The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[aoxa]

Thanks!

Do you use them for water also? I remember you were trying to figure out your winter water system. Did you ever decide how you are handling that...did you end up heating the building enough to keep the water from freezing?

I'll be getting heated waterers.

we went too over budget on our barn to get a mini split unfortunately. We do have one heated room (the brooder room) but the rest is just insulated. Hopefully that will help keep it liquid except on the very cold days.

They work for water, but I only have two - so I use them for feed.

 

[Leahs Mom]

If used as a waterer, do you think they could step inside it and get their feed wet? I'm thinking about frostbite here.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Oh...and for the benefit of those new to the thread, this is the feeder we're talking about.

 

[aoxa]

If used as a waterer, do you think they could step inside it and get their feed wet? I'm thinking about frostbite here.

I wouldn't use it as a waterer for anything but ducks.

The grates are just big enough for a head, so unless they are clenching their feet and inserting it, the feet won't go inside the grates.

 

[hotrodflash]

One of the kittens appears to have ear mites. either that or really dirty ears, but I am assuming ear mites. They drink the chickens' water. This stuff works for mites. I am going to have to add it to the waterer to get it into the kittens' system.

Angel our 10 year old rescue cat has had them many times.

Can you see ear mites move? Because I can't see any movement, and I have very good eyes.

If the mites are really bad, they would be bad enough to see. But what I would do is clean the ear with a tissue wrapped around your finger, this will prevent damage to ear because you won't be able to go too deep. Then put liquid coconut oil in the ear and rub the back of the ear to get the oil all the way to the eardrum. Any kind of oil will work but I know you love coconut oil, for good reason. I would treat every of days until ears are clear.

 

[Sally8]

We were infested with ear mites a few years back and how nasty it can be. I was amazed that it got so bad before I noticed it. Thanks for the flea info, aoxa. We are having a horrible time with flea's this year. I keep bathing my cocker (I don't like bathing dogs. They need the oil) but my Aussie doesn't quite fit in the sink. lol My mother always fed our german shepherds a raw egg every night on their food. she said it helped their coat. I absolutely loved the video and I did catch the free ranging kitties.

My yard looks like there was a chicken fight in it. Everyone is losing feathers. I thought they molted very early this spring. Ugh!

No comments necessary, just needed to vent; My Mother had a heart attack on Sunday and today when the nurses were helping her to the restroom, she fell. Has a gash on her temple and a goose egg on her head. Not blaming the nurses totally. After watching the 3 yr olds, I know how easy and fast things can happen. I'm beginning to think that Mom isn't going to come home from all of this.

 

[MEMama3]

My Mother had a heart attack on Sunday and today when the nurses were helping her to the restroom, she fell.  Has a gash on her temple and a goose egg on her head.  Not blaming the nurses totally.  After watching the 3 yr olds, I know how easy and fast things can happen.  I'm beginning to think that Mom isn't going to come home from all of this. 

So sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she comes home and is in good health.

 

[aoxa]

If the mites are really bad, they would be bad enough to see. But what I would do is clean the ear with a tissue wrapped around your finger, this will prevent damage to ear because you won't be able to go too deep. Then put liquid coconut oil in the eat and rub the back of the ear to get the oil all the way to the eardrum. Any kind of oil will work but I know you love coconut oil, for good reason. I would treat every of days until ears are clear.

That is a fine idea, and I'm going down to do it now! Their ears will smell so nice

We were infested with ear mites a few years back and how nasty it can be. I was amazed that it got so bad before I noticed it. Thanks for the flea info, aoxa. We are having a horrible time with flea's this year. I keep bathing my cocker (I don't like bathing dogs. They need the oil) but my Aussie doesn't quite fit in the sink. lol My mother always fed our german shepherds a raw egg every night on their food. she said it helped their coat. I absolutely loved the video and I did catch the free ranging kitties.

My yard looks like there was a chicken fight in it. Everyone is losing feathers. I thought they molted very early this spring. Ugh!

No comments necessary, just needed to vent; My Mother had a heart attack on Sunday and today when the nurses were helping her to the restroom, she fell. Has a gash on her temple and a goose egg on her head. Not blaming the nurses totally. After watching the 3 yr olds, I know how easy and fast things can happen. I'm beginning to think that Mom isn't going to come home from all of this.

I'm so sorry to hear that Sally.. Your poor mother has had such a rough year.

I had fleas on all my animals maybe 3 years back. It was SOOOO hard to get rid of. Nothing worked.. not until we got the flea free. It truly did work. We still had to bathe all the dogs (and cats ugh) because of the flea dirt. We haven't had fleas since. It was very hard to deal with. Chloe especially since she sleeps at the end of the bed. She would scratch all night. So I feel for you.

 

[hotrodflash]

That is a fine idea, and I'm going down to do it now! Their ears will smell so nice
.

And it is harmless if they or their litter mate licks their ear for them.

 

[delisha]

We were infested with ear mites a few years back and how nasty it can be. I was amazed that it got so bad before I noticed it. Thanks for the flea info, aoxa. We are having a horrible time with flea's this year. I keep bathing my cocker (I don't like bathing dogs. They need the oil) but my Aussie doesn't quite fit in the sink. lol My mother always fed our german shepherds a raw egg every night on their food. she said it helped their coat. I absolutely loved the video and I did catch the free ranging kitties.

My yard looks like there was a chicken fight in it. Everyone is losing feathers. I thought they molted very early this spring. Ugh!

No comments necessary, just needed to vent; My Mother had a heart attack on Sunday and today when the nurses were helping her to the restroom, she fell. Has a gash on her temple and a goose egg on her head. Not blaming the nurses totally. After watching the 3 yr olds, I know how easy and fast things can happen. I'm beginning to think that Mom isn't going to come home from all of this.