The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[countrygirl74]

Thanks Delisha!
Do you mind if I post some of the information you shared to help this girl out who is having such a bad problem with pasty butt?

 

[delisha]

I found a new poster for reproductive system

 

[delisha]

Thanks Delisha!
Do you mind if I post some of the information you shared to help this girl out who is having such a bad problem with pasty butt?

you are so wonderful to help her..yes..share what you need

 

[Arkansas81]

Just set 24 eggs from the flock today, hope to set another 24 in another day or two. I swear by giving all my birds ff. Ive been giving it to my big birds for months now -they were off of it for a week (I was out of town) they have been back on it for little over a week -back to being laying machines!! My babies and several month old silkies have been on it since I got them -they love it!! They seem so happy /healthy. The older flocks feathers are coming back in nicely...my entire flock is as healthy as a horse

I am greatful to all my wonderful friends here! I truly cherish you all

 

[jlynnet]

This year is my third year with chicks. I've not had any problems with illness, pasty butt, or anything else. This is my first year with ACV and tiny bits of ground meat. I don't do ff because my helpers would find it a pain. This year is also the first time I mail ordered chicks. 30 of them! They are doing great. I don't give a lot of treats unless it's mealworms, otherwise known as chicken crack. I try not to worry too much. As long as they have food, water and dry shelter, they should be fine. I have learned so much on this thread and it's predecessor. Like they're chickens, they don't heat lamps, specialty foods and so much more. Everyday we learn something!

 

[TeriO]

Thankyou so much everyone for your help and advice. I spent most of the day outside. My closest neighbor loaned me their covered outside dog kennel to use as a run. A different neighbor (her dad) had a piece of pressed plywood I could use for a temporary bottom so I was able to turn the coop facing east and away from the prevailing winds.

One of the chickens kept flying into the fence and running up and down it while I was working. When I opened the door to change out/add litter and put a roll out blocking board on the nest box she tried sticking her head through the chain link fence... really a racket!!! Soon as I got the kennel door matched up to the coop door and opened the kennel door so I could open out the coop door she flew right into the coop door screening! As soon as I got it cracked open just a little she forced her way in the coop and went right to the nest boxes! Guess she really wanted to get that egg OUT!!!   That made 3 eggs today. Everybody laid!!!!! 

The other two just stayed out there in the kennel even after I got the door opened all the way!

Had to make a loud roooo type sqeel several times to get them to all go in the coop when I was ready to come in. First two ran for coop, Bossy though froze until I went to other side of the kennel and "squeeled" right at him. Then he ran and jumped in. Had to move back around kennel quick to get door closed. That funny sound I was talking about before hadn't happened all day until after I shut them in. Guess it is a complaint noise.

I don't know much but I do love my chickens. Everything you have done looks beautiful but one question why the heat lamp on 3 year olds? I'd be more worried about a fire. Best of luck to you

 

[TeriO]

I have a quick question. I have an almost year old BO who is now broody for the second time and sat for at least 4 weeks the first time and 2 weeks do far. I would give her eggs as she is earnest but I can't have roos. If I went and got a couple of day old chicks and snuck them in the night your thoughts. Yes no?

 

[moomoodiddy]

terio ur hen will apreciate u! lol she was probably wonderin if something was wrong with her


and all this talk about chick issuses i think it also has to do with first time mamas and worrying too much over heating or over medicating sometimes the best thibg to do is take a chill pill chciks r animals and things will happen... i usually let hens do the job for me it is the easiest most natural annd less stressful way

 

[countrygirl74]

Last 3 babies in the brooder... Pretty soon I will be posting new pics of the few that are almost 6 weeks so you guys can all help me sex them!

 

[kian]

Raw meat:

When the baby chicks were really baby I gave them raw hamburger and they went nuts for it. Today, I gave them (nearly 9 weeks old) and the big girls raw beef liver, cut up. They gobbled it up so quickly that they didn't even have time to "chase" each other, which is their favorite thing to do when they get a treat. They LOVE raw meat.

And I have Delisha to thank for that bit of advice