The Old Folks Home

[superchemicalgirl]

Hoping some folks with chicken experience can give some insight here. This particular hen is getting mothier by the day.

Do you happen to have a rooster? I have a few that look like that from being ridden. That's kinda what happens to some of mine before the feathers pull completely out. It won't be fixed until she molts.



Oh, and I'd be remiss in my duties if I didn't share.........

• THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAY HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
• * HAZARD TYPES... HEAVY SNOW IN THE INTERIOR AND MIXED PRECIPITATION ALONG THE COAST.
• * ACCUMULATIONS... 4 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW.

I just can't make this stuff up.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Contrary to popular belief, eggs and BOSS aren't very high in protein.
Eggs, while very nutritious, are about 12% protein.
BOSS the same or lower if they still have the hulls.
Dehulled they'll be about 20+ %. Sunflower meal is around 40% or more.
That's just off the top of my head so those numbers may be off a bit.

 

[ozexpat]

Contrary to popular belief, eggs and BOSS aren't very high in protein.
Eggs, while very nutritious, are about 12% protein.
BOSS the same or lower if they still have the hulls.
Dehulled they'll be about 20+ %. Sunflower meal is around 40% or more.
That's just off the top of my head so those numbers may be off a bit.

good job

eggs were next on my list but i had to disappear

 

[bamadude]

Stick and move Oz

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Holy mackerel! That got snarfed up in a hurry! It appears that two RSL's are the offending birds. I put them in the dog crate for an afternoon time out (and they very much didn't protest because they got some mackerel) and the tenor and tone in the coop instantly became more relaxed: Everyone just strolling around and getting along, lots of loitering in the nestbox (where before they were an easy target). Peepers will be here this next week. I'd hate to have to vote the girls off the island. But, on the other hand, that would mean more room for other chickens... Hmmmm.....

The mackerel is the Pampa brand in a murky brine.... Disgusting!!!! Reminds me of bad bait or feeding the seals chum at Fairyland.

Y'all that eat this have a strong constitution. I can handle herring snacks, but this IMHO is too far down the ladder.

They aren't necessarily aggressive to each other. They're just opportunistic and finding a source of protein.
The one getting eaten won't necessarily move or care. There's a term for it but it's similar to having an itch being scratched. The wound has been opened and as it is opened more. it may even feel good.
I've only had the problem once in my life and now that I recognize it, I won't let it happen again.
I had a flock of pullets and a flock of cockerels that were experiencing it at the same time with the same feed and light regimen.There were about 5 birds that died from cannibalism. It was a particularly cold winter with chicks that weren't getting sufficient light. Worse was the fact that I cut back on protein at about 8 weeks. That's when the cannibalism started. The appearance made me believe it was rats for a while.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

good job

eggs were next on my list but i had to disappear

Never disappear. We have to share the numbers.

I always caution people to take what is written with a grain of salt. Proper management depends on one's climate, needs and what's available in their area. There are so many different management techniques. Clearly there is no right or wrong way to do something - just what works for their situation.

 

[ozexpat]

Never disappear. We have to share the numbers.

I always caution people to take what is written with a grain of salt. Proper management depends on one's climate, needs and what's available in their area. There are so many different management techniques. Clearly there is no right or wrong way to do something - just what works for their situation.

 

[Beer can]

Mmm Good!

 

[Alaskan]

ok peeps...


I have heard that people put chicks on wood chips/shavings....

I have my full grown chickens on them...


Anyway, I have chicks, over a week old, I can't keep them on paper towels anymore... too old, too much poop, some of their feet are looking bad .... I am out of PDZ....

so, I just washed all of their feet again, and then put them on wood chips/shavings. They dang chicks keep pecking at the wood shavings more than I would like.

I have fussed at them, pointed out the feed... etc....

I know that every so often there are chicks that eat the wood shavings and get impacted and die....



Anything that I can do to make sure these idiot chicks don't kill themselves?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

By this time, if you keep the feeders at least half full they should be OK. They will always scratch and pick in the shavings.

Sometimes I put burlap over the shavings for a couple more days after I quit the paper towels.

They should know what feed is so I wouldn't worry about them eating shavings.