The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

Quote: I live in an area that has a huge Amish population. I interact with them like I interact with anyone else....and I do business with many of them personally as well as in my work place.

They're just folks like we are... I wouldn't worry about "how" to approach them...just talk with them like you'd talk with anyone else. (And, hopefully, that is with respect.

)


ETA: And I often just "stop in" if I see that someone has something I'm interested in. I've stopped many times to ask someone where they got a particular item they have in their yard or if they are selling a particular type of animal, etc.

 

[aoxa]

Cornish X..sorry..I did not post the letter X. I thought that is what we were talking about.

what about this kind?
http://www.bulkapothecary.com/raw-ingredients/bulk-natural-oils/coconut-oil-76-degree/

Does it say unrefined, cold pressed and extra virgin? If organic isn't a huge deal to you, it doesn't need to be, but I wouldn't buy it if it is refined or (hot pressed?).

You wouldn't use that much... It takes me 9 months to go through my 54 oz container, and I use it daily.

 

[SunnysideupstateNY]

Lol if you approach the Amish without pretentious they are usually quick to help! But as a female DO NOT approach a male and definitely DO NOT give him eye contact! This goes with the more strict mennonite communities as well!

Are you freaking serious?! I must have ticked off every single one I've ever met.

I even shake their hand! They're really increasing their population in my area, horse and buggies everywhere!

 

[LeslieDJoyce]

Does it say unrefined, cold pressed and extra virgin? If organic isn't a huge deal to you, it doesn't need to be, but I wouldn't buy it if it is refined or (hot pressed?).

You wouldn't use that much... It takes me 9 months to go through my 54 oz container, and I use it daily.

I buy the stuff at Costco because it is a decent price and convenient. Some people think that anything packaged in plastic is suspect, so if you're worried about that, then look for a brand sold in glass containers.

 

[uglychickens]

Are you freaking serious?! I must have ticked off every single one I've ever met. I even shake their hand! They're really increasing their population in my area, horse and buggies everywhere!

I grew up Mennonite, please no offense is given by this but they will not give you respect as an englisher if you don't follow their rules! And women are beneath men! They are not to have their own minds... The father speaks for the daughter until she marries then her husbands mind is her mind!

 

[Leahs Mom]

Quote: When we do business with the Amish in this area, their wives are often the "businessperson". I know what you're saying, however.

Seriously, I relate to them just like anyone else. And I've been personally invited into their homes for a meal on occasion, and even asked for advice.

ETA: I think it's really important to relate to people as "people"...not just by their labels. In all people groups, there are different personalities, ethics, etc. - even differences among different individuals in the "group".

I like to relate to "individuals" rather than their "groups".... It helps if you think of folks as individuals. That way you can skip all the wondering about how they are thinking and just ask them if something you're doing is offending them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd like to ask a question about the coconut oil, are you feeding it to your flocks too? someone said it was good for dementia and I have an old duck that is showing signs of it so if it can be fed I'd like to try it on her but don't know how much to use? any ideas

 

[uglychickens]

When we do business with the Amish in this area, their wives are often the "businessperson".  I know what you're saying, however. 

Seriously, I relate to them just like anyone else.  And I've been personally invited into their homes for a meal on occasion, and even asked for advice.

ETA:  I think it's really important to relate to people as "people"...not just by their labels.  In all people groups, there are different personalities, ethics, etc. - even differences among different individuals in the "group". 

I like to relate to "individuals" rather than their "groups"....  It helps if you think of folks as individuals.  That way you can skip all the wondering about how they are thinking and just ask them if something you're doing is offending them.

Yes you are entirely correct... In their community it's not uncommon for a male to ask a females advice but the difference is the asking. If you are not trying to offended them then they really don't get offended and they are quite friendly people!
They really are down to earth people and if your looking for advice on how to make or do things I couldn't think of a better group of people to ask!

 

[aoxa]

I'd like to ask a question about the coconut oil, are you feeding it to your flocks too? someone said it was good for dementia and I have an old duck that is showing signs of it so if it can be fed I'd like to try it on her but don't know how much to use? any ideas

I eat it, I don't feed it to them. Too expensive. No harm in trying. Cook it up with eggs if they don't like it in the solid form.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Hi, Miss Lydia!!!! It's good to see you

I have some ideas on the oil but they are just ideas....how I'd probably do it myself.

I remember one of the guys that is a judge and shows his own chickens saying that he would top dress his feed with lard to help with feather/skin health. I've done that ever since he mentioned it (although I haven't been consistent). He suggested just top-dressing the feed and I know that is relative to the amount of feed you are putting out.

I think you could use coconut oil the same way - as a top dressing on the feed or mixed in the feed pan if you feed fermented/wet feed (not in the ferment bucket). That way they could all get some.

I was adding about 1 Tbspn. for about 6 birds on the lard. When I fed dry, I actually melted it and stirred it into the feed in the pan.