Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[LaughingFeather]

Hey Matt

Isnt a "pet" somewhat a matter of choice? I mean, in some cultures dog is considered a delicy. I've eaten it, and it's pretty tasty. That said, I will not be eating my dog any time soon.

My chickens are more like yours, livestock. They have a job (eggs or meat, or both). I don't consider them pets. But just because I don't think of chickens as pets, doesnt me that I cannot understand why others do keep them as pets. I know folks who would never eat their own chickens.

I think it's cool how we are all the same - and yet different at all at once

Peace,

Dave

I'm sorry, I am in the other camp. Everything is a pet. My family laughs at me saying I would train and make pets out of the squirrels and birds in the yard. I realized I was a sucker for pet chickens so I got silkies so I can spoil and play with them all I want and not get the raised eye brow. I still bring in the bigger hens to sit in my lap at night one at a time. They love the extra attention and it really helps to tame them. And I have only been pooped on once. Mine are not just eye candy and egg/meat production. Mine are part of my family just like the other pets. They all rely on you to thrive and interact with them. Why have a pet if you do not interact with it.

 

[Stumpfarmer]

Oh, lordy: all this talk of being a kind and responsible animal keeper, and darn it all I want to do right now is take off my work shoes and my grubby clothes and crawl in bed, but I need to give the sheep his evening oatmeal-and-apple (he's been stuck inside by the rain: he hates to get wet) (he is a pet, thank you, although not one allowed in the house) (the end of the day goodies mean I can let him off his tether and he bounces on home), go check the two cows who have looked like they were going to calve in twelve hours since March 26th, and bring Deary in out of her daytime abode, which I've yet to have time to rat-proof.


I need me an apprentice.

Seriously check with Tacoma Farms, she is looking for farm apprenticeship

Unfortunately, I don't think I fill her requirements.

 

[Chicken Rustler]

I think I see (potential) trouble on the horizon ! ! !

See Today I was given 2 LG bators. That means that I now have 1 possibly more Silkiebators, and 3 LG's.
I fear some bad chicken math soon.

 

[BGMatt]

I think I see (potential) trouble on the horizon ! ! !

See Today I was given 2 LG bators. That means that I now have 1 possibly more Silkiebators, and 3 LG's. I fear some bad chicken math soon.

Yes indeed that could be some exponential chicken math right there. Congrats!

 

[KMHunter]

Quote:
3 and 1/2 hr drive for me -- one way -- unsure if I'll go or not.

I'd go in a flat hot hurry if I knew I'd be able to pick up a decent number of New Hampshire pullets.
It's three hours for me, too. I might go, but I'm not showing since they won't let one coop in and out the same day.
I am going, but I am not going to show anything. Have to take oldest DH across the river to Portland for a sailing regatta Saturday and Sunday. Just not very convenient this year to bring birds. But I will be there to check out the birds for a little while on Saturday.
Hopefully next year I will have more birds to show and no DS and team mates to drive around. He will hopefully be busy with college and a job! Lol!

 

[KMHunter]

Quote:
Do this.
X2!

 

[LaughingFeather]

Curious about showing. I have never been to one. Are there hoops and barrels you have to jump through to show your chickens? I would love to show my silkies when they get bigger. How do you go about entering and showing a chicken? Do you have to have shots, vet cert., anything? Also, about how much does it cost to enter a show?

 

[KMHunter]

Quote: My only concern is that I go to each coop multiple times. If a shower is completely necessary, I will be the cleanest person in the world for a month.

If a shower is not required, then I will just change my clothing and call it good.

TB

The very best way to approach this is to always care for your current flock - and then your new birds. This keeps you from taking something icky from the new birds to your current flock.


Here is where I break the rules -- I do not change my clothes or shoes when I go from the old flock to the new -- I personally don't care if I transfer an icky from my current flock to the new one - the new one will be exposed anyway once I combine them, so I don't delay. There are folks who will be shocked at my approach - so be careful

Dave
I do this too Dave. I can't change my cloths and shower between each pen and cage if I have some in quarantine.

 

[stacylynnm]

I have 2 chickens that have a "cough". They don't look sick. They are eating just fine, laying eggs and acting normal. Any ideas?

 

[KMHunter]

Quote: I use 2x4's painted(2-3 coats), and attatched with the 4 in side up so they have a stable flat side to sit on, especially when it's really cold. They can totally cover their toes with their bodies. I agree with putting something in there that bugs can't live in, but they don't grip perches like other birds do. So I feel better when they have a flat surface to sit on. But others have used round perches just fine. Just my preference.