The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

Ok guys...I'm taking the plunge, i need an incubator. We're going to be be getting rid of the Cochins this summer and switching to Cream Legbars, since they do everything we're looking for. So, suggest a good incubator for beginners, with a turner, under two hundred for sure hopefully under one fifty. And from what ive read in the Colorado forum still air is no good here...whatever that means. Thanks!

Okay....I have no experience with incubators - know that up front.

However...I asked one of the guys that DOES have experience that I believe is a good, trustworthy person to ask because I was considering purchasing one a couple months ago. I wanted something affordable that was circulating air. Here is what he recommended. I'll quote him here:

"The Brinsea eco 20 is a GREAT incubator.

The Hovabator I'd recommend is the 1588 with the clear top, and I'd add a turner unit. That'd bring the best price, through big time searching, to around $200. That will handle 48 eggs, which I rarely have. The 20-24 egg capacity of the Brinsea 20 works well for me."

One of these is what I'd likely purchase for myself. They've both had good recommendations from several guys whose opinions I respect.

 

[SandBsmom]

HI all, Just an update on my little bantam with the impacted crop. I did the oil and molasses thing, at least I tried. I did get some in. I took her for a little walk before it got dark thinking that would get things moving (I'm a horse person and that's what you do for horses.) She had a mostly water poop and really just wanted to go back to her little cage to sleep. I have an appointment for her at the Avian vet tomorrow (Don't laugh! She's our pet!) so I'll see what can be done. I read that they may be able to suck the contents out but perhaps it's gone too far. If it has I will have the vet put her down. God this sucks!!!!!!!!!! I hate having my sweet little animals get sick!

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll be back for some more suggestions from you all on how to be sure this won't happen again!

 

[Pullet Surprise]

HI all, Just an update on my little bantam with the impacted crop. I did the oil and molasses thing, at least I tried. I did get some in. I took her for a little walk before it got dark thinking that would get things moving (I'm a horse person and that's what you do for horses.) She had a mostly water poop and really just wanted to go back to her little cage to sleep. I have an appointment for her at the Avian vet tomorrow (Don't laugh! She's our pet!) so I'll see what can be done. I read that they may be able to suck the contents out but perhaps it's gone too far. If it has I will have the vet put her down. God this sucks!!!!!!!!!! I hate having my sweet little animals get sick!

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll be back for some more suggestions from you all on how to be sure this won't happen again!

I am so sorry and I hope that things will go well at the vets. Which ever way it goes, hugs to you.

 

[delisha]

Ok.
Do not give ACV with sour crop
Are you feeding FF?
If you are sour crop does not sound right

Offer yogurt and scrambled egg only till you answer some question
No mollases..that is sugar based

 

[delisha]

Have you emptied her crop? looked inside?

 

[delisha]

Place her in your lap head hanging down and massage her crop for a few seconds and try to empty it..

IF you have opend her beak and looked inside..
Do not so any of this stuff unless you open her beak and look

 

[atmaclean]

Okay....I have no experience with incubators - know that up front.

However...I asked one of the guys that DOES have experience that I believe is a good, trustworthy person to ask because I was considering purchasing one a couple months ago. I wanted something affordable that was circulating air. Here is what he recommended. I'll quote him here:

"The Brinsea eco 20 is a GREAT incubator.

The Hovabator I'd recommend is the 1588 with the clear top, and I'd add a turner unit. That'd bring the best price, through big time searching, to around $200. That will handle 48 eggs, which I rarely have. The 20-24 egg capacity of the Brinsea 20 works well for me."

One of these is what I'd likely purchase for myself. They've both had good recommendations from several guys whose opinions I respect.

I currently have some Isbar eggs in a brand new Brinsea Eco mini. It holds 6 eggs. Today is hatch day and I have one that has pipped. This incubator is the easiest thing I have ever used. It turns them, keeps the temp correct and will even quit turning on the 18th day. All I do is add water. I have also used the LG with an auto turner just fine. I've used it for about 4 years and have had really good success with it.

Angela

 

[Pullet Surprise]

Question along this line: if it's not good to give ACV with sour crop....would not FF be a "not so good" thing too? As it is fermented in ACV..?

 

[delisha]

Question along this line: if it's not good to give ACV with sour crop....would not FF be a "not so good" thing too? As it is fermented in ACV..?

I find it hard to believe that a bird on FF would get sour crop..that is why i am asking questions..
Impacted or sour crop should smell
Giving things like sugar or acitic items when you don't know is not good advise

Vinagar will complicate sour crop as will sugar

 

[delisha]

With impacted or sour crop you have to empty the crop..