The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[potagergirl]

sounds like me. I am making mash every day because of the cold. Even though I haven't had a problem with the water freezing in the warming bowls I have been checking in 3 times a day just to make sure. Hubby wonders why I even have them lol.

 

[chicalot]

My heated waterers froze today too. I hope they're working tomorrow. My poor oddball silkie roo was roosting outside the coop. Poor guy doesn't have a snuggle buddy . I give him some snuggles when im out there, lol. More winter storm this weekend with freezing rain. UPS isn't delivering due to snow conditions. I have chics due soon and no extra heat plate because they're on the truck for delivery. Did I mention how ready I am for spring.

 

[Lacy Blues]

My heated waterers froze today too. I hope they're working tomorrow. My poor oddball silkie roo was roosting outside the coop. Poor guy doesn't have a snuggle buddy

. I give him some snuggles when im out there, lol. More winter storm this weekend with freezing rain. UPS isn't delivering due to snow conditions. I have chics due soon and no extra heat plate because they're on the truck for delivery. Did I mention how ready I am for spring.

If you have a heating pad that doesn't turn off automatically after two hours, you can make a tent of sorts for chicks to get under. Look on youtube for heating pad brooder. You'll want to put some kind of support underneath it so it doesn't collapse down on them. They'll get on top of it as well as underneath it.

 

[Turkeytruff]

My heated waterers froze today too. I hope they're working tomorrow. My poor oddball silkie roo was roosting outside the coop. Poor guy doesn't have a snuggle buddy

. I give him some snuggles when im out there, lol. More winter storm this weekend with freezing rain. UPS isn't delivering due to snow conditions. I have chics due soon and no extra heat plate because they're on the truck for delivery. Did I mention how ready I am for spring.

If you have a heating pad that doesn't turn off automatically after two hours, you can make a tent of sorts for chicks to get under. Look on youtube for heating pad brooder. You'll want to put some kind of support underneath it so it doesn't collapse down on them. They'll get on top of it as well as underneath it.

yes use some fairly sturdy metal chicken wire to surround the pad and extend on both sides to make 'legs' for it. I cover it all in a pillowcase and then a waterproof cover - they end up lying on top of it by the end of the week! Good luck!

 

[lalaland]

and don't forget the feather duster brooder or the one made with strips of polar fleece making a sort of giant mop head for the chicks = they will snuggle in the feathers/strips of polar fleece. theres a pic on this thread somewhere of it....

 

[chicalot]

Oh yes. Thanks for reminding me of the heating pad and the fleece. I'll put those on my list when hubby goes out today. He's also preparing propane heat in case our electric goes out with the ice. Fleece will be a must.

 

[chicalot]

Cows had a bad night last night and my cow died. We also lost a calf. Don't know if coyotes took it dead or caused it. We also have one calving now. Hubs is trying to catch the orphan calf but that'll take 2 tons of luck. Apparently my cow fell over a log. When it snows it pours! We're getting a Jenny in the spring. I hope she hates coyotes. Send good vibes.

 

[CherMoz]

Sending good vibes (and hugs) your way!

 

[chicalot]

By last report, the baby is in the barn and the birth went well. They're gone for milk replacer. Calf is 5 days old. Said my cow apparently laid down on a log and got her back going downhill and couldn't get back up.

 

[Leahs Mom]

sigh. So sad. Glad baby is in.