them now? I must be honest I am very nervous of giving them anything that could be too strong for the baby systems.

 

[lalaland]

yup, give them the garlic! it will be good for them - I've been giving my chicks garlic. like any new food, they will be a little standofffish til the bravest tries it, and then it will be gone.

 

[Alibabe]

yup, give them the garlic! it will be good for them - I've been giving my chicks garlic. like any new food, they will be a little standofffish til the bravest tries it, and then it will be gone.

Thank you, I will give it a try, hopefully they will like it. Should I give it to them daily or every two days or so?

 

[salt and pepper]

FINALLY have my answer... My coops are infested with Termites! I checked the coops for bugs, and while there still were some of those tiny brown bugs, there was an equal amount of insects that were the size of red ants, but were brown, and had wings. I am guessing that the tiny bugs are adolescent termites, as termites are pretty Territorial, and I don't see them letting other bugs live with them. The DE seems to be keeping them in check, because the coops that had a good layer of it, didn't have any. Does this sound like termites?

 

[RedRidge]

http://triptrapmountainhomestead.we...a-pygmy-goat-out-of-the-chicken-coop-101.html
Found an article on keeping goats out of the chicken coop via pop doors. Thoughts?

Del, you've had goats before right? Redridge - do you?

Sorry... I am just now getting caught up on this thread.
No... I wouldn't own a goat!! LOL But I do have sheep... more importantly I have maremma and my best chicken guardian LOVES eggs.
So... small doors for the chickens to keep the 120 lb dogs out. LOL

 

[RedRidge]

Quote: wow! somehow I missed two weeks worth of posts on this thread... I may never catch up. LOL

Yes, I got a dozen eggs from her... 7 hatched... and they are ADORABLE!

 

[RedRidge]

Quote: The REALLY good thing is that the 7 that hatched were divided evenly... 2 from 2 hens and 3 from the 3rd... so an even distribution.
Now if I can avoid having all of one sex I'll be happy.

Appear to have quite a few mille fleur and at least one, maybe two, have some blue... but that's a VERY newbie opinion... we'll know more in August I'm sure.

 

[salt and pepper]

FINALLY have my answer... My coops are infested with Termites! I checked the coops for bugs, and while there still were some of those tiny brown bugs, there was an equal amount of insects that were the size of red ants, but were brown, and had wings. I am guessing that the tiny bugs are adolescent termites, as termites are pretty Territorial, and I don't see them letting other bugs live with them. The DE seems to be keeping them in check, because the coops that had a good layer of it, didn't have any. Does this sound like termites?

Also got pics of the bug, post it tonight.

 

[delisha]

I can post more sites if anyone needs it..However it is better if you do your own research. All State departments of Agriculture have web sites. They have tons of information about mite,lice and bugs that are problems in your own State. They have links for you to go read.
Fighting is not necessary..having a difference of opinion is not fighting. If you do not think they can transfer..it is what you think. And that is OK.


http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/sarcoptic_mange_mite.htm

Quote: Sounds good

Quote: The REALLY good thing is that the 7 that hatched were divided evenly... 2 from 2 hens and 3 from the 3rd... so an even distribution.
Now if I can avoid having all of one sex I'll be happy.

Appear to have quite a few mille fleur and at least one, maybe two, have some blue... but that's a VERY newbie opinion... we'll know more in August I'm sure.

Nice hatch..we need pictures..

 

[Gramma Chick]

Quote:
Also if they are free ranging more ...they may be eating less layer ...Have you changed anything ?
Why eat feed when you can have yummy bugs & grass & stuff ..LOL
We went to Dumor brand feed ...TSC brand ...They laid less with that ..even though it was layer ..
They did great with Purina Layena ..Okay with Agway