The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

I have a question. (And yes, I'm supposed to be gone but I will watch for input...)

I need to do some things to simplify my chicken keeping chores - even looking toward next winter.

I tried the "nipple waterers" a long time ago - 2 different types - and I didn't really like them or the results in addition to it not being a natural way for a chicken to get a drink. However, in light of needing to simplify, I am considering trying them again.

I'd like to hear from anyone that has used them successfully for more than 6 months... and those that used them during the winter with a livestock heater in the bucket. Your experiences, please.

-Do you observe that your birds drink as much with the nipples as they would from a regular waterer?

-I always had water drip problems...not leaking, just releasing too much water when they do drink that kept the litter under them wet. What is your experience with that? In winter I would need to use them inside and did NOT have good experience with that.

-If you used in winter, did they REALLY stay thawed or did you have to keep knocking the ice off of them?

 

[RoKdHen]

Well we culled a very mean little banty cockerel last night. He pulled out a beakful of ORP feathers. And he was really too small to eat. I get it now it's just
part of the process of protecting the whole flock. I'm glad we were able to calmly dispatch him. Whew.

 

[Kassaundra]

Our co-broodies hatch is complete, they have 7 chicks between them

 

[lalaland]

kassaundra, I never thought of a naked turken chicken keeping the chicks warm....no feathers to hide in!
fun to see the moms and chicks

 

[armorfirelady]

Beautiful pics Kausandra. How did you end up with a non NN chicken? For so,e reason I thought that's all you had lol

I have co broodies to, I'm hoping for at least once chic to hatch

 

[Kassaundra]

Beautiful pics Kausandra. How did you end up with a non NN chicken? For so,e reason I thought that's all you had lol

I have co broodies to, I'm hoping for at least once chic to hatch

I started out w/ EE, she is my one sole surviving EE, besides her all NN

 

[subhanalah]

I started out w/ EE, she is my one sole surviving EE, besides her all NN

seems like she's definitely a keeper! Beautiful too.

 

[Kassaundra]

seems like she's definitely a keeper! Beautiful too.

Thanks

 

[Kassaundra]

A few more pics from today





Go ahead touch my chicks, I double dog dare you!


The whole crew

 

[LindaB220]

A few more pics from today





Go ahead touch my chicks, I double dog dare you!


The whole crew

They are so stinking cute. Wanna hug 'em. Not Mama though.

She's ready to bite.