The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[aoxa]

I have 2 d'uccles originally and love them so much. We got 4 mille fleur d'uccle chicks and 4 polish/phoenix chicks. I havent had a problem with any of my bantams in the cold. Sometimes my duccle hen will take an hour nap in the coop when it is cold and windy but just cold seems to be no problem. It was the heat over the summer that had me worried. What do you mean unthrifty? By the need to heat the barn? That is too bad they are really such a delightful bird. I agree about a heated barn, I sure miss sitting in a lawn chair watching their antics,, oh spring hurry up!!

Well the first one I had was when I first started. She was affected really easily by cold temperatures, and was not a great free ranger, and she stayed to herself. She was so friendly to people though. I don't know why I keep calling it a girl, as I think it was a young cockerel. Anyway. She died a almost 2 months after we got her.

 

[Kacey's Krazee's]

Anyone have any natural cold remedies? I've got a fever and my throat is sore. Come on. Help me out

Don't make me eat garlic raw or anything though. All I need is a stomach ache to add to the symptoms

We built a big pen today for the turkeys! Will be taking pictures tomorrow to share. I can split the sheep's area in two easily for breeding season and will house a small group of birds in either side for pure matings. By the time the snow is gone, breeding season will be almost over - so they wouldn't be any more contained then they want anyway.

Aoxa, I read somewhere recently about raw onions. Peel and cut it up, like in 1/4's and put in a jar next to your bed. When you wake up, the onion should be black, and mushy, and you should be feeling better. Never tried it, but the article was touting home remedies, and advising why it wasn't a good idea to leave a cut onion sitting around.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Well the first one I had was when I first started. She was affected really easily by cold temperatures, and was not a great free ranger, and she stayed to herself. She was so friendly to people though. I don't know why I keep calling it a girl, as I think it was a young cockerel. Anyway. She died a almost 2 months after we got her.

Aw I'm sorry. Maybe he/she was sick to begin with? I have heard of them dieing due to heat but not cold. Mine run with the bantam crowd but al together and occassionally with a few of the LF but never alone. Mine are also super friendly. I want the other colors of d'uccle also and maybe soon be able to breed them.

 

[Kacey's Krazee's]

We made a huge score today. Just have to figure out how to get it home. We were given an enclosed chicken coop, 16'x 8'. It is totally enclosed on one side, the other 3 sides are covered in hardware cloth, and have exterior plywood doors that drop down and latch over the hardward cloth. It is raised on legs, about 2 ft or so, and has a solid wood floor. It was used 1 time, for a young girl to raise chickens for 4-H. It still has the feeders, waterers, 2 ceramic heat lamps, with the white bulbs, and electrical wiring! For FREE ! I can't hardly stand myself, I am so excited! Now I won't sleep forEVER trying to figure how to get it here, and what needs to be done to modify it....

 

[mlowen]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bulldogma

Nope - not yet, but now I have 2 Silkies!

Hey everyone, the New Blog is Up!

as usual, great info for us ! thanks for keeping this going.

 

[Bulldogma]

BDM, is your daughter bonding with them yet? Watching cartoons until they can't stand it anymore?

Aoxa - yeah, she loves them to bits, and these birds are so much more tolerant of all her attention. Both birds need baths - was going to do it today but then the power went out for a good part of the day due to the crazy wind we've been having. Probably try to do it tomorrow!

Thanks for that tip! Will get some or see if my in laws may already have some upstairs! I had to start an extra large fire because I'm FREEZING. So cold in this house right now..

Hope you feel better soon!

Aoxa, I read somewhere recently about raw onions. Peel and cut it up, like in 1/4's and put in a jar next to your bed. When you wake up, the onion should be black, and mushy, and you should be feeling better. Never tried it, but the article was touting home remedies, and advising why it wasn't a good idea to leave a cut onion sitting around.

Unfortunately the onion thing is an urban legend. Read Snopes Here.

We made a huge score today. Just have to figure out how to get it home. We were given an enclosed chicken coop, 16'x 8'. It is totally enclosed on one side, the other 3 sides are covered in hardware cloth, and have exterior plywood doors that drop down and latch over the hardward cloth. It is raised on legs, about 2 ft or so, and has a solid wood floor. It was used 1 time, for a young girl to raise chickens for 4-H. It still has the feeders, waterers, 2 ceramic heat lamps, with the white bulbs, and electrical wiring! For FREE ! I can't hardly stand myself, I am so excited! Now I won't sleep forEVER trying to figure how to get it here, and what needs to be done to modify it....

I'm insanely jealous! What a great find - congrats!!

as usual, great info for us ! thanks for keeping this going.

It really IS my pleasure!

Thank you for reading!

 

[jlynnet]

I couldn't imagine raw onions in my room! I might cry all night.

 

[Rachel'sFlock]

Anyone have any natural cold remedies? I've got a fever and my throat is sore. Come on. Help me out

Basil tea will bring down a fever, as will white willow bark, if you don't like to take aspirin.
For sore throats and coughs, always unpasteurized honey, fresh lemon juice and ginger slices (or dried) in super hot water. If you have rum, bourbon, whiskey or another fave high octane spirit, add a splash after the hot water is poured. Drink it while it is as hot as you can stand. Been pouring it down my husband for a week, around here.

 

[Kacey's Krazee's]

Unfortunately the onion thing is an urban legend. Read Snopes Here

I am soo gullible !! Sorry, I am sure glad I now know.... I won't waste any onions either! It sure sounded so ... I don't know, possible I guess. Anyway.... apologies!




edited for spelling

 

[armorfirelady]

Quote: I originally tried plastic golf balls in there but they just knocked them out and played with them in the run. Chicken soccer?? But it seems the piece of wood was enough for her to nest down and lay me an egg.....but the 2nd hen didn't lay today ....2 days off in a row for her......hopefully tomorrow she lays again