Washingtonians

[cheryl98117]

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He's at work, but I will pass that along. lol

 

[cmsdvm]

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Maybe me, let me talk to DH, he needs something on his shop floor...

I've been thinking of trying stall mats in one of my barns. I'm over in Tacoma though.

 

[Tailfeathers]

I received a request to post something about yogurt and chickens as I understand there is some question on here about whether or not to give it to birds.

Please see: http://www.featherfanciers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2267

Here is the gist of what was said by Dr. McCrea who is on Peter Brown's (aka The Chicken Doctor) Forum:

Dr. McCrea: "It was not a good idea to give dairy products to your poultry unless your goal was to induce diarrhea. Chickens do not produce the enzyme Lactase and so therefore cannot digest lactose (the sugar found in dairy products). Dairy products are fine as a probiotic for humans but are not suggested for use in poultry."

Me: "when you say "dairy products" are you referring only to the milk and cottage cheese that I mentioned above or would that also include yogurt? It appears to be a widely held belief that yogurt is a good probiotic for chickens and I have read that it contains lactase enzymes which digest lactose."

Dr. McCrea: "Poultry do not produce the enzyme Lactase and therefore cannot digest the sugar Lactose. All dairy products contain Lactose, including yogurt. Yes, there are beneficial bacteria, but they are designed for humans, not poultry. You will still induce diarrhea and that will not allow the "probiotic" bacteria to attach and perform many of the beneficial functions that we humans enjoy. This is yet another case of people not consulting with their poultry specialists. Stories are spread via the internet and hearsay that are not based upon scientific fact. Always consult with your state poultry extension specialist or poultry extension veterinarian."

I understand there are many folks who wholeheartedly believe that yogurt is fine to give birds but I have to defer to Dr. McCrea since she appears to be an expert - at least the most qualified "expert" I've run across so far. Here is what Peter Brown says about her:

"Dr. Brigid McCrea Phd., is Extension Poultry Specialist at Delaware State University in Dover, DE.

Dr. Brigid McCrea is a poultry extension specialist who specializes in small, medium and backyard poultry flocks. She is located at Delaware State University in Dover, DE. Dr. McCrea’s interest in small flocks began with her career in 4-H poultry and she has been interested in doing research for the benefit of small flock owners since that time. She received both a B.S. and M.S. degree in Avian Sciences from the University of California, Davis and her Ph.D. in Poultry Science from Auburn University.

She began the Small Flock Education Series or “Way Cool Chicken School,” as well as COOPTASTIC!, as a means of fulfilling the educational needs of her small flock clients. Her research interests include work on natural remedies for parasites (both internal and external). Additionally, she is interested in research on management issues for niche market poultry commodities (i.e. pastured poultry, organic poultry, free-range poultry, game birds, squab, waterfowl, etc.). Dr. McCrea frequently receives telephone calls from flock owners, as well as city officials, on the topic of changing ordinances to permit the keeping of small flocks, often in urban or suburban settings.

Dr. McCrea encourages a common sense attitude, use of Biosecurity principles, and educated decision-making as a means of keeping your flock happy and healthy. Dr. Brigid McCrea may be contacted by telephone at 302-857-6432 (preferred) or by email at [email protected]. No question is too small! "

I hope that helps.

God Bless,

 

[Imp]

Royce,

That is very interesting. Gotta admit that I've bought into the yogurt line. Glad I never gave it to my chickens.

Thanks

Russ- Somehow I don't think it'll go over well in the forums though.

 

[hallerlake]

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My ancestors ate lots of potatoes. As much as I like potatoes, I don't want them morning, noon, and night. A number of years ago, I did change my diet to include a lot more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It was a change for the good. There are people who live in the steppes of central Asia who live on horse's milk and blood.

 

[ultasol]

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RE the yogurt thing. I read this quite some time ago, but I still wanted to give my chickens probiotics after treating for coccidia, so I purchased some bird probiotics from Jeffers. I liked them, they worked well, lasted quite some time (I kept them refrigerated) and were cheaper than feeding them yogurt all the time. I liked them so much I treat them with it in a warm mash once a week.

 

[ultasol]

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I didn't get the flu shot either, and would only get it every once in a great while. Well, in 1999-2000 I got hit with a flu with major respiratory symptoms. I landed in the hospital for two weeks with pneumonia and was sent home on O2. Not only did I miss ringing in the new millennium I had to lug an O2 tank to several weeks of college classes.

Since then, I have gotten the flu shot. Has it prevented every illness? No, but I get exposed to quite a bit and haven't been back in the hospital.

So, anecdotal evidence for anecdotal evidence....

You could say, "I never wear a seatbelt but I have only gotten in minor wrecks." All it takes is one major wreck to land you in big trouble, and although the seatbelt can't save you in every accident,. it is more effective than nothing.

Similar to the flu shot. You can be flu free for years, but given the right combination of circumstances (especially virulent virus, stress, immunocompromised status, etc etc etc) a flu can land even a 'healthy' individual in the hospital. Children are even more susceptible.

It's not a perfect solution, but it's better than driving without a seatbelt.

 

[justbugged]

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Good question Rob, & I remember when you were ironimagery. Gosh that seems so long ago. So I remember how you got your name, and aint no way I'm gettin within 100 miles of Chehalis.

Chickielady/Robin, Someone at work was asking me about a container to keep their 3 turtles in, over the winter. I thought about your plastic tanks. would they be suitable? I can't remember.

Just bugged/Christina, Are you looking for a birdcage? I adopted a parakeet that showed up in the chicken run a few months ago. I ended up buying a new indoor cage that was narrower so it would fit the shelf better. So I have a nice barn shaped birdcage that is yours for the asking. I don't want to store any more stuff. It's not a flightcage, but is large enough for finches.
I haven't forgotten about the pink bag. I was so careful opening it. I usually use the garden shears, but I actually read the directions.

Russ

Yes I am still on for the pink bag if you still have it. I may even be able to exchange you a finished brown bag. I think that I finally got caught up on the sewing room for the moment. I wasn't able to get the cage in Kingston. I am okay with smaller cages for now. DH is getting tougher and is removing eggs in the finch cage now.
Just about the time I think that nobody needs me anymore, they all manage to how up at once and need things done right now. My Son in Law is going to dress as the Jolly Green Giant this year. He has entered himself in a costume contest, and my DD is hoping that he will win an I-Pad. Given how tall DSiL is he might have a chance to win. He is 6'6". The costume turned out better than I hoped. I gave up a whole nights sleep to get it done.

So I have been a bad chicken mama, I am hoping that I will get to see them tomorrow morning. I owe them some chicken crack.

 

[4cats3kids1hubby2many]

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Hello....

There are a few in the Spokane area. I am in Omak...there are a few of us here too.

 

[Chickielady]

http://terrisfp.com/hallo1/ghost1.swf

some fun...if the link works.............Good Morning WA...and it is MONSOONING and blowing like a hurricane here on the SW Coast.