Thread formerly known as Hatch day is today

[QuackerJackFarms]

I REALLY like Pidgey's eggs... and they are only $20 for a dozen shipped. Don't tempt me!

Here's my philosophy. Hatching makes me happy. My birds make me happy. If I can handle it, I'm doing it. People need more happy.

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

And I'd still like to know which bird made that funny cooing chirp.

 

[JulieNKC]

o and what kind of chick starter do you guys use?
grandma is freaking out bcuz she read that medicated chick starter is bad.
but i have read its ok now a days.
so im kind of torn bcuz i can;t find unmedicated in our local feed stores.
i have 1 more to check tho next time im in indianna

I think if you use chick starter you need to supplement with niacin or the ducklings may develop leg problems. I use gamebird starter for everyone for the first 2 weeks, then cut the starter with oats/rice/scratch/corn/etc for the correct protein percentage for everyone, and supplement with oyster shell for older birds. It's easier for me then buying different bags of food for everyone.

 

[Iain Utah]

I just saw the CUTEST thing!! We took ducklings outside to let them peck at the ground in a safe box hubby, transporting them back and forth in a plastic 30 gallon box. When we put them back into bator, we set each one down by opening our hand and letting the duckling walk off. But when hubby placed Caboose in, Caboose snuggled up in his hand and fell asleep with no desire to leave his hand. I guess that is what imprinting looks like.

I got hubby sold on ordering Pidgey's eggs. I told him we are obviously keeping Caboose. If Caboose is a boy, then we should get rid of all others. If it is a girl, we get rid of all boys. That way we make sure there is no brother/sister mating. Now I'm hoping that my one ancona is a drake and gets the silver colors. Then, I'm set too!!

 

[stillmecle]

Snow snow every where! !!!

 

[country_girl011]

Snow snow every where! !!!

that sucks for u.
i hate snow

 

[country_girl011]

I think if you use chick starter you need to supplement with niacin or the ducklings may develop leg problems. I use gamebird starter for everyone for the first 2 weeks, then cut the starter with oats/rice/scratch/corn/etc for the correct protein percentage for everyone, and supplement with oyster shell for older birds. It's easier for me then buying different bags of food for everyone.

does tsc carry that?
never herd of it?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Must hatch, must hatch..... Buy those eggs, must hatch.

Jst sold our Rouen flock today. Will deliver them to their new next Saturday after the owner comes back from out of town. They will be his only flock with a large coop and attached run (predator proof) and a large pond to swim on.

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

That's awesome. I'm glad you found a good home!

Must hatch, must hatch..... Buy those eggs, must hatch.

Jst sold our Rouen flock today. Will deliver them to their new next Saturday after the owner comes back from out of town. They will be his only flock with a large coop and attached run (predator proof) and a large pond to swim on.

What are you lookin' at buying there Celtic...

 

[70%cocoa]

Yay on the hatch, Miss Utah!! I haven't managed to find the spot where you talk about how many made it but I saw the picture of Caboose - what a cutie!!!! Yay!!!!

That's great news about the goose eggs, QJ!

I have to tell you about what happened yesterday. I had gone up to Sydney to help a person build part of a chicken coop (worked out really well!!!). I got back home yesterday morning from the trip. I backed the car into the carport through the driveway gate. Got out to close the driveway gate when a passing woman's Staffie got away from her and ran in and attacked my ducks who were all out in the yard (this is in the backyard - we are on a corner and the driveway goes into the backyard). It was horrible. I grabbed the dog and Damon (hubby) pulled a duck out of its mouth - miraculously she (the duck) seems fairly ok - just bruising, swelling and missing feathers. I gave the dog to the women and then went inside to get some paper to take her details. After that it got bizarre - the woman would not leave my yard. She was trying to get the dog to sit. I asked her to take the dog out of the yard and she said no, that she needed to "calm the dog". I said "Sure, you need a moment to catch your breath". I waited a short time but she just kept trying to get the dog to sit. The dog wasn't having a bar of it - it was in a frenzy of excitement and trying to get away from her. The women had a poor grip on its flimsy lead and I was very frightened that it'd break free and kill a duck. So I said (polite but firm), ok, you need to take the dog out now. She gave me a filthy look and repeated that she was just calming the dog and was getting it to sit. At that point I semi-lost it and said (at elevated volume) that her dog had attacked a duck and that she had to take it out of my yard right now. Again she refused and just kept saying to the oblivious dog "Sit, good boy, come on, calm down, it's ok, sit, good boy". The dog was still going mental. By this time so was I. I fully lost it and shouted that she 'HAD TO GET THE [insert expletive] OUT NOW". Finally that got her out the gate. Damon went with her to get her info (I stayed behind the gate and went to check the ducks to prevent myself from punching the women in the face). I could hear her complaining that I had yelled at her even though she had been really calm and that she had been unfairly treated when she was (direct quote) "Just trying to use it as a training opportunity for my dog". Unbelievable. Anyway, I've reported it to Dog Control who sent two rangers round almost immediately. They were great. They're going to speak to the woman, who could be fined for the dog attack and also for trespassing (not leaving the property when asked).

Outraged sympathy appreciated.