The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Sally8]

Thanks for all the responses. Even though I'm not interested in showing or breeding, I still get curious over things. I've always been for the underdog, whether it's a dog or person. I'm learning that it's not acceptable in the chicken world. I believe it's Mumsy that as her signature it says something about If you are going to have chickens, why not upgrade. I just didn't know if you upgrade starting with what you have or buy the upgrade. You certainly wouldn't buy a nag if you were going for a race horse.
I like the feather duster idea and mentioning stuffed animals, I had thought about using the boo boo corn bag and heating that every so often. The chicks available in the next town are Wyandottes. Now I have to research those. (I don't think I got enough mind stimulation today)

 

[Melabella]

That's what I was afraid of... so my entire order of hens might turn out to be 5 roos and 4 hens, not to mention ending up with 2 silkie roos and only 1 silkie hen. That's is very poor sexing...

Sorry countrygirl74,

I would be frustrated too, that is either a sexing person's worst day at work, or someone's sick idea of a joke. I ordere 10 females from Meyer and did get one roo, but then they advertise only a 90% success rate at sexing, so I guess that's what I got. Sorry!

MB

 

[Melabella]

Life is crazy. Mom made it through surgery, (unexpected) In a week we should know what type of cancer we are dealing with. Makes me want to pass out hugs. Sue

I have been through this with my mother Sue, hugs to you and praying for your mother to kick cancer's _ss. Deep breaths, smile all you can at her, and know we are all thinking about you,
MB

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

In case I have to cull out my aggressive hen that is in isolation(last chance at changing her attitude and put her lower in the order), how long should I not feed her before doing the deed?

 

[Ashdoes]

I think this thread is good because we have some where to ask our questions, when we want a natural approach. I don't think there is any way every post can be an information packet, thats a blog not a thread.

I hope this thread continues as is.

I've also been wondering what do do with all the litter. Once you've filled flower beds and all the other things, the poo never stops. I've got a compost tumbler, a compost pile and the litter under the coop. Eventually I need to find something to do with it all. I guess it's good we have just one tree, I've got plenty of compost for all the trees I want to plant.

How many birds do you have?

If you feel you have too much, bag it and share it, either through sales or gifts. That stuff is gold in a bag!

I actually only have 12 LF and two silkies, so obviously, way less poo to deal with then some of you. But I think maybe this being my first year, it's a little over whelming till I figure it out. My MIL wants some, and my SIL just said she'd love some. So that helps.

 

[Mumsy]

Thanks for all the responses. Even though I'm not interested in showing or breeding, I still get curious over things. I've always been for the underdog, whether it's a dog or person. I'm learning that it's not acceptable in the chicken world. I believe it's Mumsy that as her signature it says something about If you are going to have chickens, why not upgrade. I just didn't know if you upgrade starting with what you have or buy the upgrade. You certainly wouldn't buy a nag if you were going for a race horse.
I like the feather duster idea and mentioning stuffed animals, I had thought about using the boo boo corn bag and heating that every so often. The chicks available in the next town are Wyandottes. Now I have to research those. (I don't think I got enough mind stimulation today)

We are a lot alike Sally. I'm not interested in having a livestock guard dog but I'm curious about how that works for other people here and enjoy the pictures and stories.
My tag line about upgrading isn't necessarily about going from grade quality to pedigree. I mean it as an encouragement for myself and people that may start out with unthrifty animals and breed up to healthier with better vitality. It is a philosophy not a mandate or a creed. I've raised and bred countless animals in my life time. I loved most of them that were in my care for any amount of time. I can still name every calf, cat, dog, horse, pig, and chicken I ever owned and kept.
When raising chickens we all find out real quick we will have a surplus of roosters. It's easier to sell, trade, or give away a beautiful pure bred rooster than a grade. Same with horses. I could sell a purebred arabian filly for a lot more $ than a mixed blood grade pony. It dosen't mean I love or care for the grade pony or mutt chickens any less than the other. I want to raise the best I can these days using the limited funds available to do it properly.

Johnny is the most loved chicken I've owned in decades. He is a rescued hatchery production cast off. The upgrade with him was to purchase mixed breed pullets from a breeders project pen. Those eggs in my bator right now will be first generation Johnny. Not worth a lot of $ but still an upgrade for him.

Chickens are fun to raise. Whatever they are on paper. Let yours continue to make you happy. That's what it's about.

 

[Sally8]

We are a lot alike Sally. I'm not interested in having a livestock guard dog but I'm curious about how that works for other people here and enjoy the pictures and stories.
My tag line about upgrading isn't necessarily about going from grade quality to pedigree. I mean it as an encouragement for myself and people that may start out with unthrifty animals and breed up to healthier with better vitality. It is a philosophy not a mandate or a creed. I've raised and bred countless animals in my life time. I loved most of them that were in my care for any amount of time. I can still name every calf, cat, dog, horse, pig, and chicken I ever owned and kept.
When raising chickens we all find out real quick we will have a surplus of roosters. It's easier to sell, trade, or give away a beautiful pure bred rooster than a grade. Same with horses. I could sell a purebred arabian filly for a lot more $ than a mixed blood grade pony. It dosen't mean I love or care for the grade pony or mutt chickens any less than the other. I want to raise the best I can these days using the limited funds available to do it properly.

Johnny is the most loved chicken I've owned in decades. He is a rescued hatchery production cast off. The upgrade with him was to purchase mixed breed pullets from a breeders project pen. Those eggs in my bator right now will be first generation Johnny. Not worth a lot of $ but still an upgrade for him.

Chickens are fun to raise. Whatever they are on paper. Let yours continue to make you happy. That's what it's about.

Thank you. You answered exactly what I was trying to ask.

 

[Elliemae 77]

Sally8 Hugs from Michigan....So glad your mom made it through surgery. My mom has cancer and its a tough road. You and your family will be in my prayers

 

[Leahs Mom]

I just saw these for the first time and was wondering if anyone has used them or knows anyone that has as a brooder heater? (Of course, I mean for in the hen house - not for an in the basement set-up)

http://sweeterheater.com/page4.asp

http://sweeterheater.com/bizweb.asp

It looks to me like it may have the same problems as a ceramic heat emitter not putting out enough heat to use when it's cold out but I thought I'd ask.

 

[aoxa]

Hey all...

This is for those of you interested in seeing the photos of the order from Ideal that I am finding out I have a LOT of roos in, when I expected LOTS of hens! Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Also, I posted some questions about which ones I should cull and how old they should be... appreciate any feedback.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/31227/arizona-chickens/33990

Post #33997

The bottom Astralorp is a roo..looks like two male silkies maybe one more
the rest look like hens..

I say you are spot on with all your guesses, other than the Australorp who is definitely a boy.