The road less traveled...back to good health! They have lice, mites, scale mites, worms, anemia, gl

[memechick]

armorfirelady - I got my pumpkin seeds from the supermarket ........ in the healthfood section they had bins of different kinds of seeds, granola, nuts ........ sold by the pound. I got half a pound for $2.00.

 

[Mumsy]

Great I will check both of the feed mills & see what they have. One more question for you. I buy lard in a container for my deep fryer. It os course firms up when cool. Do you think I could use ot for the suet as well? Seems to me would be the same kind that you would get from the butcher?

Good question. I always thought the processed lard in the store was rendered from pigs/hogs. It's really expensive here on my island. I ask my butcher for the beef suet. They keep it in the back because he says it doesn't sell well on the shelf. One half pound package cost less than $.65 and makes about seven or eight cakes. I like it because when it renders down in the skillet you can seel lots of little beef bits in it. More goodies for the cakes in my opinion. Some people strain those bits out if they are making suet bricks for wild birds. Not sure why.

 

[arkansaschicks]

Do they look healthy and active? If so, just give it time. If they look like their feathers are kind of dull or not smooth to their bodies, you could try some garlic or pumpkin seeds to see what happens~could be a parasite or cocci overload(the FF should help with this). In the end? After time has gone by and all the other birds respond to the regimen and are looking great, pooping great, and those are the only ones that are not...these need to be considered in the spring cull batch.

Bee-yes they look healthy and active. I have been giving them raw pumpkins and seeds for over a month now. I will try some garlic. I guess I was wondering if they could have gotten some bacteria from the FF?? Maybe they are they only ones showing signs cause their systems are a little weaker due to the molt. The poop is not so much runny as it is watery. Does that make sense?

 

[amenfarm]

I have a little Dominique hen that needs a new home. She survived a vicious raccoon attack about a year and a half ago. It left her with one wing and 3 half toes on one foot. We nursed her back to health and re-named her "Rabid." At first I was worried that she would be picked on and be a the bottom of the pecking order, but she did just fine as neither the bottom or the top and has never had a problem with her disabilities. She even manages to roost at night. I'm quite proud of her.

However, we switched flocks this past summer from mainly Dominiques and a few Silkies to all Silkies and her. She is a nice little girl, but cannot live with Silkies. You see, my Silkies don't seem to have a pecking order. They can coexist without one and can't understand why Rabid feels the need to peck them every now and again. She runs up to them trying to establish dominance and they hunker down and are confused & upset about what she is doing. I have vaulted Silkie chicks that need to go in the pen with her soon and their heads are fragile. Her pecking could give them brain damage or kill them. I just can't do that! However, I don't want to put Rabid down either or doom her to a pen alone. My husband is upset that Rabid must go. He claims it was her home first and he really likes her. But she can't stay with the Silkies, and she should be in a small flock of standard sized chickens. I think she would be happier.

Can you or a friend you know give little Rabid a home?

Thanks, Charlie
North Georgia, USA

Are you close to Chattanooga? We could meet up, she should fit in fine at my coop.

 

[aoxa]

I found 2  thin shelled eggs under the roost yesterday, first time in a long time, relieved to hear you say it's normal this time of year. 

You're not the only one!

 

[Mumsy]

armorfirelady - I got my pumpkin seeds from the supermarket ........ in the healthfood section they had bins of different kinds of seeds, granola, nuts ........ sold by the pound. I got half a pound for $2.00.

The package of pumpkins seeds I bought is called Chuckanut. Processed in Corvalis, Oregon. It is three pounds in weight and cost about $5.
It's label on the back reads: Crude protein (min) 30% Crude fat (min) 15% Crude fiber (Max)21%
The bag has a zip lock like a freezer bag. I can use what I need and keep it fresh.

 

[KPenley]

How long do you leave fermented feed out for? I think I gave my new 8 week old babies too much, but they're just kind of pecking at it every so often anyway. So, do I let them keep nibbling at it today, or take it away and give them less tomorrow?

 

[armorfirelady]

Quote: Hmmm have to see what I can find at the grocery store. Here a tub of lard is under $2.00 so its very inexpensive but I have to agree about the extra tidbits in beef lard being better for them.

I was thinking of taking alfalfa pellets and putting them in water until they *poof* then try drying it in the oven for greens for the hens for winter. I did add to the FF but havent lately. But I was thinking I could add a little to the Johnny cakes I plan on making

 

[Beekissed]

Bee-yes they look healthy and active. I have been giving them raw pumpkins and seeds for over a month now. I will try some garlic. I guess I was wondering if they could have gotten some bacteria from the FF?? Maybe they are they only ones showing signs cause their systems are a little weaker due to the molt. The poop is not so much runny as it is watery. Does that make sense?

Yes, it makes sense. But I don't think they got any bacterial infection from the FF...it shouldn't have any negative or harmful bacteria in it and the bacteria that is in it should keep harmful pathogens in check in the bowel flora.

Here's some good pics of poo to check out...not that I advocate watching poop. It can drive you crazy!

http://chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

 

[Beekissed]

How long do you leave fermented feed out for? I think I gave my new 8 week old babies too much, but they're just kind of pecking at it every so often anyway. So, do I let them keep nibbling at it today, or take it away and give them less tomorrow?

Just leave it there until they eat it all. If they haven't eaten by the next feeding, feed less in the next serving. Ideally, they should have a clean plate or nearly clean by the next feeding.