The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[aoxa]

I had a bit of oddness in the barn this morning. One of my Cochin boys decided he wanted one of the Cochin girls that isn't laying yet. So, he hopped on...I thought, cool I guess she'll be giving me eggs soon. Out of nowhere one of my RSLs and one of the Wyandottes, who both lay eggs, ran over and beat the crap outta Smoke, till he got off Boots. They ripped on his comb, and pulled out head feathers. Isn't that weird? Why would they do that?

I don't know why they do that, but I've seen it done many times. We always joke that the girls are jealous.

 

[delisha]

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I have seen it a couple of times. To be honest I really don't pay any attention to it. Sometimes after mine are done beating up on the cockerel they go after the pullet. They are funny lil things. I just have chalked it up to chicken business.



Now on to Cochins and free ranging and what you are looking for in a flock.
Cochins are so pretty. To be honest, with what I have read, they do enjoy free ranging. My neighbors were always in my fields with my flock. I am sorry yours are hanging out in the coop. They are not what some might call a typical free ranging chicken, but, only you know what you want your flock to be like. It is important to find what works for YOU. Finding the right breed is very important. It will make it more enjoyable.

I still do not know how to put several little boxes in the same one. i did it once on an accident.

 

[Mumsy]

Thanks for sharing that!!!! I'm in "preparing for rooster school" here as I don't have one but thanks to y'all I'm learning for the future!!!!

Glad you found one! How will you be using it...please let us know and also if it keeps working for you okay!

It is not common for the temp to drop below freezing in the area I live. But it does happen. We can have low to mid 20's for a few weeks at a time. Usually January and February. My property is also in a low spot. So it's like a micro climate. Can be cold longer than even across the street up the hill.
I put the Thermo cube in the barn. I have a lamp for warmth plugged into it that will go on in the Silkie breeding pen and I plan on plugging some sort of heat tape or other to the Dog water-er I have elevated for Johnny and his big girls. We couldn't find heat tape in short lenghts today. Everything six feet or more. My husband does not want me to use this kind of heat tape. As an electrician he has seen them as the cause of many home owner fires. If they kink or wires cross they can dangerously over heat. One of my daughters raises Bearded Dragons and might have something I can use with the water-er. I will keep you posted.

 

[delisha]

Hello Terrio O

Did you get enough sleep? I don't think I could work all them hours you do, and than take care of all of your poultry. You must have tons of energy. Your food pictures always make me so jealous!

 

[Mumsy]

Oh! Before I forget. A zillion pages ago we were talking about the 'mother' in the homemade UN-ACV. I bought one quart of Braggs a few months ago and split it between two gallons of cheapo ACV. That worked great. Then I used a coupon and bought equally cheapo apple cider juice like for $1. I split that quart in half pouring equal amounts in to the two gallons. With the half a quart of apple cider juice I poured a couple cups of the first batch of Un-ACV I started. Within a month the cheapo apple cider juice has two blobs of 'mother' growing! It smells great and I will now use this to keep making further batches. Was that convoluted? Hah! sorry but long story short. It's really easy to make your own once you start.

Cheap apple cider juice fermented into ACV with Mother. There are two suspended blobs floating in the liquid.

 

[Judy]

I still do not know how to put several little boxes in the same one. i did it once on an accident.

Just click "multi quote" instead of "quote," on as many posts as you want. When you are done, click "reply" or click the single "quote" and they should all appear in your reply box. Actually, you should be able to see these instructions if you hover over "multi quote." That may not work for everyone, though.

 

[delisha]

I know I know!! I said I was not going to post any more pictures. I am such a liar!

 

[delisha]

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Thank you so much

 

[Leahs Mom]

I know I know!! I said I was not going to post any more pictures. I am such a liar!

And it's not even Easter! Chicks are so cute. You'd think you would get used to it but every time I see them I'm all "mushy" all over again!

Can't wait to see those heritage RIRs growing compared to the hatchery kids. That will be an education for us all...I hope you plan to keep posting photos of them as they grow!

 

[delisha]

I am so excited about them I don't think I could stop myself. I really plan on taking them to the show In October, so my excitement level is a bit higher than it should be.