The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[bbdal]

Hi everyone! Our hens are laying (they are 7 months old) and seem fine but their combs are all laying over droopy. The combs are red and they free range but know where their water is. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Kassaundra]

I know kefir has many health benefits along w/ other "live" foods, but do not think eating any amount of kefir is going to cure a fungal infection in the lungs for chickens or humans.

 

[annewandering]

I know kefir has many health benefits along w/ other "live" foods, but do not think eating any amount of kefir is going to cure a fungal infection in the lungs for chickens or humans.

If it is ok for chickens it might be good to feed to ones not sick in a pen with sick chickens. If it does cure then that would be wonderful

 

[MumsyII]

I dont know what oxine is but I know fungus likes moist warm places.

This is what I found in a google search for treating fungus disease in poultry using Oxine.

"Oxine is a stablized 2% chlorine dioxide disinfectant. It bio degrades into common table salt. It will kill any bacteria, fungus, or virus it comes in contact with if it makes a direct hit. The standard treatment is to dilute 6.5 ounces of Oxine in 1 gallon of water. (This provides 1000 ppm of active disinfectant.) Apply using fogging or nebulizing equipment every other day for a week - OR - up to 3 times per day for very severe cases"

 

[FridayYet]

Hi everyone! Our hens are laying (they are 7 months old) and seem fine but their combs are all laying over droopy. The combs are red and they free range but know where their water is. Any advice? Thanks!

What kind of chickens are they? It might be normal for the breed.

 

[bbdal]

What kind of chickens are they? It might be normal for the breed.

RIR and two mixed birds that were supposed to be RIR

 

[armorfirelady]

Aoxa those meat birds look wonderful. So different from the ones I saw with red vents and so heavy they couldn't walk. At the auction today they were auctioning the biggest meat birds for over $150 ........I couldn't believe. They weighed 24 pounds.....giant birds but still that's a lot for chicken.

 

[aoxa]

They look beautiful...nice strong birds. You will not have problems with crippled feet at all. I bet they are good bug catchers. Almost ready for butchering. Take the largest male and make beer can chicken on the grill....it is sooooo yummy with young birds.
Sorr to hear of your loss

Do the necropsy..every time you do it you learn about your chickens. Looking inside a chicken lets you learn about things that all the reading in the world can't teach you. Every one you do will let you know when you run across something that is not right. Take pictures and we can help you. Use some of the pictures in this thread or on line to walk you threw it. You will never regret learning about your chickens and the health of them.
good luck..I sure hope it works.
that is cute to the max
woo hoo more silkies..I am so jealous

When do you think we should start? I figured we could wait a couple more weeks. Some of the girls look to need at least 4 more weeks. There are a couple boys that are definitely 6 pounds or more when I pick them up. They are extremely heavy. No leg problems. When their crops are full they walk funny, but otherwise walk fine.

So kefir is ok for chickens? Anbd what is kefir?

Kefir is a live bacteria that looks like cottage cheese. It's like a grain.. Is it a grain? I'm not sure.. But it looks like lumpy cottage cheese and grows. You put it in milk and leave on the counter for 24-48 hours. Depending on how thick you want it, and how sour. The longer it sits, the more thick and sour it is.

You can google it for more info. There are water kefir grains as well. I like the milk kefir for smoothies.

Aoxa those meat birds look wonderful. So different from the ones I saw with red vents and so heavy they couldn't walk. At the auction today they were auctioning the biggest meat birds for over $150 ........I couldn't believe. They weighed 24 pounds.....giant birds but still that's a lot for chicken.

Thanks Yeah it's sad to see them like that.. 24 pounds?!

 

[aoxa]

You guys remember the mean rooster I had named Randy? he attacks strangers...? We were going to process him with the meaties, but had a guy come for a visit to buy a RIR rooster. He said, if you want to sell that grey and white one I'll take him. I said, he's mean as heck, are you sure? So anyway.. Randy received a stay of execution. He had no meat on him at all. I can't believe that guy took a mutt rooster..

I was clear on his attitude.

 

[lalaland]

thats great that guy took the rooster.

checked out a little chicken/puppy/kitten/goat/rabbit/duckling swap today. Lots and lots of roosters and as far as I could see, no takers. Saw some beautiful ones, though. Since I can't identify the breeds, although they are most likely "rare" or "heritage" breeds, I'm thinking not alot of alternative to the soup pot.

Still looking for a way to secure trash can lids that is coon proof!