The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[ramblinH]

I am a newbie since I have only had my hens since August but I have learned on some old forums from people on this one that all hens have worms. But a natural worm preventive that some others & I use are pumpkin-cucumber-zucchini-squash seeds & cayenne pepper flakes. The veggies they get all winter and as they grow from the garden. The cayenne pepper flakes I add once a month or so to their FF.  I can say that I have never seen an overload of worms in my hens poop ever.  I believe prevention is better than treating a problem.

How old do they need to be before adding the pepper flakes & do you just sprinkle on top of their food or mix it in?

Definitely adding the above to my chicken's dietary repertoire!

 

[zinia8]

[COLOR=FF0000]NECROPSY PICS _ COVER YOUR EYES!!!![/COLOR] To start with, this was my first attempt - haven't butchered a chicken before, and haven't even cut one up for cooking. after I cut away the fat layer: below is a fat-encased gizzard Because she was first just passing watery clear liquid with a little white urate, I was worried she had a blocked gizzard. After some oil, she passed small green poops - pencil thickness. then wouldn't eat but would drink lots of water then lethargic, then death. Her gizzard was solid packed with very tough bristly fiber. Does that mean it was blocked? I picked at it before the pic below. no more pics but nothing obvious to me was wrong with heart, liver, etc. cats found a way to escape and interfered with necropsy plus I was at my limit, ....will do better next time. yuck.

Thanks for the pictures. Now I really wish I would have opened up my hen. Mine acted the same as yours.

 

[ramblinH]

The one I have is plastic. That one you have looks like its metal? Metal would sadly react with the acv so shouldnt be used with FF if it is. I made that mistake with my first feeder when I got my silkies but thankfully aoxa was there to let me know.

Good to know! I had originally thought I'd use it for their grit or crushed eggshells. Although, I started my ferment using KNF LABs - I'm wondering though since they are a lactic acid if it would still have a similar reaction?

 

[aoxa]

LM: LOVE the trailer. Definitely go for it!

Lala: I am so proud of you for doing the necropsy. My first guess is reproductive issue based on her symptoms. If you had of got to the ovaries, I think you would have had a better idea.. Other than the massive amount of fat, I am just going on gut feeling that it had to do with laying.

 

[zinia8]

Okay...take a look at the photos of the travel trailer...I haven't seen it in person, only these photos. Give me some ideas on how to make it look good on the outside... And - it's very long-34'! May not be too easy to maneuver around! I was thinking I could use one part of it for the meat goats or sheep...they'd only be around for 6-7 mos. and only need shelter from weather. They guy was beginning to gut it as he was going to use it as a "toy hauler".

I have a 30 travel trailer that my DBF got for $200.00 that he is planning on turning into a toy hauler. I want it as a coop. But he won't give it up. No matter how much pleading and telling him what I could do with it.

 

[aoxa]

Some update videos of my silkies and my RIR and Chanteclerc chicks

So cute!! Also, love them silkies. So sweet. Can you handle them easily? My little one hatched the same day is very skittish!

Lol I know. I have posted in large threads like this before and been ignored. I just wanted someones attention first.

I HATE the idea of using chemicals on my birds, but would like to worm them. I have looked and looked, but everything on natural worming is so controversial. I have heard of the cayenne pepper and black walnut shells. So, to the point, has anyone heard of/used a natural substance that will effectively worm my birds?

I would ask yourself the questions Kass asked.

Have you determined 1) that your chickens have internal parasites, 2) that the parasite load they carry is harmful, 3) which parasites they have?

Unless they have parasites, I would not even consider worming them. Pumpkin seeds are a good preventative measure, as is lots of ground to roam on.

Verm-X is an all natural worming remedy, though I haven't tried it myself. Someone here was trying it. I can't remember who though!

Here's one of my BOs with a piece of shredded paper (their bedding) stuck to his wing...



Every once in awhile I'll catch another chick pulling on it...

You want a plastic feeder

Also, your chick there is a barred rock not a BO. This is one type of bedding I haven't tried. Did you shred the paper yourself?

 

[armorfirelady]

Quote: Here is a copy of the post from Mumsy......I thought it was her that started feeding her chics young
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...eeping-thread-ots-welcome/10980#post_10857842

She is one of the great OTs on here that I have learned from.

 

[Melabella]

My fantasy pasture setup!

 

[camilleathome]

So cute!! Also, love them silkies. So sweet. Can you handle them easily? My little one hatched the same day is very skittish!

The white silkie is better at it than the calico he is a bit more skittish but we can handle them fine.

 

[Bulldogma]

My fantasy pasture setup!

How cool is that??? Wowza!