The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[SallyinIndiana]

Quote:
Do you think I should make sure she does not try to shove any into the water if she hatches some chicks?

 

[subhanalah]

Do you think I should make sure she does not try to shove any into the water if she hatches some chicks?

I would be aware of the possibility and not allow her access to water if the chicks can follow. Maybe make a fence so she can hop over but the chicks can't go through.

 

[Leahs Mom]

I may be mistaken, but I think what I remember reading was having hens hatch ducklings and then being freaked out when they went into the water.

I don't remember reading about doing it the other way around. Maybe @HollyDuckFarmer has some experience?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I have zero chicken experience, @miss lydia's your gal!

From what I understand, yes, you'd want to keep the newly hatched chicks away from the water. Mom will want to get in. I think the big issue comes into play during the incubation time(s)... But since chickens will hatch at 21 days rather than 28 days, there should be no issue there. Mom might want to swim prior to her lockdown tho... Not sure how humidity will affect chicken eggs. As long as the eggs hatch, my bet is the broody duck will adopt them and they will be "hers".

 

[armorfirelady]

I may be mistaken, but I think what I remember reading was having hens hatch ducklings and then being freaked out when they went into the water.

I don't remember reading about doing it the other way around. Maybe @HollyDuckFarmer has some experience?

I might of had it backwards.

 

[flyladyrocks]

Sorry to interrupt, but who was it I was chatting with about Squash Vine Borer Control back in Late Winter? I am devastated, I just saw the red mom and now I notice she has already laid eggs on my vines

I pick off those I can, but what do y'all think about taking the mash (leftover leaves & oil) from a Plantain + Olive Oil infusion and wrapping that around the stems? Might it smother the eggs before or during the hatch, plus prevent mom from getting back on the vine to lay again?

BTW, A HUGE Thank You for the Plantain links/discussion awhile back, that is one incredible weed!

 

[flyladyrocks]

thanks! I was searching under "cracked beak" and didn't find any of the ones you cited, and they turned out to be much more helpful. I don't have superglue, but I can go into town later today and get some. Not sure though that I want to seal it in case there is an underlying infection that is seeping out- it is that faint rotting smell that worries me.
still thinking....

 

[flyladyrocks]

I'm trying to catch up on this thread, it is packed with so much great info for someone like me who is trying to start from scratch in starting a natural farm.

I just found out that my Turkeys have blackhead and I'm now down to 3 from 12. I'm working on getting it under control and want to prevent it naturally in the future if possible. I've heard about some cayenne in the feed helps as a prevention, are there other steps I can take?

 

[flyladyrocks]

I'm trying to catch up on this thread, it is packed with so much great info for someone like me who is trying to start from scratch in starting a natural farm.

I just found out that my Turkeys have blackhead and I'm now down to 3 from 12. I'm working on getting it under control and want to prevent it naturally in the future if possible. I've heard about some cayenne in the feed helps as a prevention, are there other steps I can take?

 

[SallyinIndiana]

I'm trying to catch up on this thread, it is packed with so much great info for someone like me who is trying to start from scratch in starting a natural farm.

I just found out that my Turkeys have blackhead and I'm now down to 3 from 12. I'm working on getting it under control and want to prevent it naturally in the future if possible. I've heard about some cayenne in the feed helps as a prevention, are there other steps I can take?

I have found that some of the topics get discussed multiple times on the thread. So it is fine to ask questions if the search feather does not work perfectly for you. Things like the ACV in the water, fermenting the grains, bug prevention without chemicals, broody hens, types of bedding, when to free range, the best dogs, and such come up quite a bit. I have found that my opinion on most of the matters changes with the seasons. Here is a brief outline of my thoughts on some of the popular topics in this thread.
We no longer ferment but it was good while it lasted. I just don't have the planning time to put into it.
I will let my hens go broody up to a point I don't want chicks in the winter or even late fall so broody breaking for me is a mixed feelings kind of thing.
I like the free pine tree trimmings I get for bedding but many others like sand or a different scoopable litter. We do deep litter other change / clean the litter almost weekly. Straw can harbor bugs given it is hallow but it can provide warmth as it breaks down. Lots to think about in the bedding area.
We tend to use all flock food but others really like the cheaper layer food. Another great topic to learn about.
We can't have a dog but a large guard dog helps prevent losses to free ranging chickens.