The Quack Shack

[Trimurtisan]

Quick question: How many birds did everyone start with and how many do you have now? (chicken and duck math has gotten to me!)
I started with 5 ducks, went to 7, sadly 2 pekins got attacked so down to 5, then I got a mallard, then I got 2 pekins .. I started with 11 chickens and a rooster (I love rooster's) then I got a bucnh more... now having over 25 along with 3 guineas who are just to funny not to have.

I simply started out with 2 Pekin, a bonded m/f pair. a couple of weeks later I found an offer just like the fist, another bonded m/f pair. Then I ordered 15 ducks from Cackel and received 17. Once I got my first set of chickens which are Seramas, things just got a bit crazy. At first I made excuses why ducks where a better choice than chickens, but I met a Serama roo named Rocky and had my mind blown. Then I was making excuses why bantams where better for me than large fowl... Now I just don't have any excuses.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh gosh Chris sorry to hear about your coon problem who did they get? How are the turkeys settling in?

 

[Trimurtisan]

I was up to about 250 birds total

Gotta set my goals higher I guess.
Would you mind explaining to my wife that it's just all part of the equation?

 

[Duck_life]

In 2 years my whole property is gonna be crowded with ducks and chickens! How can know one love them? you get eggs and they get rid of ticks! Which is one of the main reason for getting guinea and chickens, tick problems. In PA Lyme disease is high at rate and I had already got Lyme this summer and I am trying to get rid of those pesky pests!

 

[Miss Lydia]

We even have deer ticks here now so I am very grateful to have the chickens and ducks take care of the pests here. Sorry you got Lyme. I know a few people here that have it too.

 

[Duck_life]

I simply started out with 2 Pekin, a bonded m/f pair. a couple of weeks later I found an offer just like the fist, another bonded m/f pair. Then I ordered 15 ducks from Cackel and received 17. Once I got my first set of chickens which are Seramas, things just got a bit crazy. At first I made excuses why ducks where a better choice than chickens, but I met a Serama roo named Rocky and had my mind blown. Then I was making excuses why bantams where better for me than large fowl... Now I just don't have any excuses.

Lots of lovies you got! Bet they're great to have around!

 

[Duck_life]

We even have deer ticks here now so I am very grateful to have the chickens and ducks take care of the pests here. Sorry you got Lyme. I know a few people here that have it too.

It's fine, the pain was awful and the medicine made me throw up but I got over it and i'm doing much better

 

[Trimurtisan]

Oh yes the feed bill I try not to think of that. But I probably have a drop in the bucket compared to Bob or Chris. How about you tell us about your adventure with poultry.

The feeds I buy are... none are medicated
30% game bird
22 % game bird
16% layer
All flock
Scratch (not a feed, but we go through it semi regularly)
Then there's grit...
I've not bought a calcium supplement yet, but that's because my mom and I save our egg shell, and I have well over 15 pounds of dried/cleaned/crushed shells. My mom eats a lot of eggs.

To be honest, I try to not pay attention to what it costs, but it's more than $100 a month.

 

[Duck_life]

The feeds I buy are... none are medicated
30% game bird
22 % game bird
16% layer
All flock
Scratch (not a feed, but we go through it semi regularly)
Then there's grit...
I've not bought a calcium supplement yet, but that's because my mom and I save our egg shell, and I have well over 15 pounds of dried/cleaned/crushed shells. My mom eats a lot of eggs.

To be honest, I try to not pay attention to what it costs, but it's more than $100 a month.

I pay at least only $50 or less but $100! Gee didn't think most people paid that much for chickens and ducks. I have oyster shells that my family eats (just the inside not the shell lol) and I crush those.. work just as good.

 

[Trimurtisan]

You seem so positive even after everything that has happened to you, I am not positive even after all having amazing friends, I just feel like my life can't be repaired . But you seem so determined it's unbelievable how you are still here sharing your experience.. it's a great thing you're doing sharing this

It's not been easy, and it's still not. Everyday is a new challenge. I struggle, but like most good things in life, it's worth it. One of these days, I'll tell y'all about my 20s. Some of the most influential people in my life are what society would consider scum of the Earth. It's amazing what you can learn by simply lending an ear.