Utah!

[the-bird-man]

for flies i have one of those auto sprayers that goes off every 15 minutes spraying a safe plant oil and it does a great job. i have it in my run. i spend $10 a month on the refill but it is worth it and takes care of mosquitoes too so less worry about those bugging the girls or west nile virus. it actually covers a big area. and then i spot spray with a natural spray i get at lowes for $4 a can that is just lemon grass oil, i think the brand is hotshot. anyone that knows me knows i am not a fan of the chemical stuff but these two sprays are just different kinds of plant oils. i do not use the traps anymore because i realized they just draw the flies in from far away so you deal with even more. i am amazed when i go to neighbors houses and see how many flies they have. i may see one here and there but its nothing. i cant stand flies

 

[RJSorensen]

Bitsy,

I could do a chicken run to you again, and bring you one or perhaps two of those Turkey Vultures… if you would like. They clean up things so as to not have flies. I think I'll let you try them out first. Let me know and I'll fire up the chicken bus.



My coops are bone dry, cleaned both this past weekend, fresh pine shavings and sort of deep. The floor litter I took out was dry… I'm not getting why I am seeing flies. On a brighter note, I am up to four or five eggs a day. Lovely nice tannish brown things, and not a spot on them, very clean. As a refresher for me, how long can an egg sit in the nest box before it needs be collected? I have one most days by eight in the morning, and then the rest by two or so. Would it be ok to pick them up in the afternoon, all at once or should I bring them in as I find them. It has never before been my lot to gather the eggs, so input and or insight is welcome in this regard.

Thanks to all, best to you and your birds,

RJ

 

[Cynthia12]

RJ, here is a good thread on it..seems there are a few different ideas. I just go out a couple of times a day, when I know all of mine should be done. You will find that the time of day that a hen changes. If she is laying early, it will get later and later, then maybe take a day off, then start early again. I get mine in the morning and later afternoon. Not..in the winter though. I check more often when it's freezing out there. The eggs will freeze, and split.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/197301/how-often-to-collect-eggs

 

[abkoldewyn]

Well I am not a grizzled sage but I know that they HATE the vanilla trees you put in your car. If you buy the vanilla flavor and hang them around your coop the flies stay away. We buy three of them and put them inside our covered porch and it keeps them from coming into the house. Works like a charm!

I put some in my coop. They are like magic!

 

[RJSorensen]

Thanks Cynthia, I guess I could have queried the BYC 'finder,' but somehow I prefer information from the local folks. People you know and have a sense for over time. It is the wild, wild west out on the front page(s). And roamed by some odd folks with odder thoughts. All of the Utah people have been so very nice… and I am thankful for that.

I saw those black OEGB's and find them to be very pretty, good choice in birds. Thanks again for the fly information everyone. For our evening meal, we were treated to omelets, courtesy of our lovely hens. Nine eggs were just enough for a wonderful meal, and of course the dear wife prepared another wonderful presentation. I suppose it is no wonder I am a tad round the edges.

Cooler weather made for an enjoyable day, and a welcome change from those dog days we just passed through. The birds like the early hint of fall as well. As my boys would say, 'It's all good.'

Best to all and your birds,

RJ

 

[La Casa de Pollo]

Awww that omelette is looking YUM! Kudos to the Mrs, RJ!

Ok, I have to hijack our thread for just a quick minute, mostly for Cynthia...these are some pics of babies for her, and lots of showgirls to boot! She and I share a fondness for these crazy little critters. I hope you enjoy the fluff!

Showgirls, and some big beards!

Ok now Sizzles!

Lots of frizzled bums

And lastly, an Olive Egger in the middle of the madness..."What am I doing here!"

 

[Cynthia12]

Lisa! Oh .. my .. goodness! You little stink. I only wish! At least I got another chick fix! Thanks for posting. They are darling! I am in love with that white and blue frizzle SG.

 

[bitsyhorse]

Lisa! Oh .. my .. goodness! You little stink. I only wish! At least I got another chick fix! Thanks for posting. They are darling! I am in love with that white and blue frizzle SG.

I feel for you Cynthia.... I get that way with horses.... and right now, I've got it BAD!

my poor poor husband has to deal with me going on about how badly I want a horse...

It's funny, because I found an AWESOME looking mule, and I want it LOL! it has zebra stripes on its' legs!


But honestly, the type of horse I want, is a Mustang. Everyone I know keeps trying to deter me.... but I want one, just because homeless animals have a special place in my heart

 

[Cynthia12]

I feel for you Cynthia.... I get that way with horses.... and right now, I've got it BAD!

my poor poor husband has to deal with me going on about how badly I want a horse...

It's funny, because I found an AWESOME looking mule, and I want it LOL! it has zebra stripes on its' legs!


But honestly, the type of horse I want, is a Mustang. Everyone I know keeps trying to deter me.... but I want one, just because homeless animals have a special place in my heart

I remember when we first met, in IFA.. you talking about wanting a Mustang. Thought those might be easy to come by, but then you have to have a place for the horse, and money for it's keep..big time keep! And, you have to ride it.

I used to be where you are now with horses. I never had the chance to own one, but I sure had the opportunities to ride back in the day..wonderful memories!

 

[sundancenbare]

Hi guys post fron San Diego. Its been a nice get away and I love reading everyones posts.
RJ Eggs can go a very long time without being refrigerated. Thats why the pioneers kept hens in cages as it was a nutritional food that kept easily. You could leave the eggs in the coop for a week and they would be fine. When I was so sick last year. I would leave the eggs for 3 or 4 days before collecting some days and they were fine.
Red I'll be home Sunday or Monday so start collecting your eggs again.
I am going to be stopping at Oc seramas to pick up a show rooster for Caroline and a roo for Liz. If anyone else wants any show birds let me know phone 801 597 7854
We were going to go to disneyland but its so hot here at the moment we decided to leave and go to vegas, Its hot there but most attractions are inside airconditioned,.