Utah!

[gcst]

Last year, the Riverton IFA was getting new chicks every Wed.

 

[darkroo]

I have frequented both of the IFA's in the south valley. The east Draper store has a woman with in-depth experience with chickens and usually takes care of all the new fuzzy butts where as I don't think anyone does at the west Draper store. In my visits to the west store I've noticed two chicks with sever leg problems, one dead chick and I think one dieing and the majority of the little ones have pasty butt. I have also noticed different prices on the same item at the two stores. I would highly recommend the lady at the east store for general questions and care of the little ones.

 

[NurseDr]

We have a rat infestation and the chickens are not even outside yet. Saw them while working on the tractor on the back patio, at least 3 large rats together, so I'm sure there are many more. I'm in the Indian Hills area east of Wasatch Blvd and 1700 South. There is a natural area behind the house up a gully. They have tunnels in the hill side behind our house. I put out bait two years ago into there holes and the dog got. I saw her and treated her immediately. I understand this is year 7 of a usual seven year cycle with rodent population on the high end. We have tried traps before but catch mostly birds and squirrel. The pellet gun is out, with limited successes. My 14 yo daughter is the only one that pick up the carcasses. Tried beer, I doubt that works. Have read about plaster of paris and peanut butter, but squirrels and birds will love that as well. So what you done that works?

BTW, I have 7, 2 1/2 week olds from 21st and the Draper IFA, so far so good. I did get them the day they came in.

 

[muddypuddles]

NurseDr: The east bench is infested with Rats and they're devils to get rid of! They're so smart. We had a few in our backyard that we could watch from the backdoor

in the evenings acting like they owned the place! They would walk all around the traps we put out, never stepping on one. We tried every trap they carried at Lowe's but the thing we use now is a bait box that holds the bait inside so other animals (like the family dog) can't get to it. My DH says the best rat bait is sold at IFA (he says that either the rats don't like the kind they sell at Lowes or it just doesn't kill them-not strong enough or they are getting more and more immune to the poison.) I think it's called Tom Cat. The summer before last, rats ate every single tomato in our garden--we didn't get even one that year!

But last year we started using the bait in the box and they seem to have left our yard (hopefully!) Good luck!

 

[PacsMan]

Quote:
Try these home made traps.

Bucket with (or without) water
pop can
peanut butter
wire or stick
ramp to top of bucket

 

[vermontgal]

Hey, did you all see the article in the Trib - the County, it looks like, is finally moving on a chicken ordinance - and EXCITING FOR ALL OF US even in the incorporated areas - it looks like they are going to make slaughtering legal.
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_14791716?IADID

 

[mkwags]

hey guys, I've got a Mille Fleur bantam rooster that is making my girls bald and I am leaving in the morning to go out of town. I am wanting to give away my roo to someone that wants him asap, so I don't have to worry while I'm away what is happening in the coop! Anyone know of anyone that would be interested in a great looking roo? Thanks in advance if you have any ideas.

 

[PoultryPedia]

Maybe filing his nails and spurs a little so they are less sharp would help the hens to at least not experience as much "ouch" on their bare backs?

 

[PoultryPedia]

Quote:
SWEET!

 

[Stands With A Fiddle]

I'm having issues with my chicks. They are about 8-9 weeks old and I put them outside on Thursday night. There are 6 of them. Mostly they stay in the coop, but when they go out they have trouble finding their way back in. Yesterday they stayed together and I managed to herd them in at roosting time. Occasionally one gets separated from the rest and gets frightened. Should I just let them come home on their own, or should I go after them? I've spent hours going after chicks over the last couple of days, and it is getting old. Keeping the coop closed 24/7 is not an option because the big hens are used to free ranging, and I'm afraid I'll have a blood bath on my hands if I try and revoke their free ranging rights.

Do I just have unusually stupid chicks?