Washingtonians

[hallerlake]

Quote:
A friend of my sister in Sedro Wooley decided that hives are designed for California. He made a few adjustments, and has had his hives doing really well in the couple of years since.

I would be very interested in what changes he made. Any chance you could find out for me?

I emailed my sister, this was her response:

Unfortunately, it wasn't someone I know, but a beekeeper at the Anacortes farmers market. What I remember is that he changed the spacing between supers slightly for better ventilation and tilted them just a tiny bit so that moisture would run off. DW

 

[broodytood]

Quote:
Someone on BYC did crop surgery on their bird, photographed every step. Came out successful. I'll see if I can find the thread.

Just got home and saw your PM. I PMed ya back. After I did the surgery, within 3-4 days, I couldn't tell which chick it was any more. I healed really fast! It's really not a big deal thank goodness!

 

[jbear]

Quote:
You use zip ties for bands? I never thought of that. I tried feather sexing and I banded the babies to see how I faired in my "guessing". The bands were small and the chicks grew fast. the next band size up was almost too big for some of the babies and some of them fell off. I never thought of using zip ties. This is a geat idea.

I use zip ties all the time!

identify chickens.. hold stuff together.. this place'd fall apart if it weren't or zippyties and duct tape! lol!!!

PS.. thank you teresa, I got a bit o' mail from ya yesterday.

Hope all is well here in chicken land.. I am hopelessly behind!!
Welcome newbies!

 

[broodytood]

Quote:
They are soooooo very cute!

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Quote:
I would be very interested in what changes he made. Any chance you could find out for me?

I emailed my sister, this was her response:

Unfortunately, it wasn't someone I know, but a beekeeper at the Anacortes farmers market. What I remember is that he changed the spacing between supers slightly for better ventilation and tilted them just a tiny bit so that moisture would run off. DW

OK thanks. But that is old news the locals have been doing that for a long time. That is the way I was taught.

 

[broodytood]

to moodringgrl and rsarns! this is a super info. filled thread with awesome people!!! Good to have ya!

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Quote:
You use zip ties for bands? I never thought of that. I tried feather sexing and I banded the babies to see how I faired in my "guessing". The bands were small and the chicks grew fast. the next band size up was almost too big for some of the babies and some of them fell off. I never thought of using zip ties. This is a geat idea.

I use zip ties all the time!

identify chickens.. hold stuff together.. this place'd fall apart if it weren't or zippyties and duct tape! lol!!!

PS.. thank you teresa, I got a bit o' mail from ya yesterday.

Hope all is well here in chicken land.. I am hopelessly behind!!
Welcome newbies!

Also if ya want a special color zip tie (like bright pink

) You can just buy the white ones then use hot RIT dye and make most any color ya want.
jbear ya forgot the bailing wire to go with zip ties and 100mph tape.

 

[CarolynF]

Rare Feathers Farm: I see that you raise Sumatras. I have a pullet whose breed is in question. She was supposed to be a BSL but at about 4 months old she looks more like an Australorp. She lacks the typical red/brown feathers on her neck. A couple of people have also suggested she might be a Sumatra.

It seems to me, from the reading I've done that that's unlikely. One thing is that she doesn't have black skin. If you have a few minutes maybe you'd feel comfortable giving an opinion. Here's the thread....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=6598860#p6598860

and here's a pic of her

Thanks

 

[Chicken Rustler]

OK so I am now puzzled. Last night I locked up Michelle's chickens and there was NO silkie egg. So Tonight I go lock up and there are 2 silkie eggs !!! Now keep in mind there is only 1 silkie and the rest are all LF. So how could this be??

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Quote:
You use zip ties for bands? I never thought of that. I tried feather sexing and I banded the babies to see how I faired in my "guessing". The bands were small and the chicks grew fast. the next band size up was almost too big for some of the babies and some of them fell off. I never thought of using zip ties. This is a geat idea.

Yes you can buy big canisters with different lengths and colors at Wal-Mart or Home Depot. I put them on a little big and then you have to just watch them--when they get a little snug, cut it off and put on the next size up. It's cheaper than bandettes and bands and when they reach adulthood, they get their permanent bands.