Washingtonians

[Justahannah]

Hi JNB! I'm in Tacoma and pretty new to Backyard chickens as well, it's definitely been cool to draw on everyone's chicken knowledge and just chat about chickeny things my non-poultry friends are tired of hearing about .

All this spider talk has me feeling itchy, we haven't had too many in the past, but this year we've been removing monsters from inside the house at least a couple times a week. We're talking quarter-sized bodies and legs that stretch out about as wide as a tennis ball, and most of the time they're in our bedroom or bath tub. I don't know if they're wolf spiders or hobo spiders, but I'm extremely glad we haven't been bitten by any of them yet, they look like they have huge fangs. Maybe next time I'll catch one live so I can ID it...I really don't mind spiders as long as they're not hanging out inside, but when they hang out over my bed I get pretty squeamish.

 

[Chubby Chicken]

Whatever happened, it happened last night or very early this morning. She was fine when she went to bed. When I checked on her this morning (between 9:00 and 10:00) she had the wound.

I did give up on keeping them confined today for eggs sake. They've been out for a few hours. I just can't do that to them. I'm hoping Rhodie doesn't start laying in the yard. Still no egg today. 2 days of eggs followed by 2 days of nothing.

My run is 44 sq. feet. The coop is 16 sq. feet. I have 3 birds.

You need more birds!

 

[itsren]

You need more birds!

That's what I think, too! LOL! Especially since I'm building a 2nd coop and run. I think I can safely say I doubt I'll be getting any more RIRs though.

 

[itsren]

Hi JNB! I'm in Tacoma and pretty new to Backyard chickens as well, it's definitely been cool to draw on everyone's chicken knowledge and just chat about chickeny things my non-poultry friends are tired of hearing about .

All this spider talk has me feeling itchy, we haven't had too many in the past, but this year we've been removing monsters from inside the house at least a couple times a week. We're talking quarter-sized bodies and legs that stretch out about as wide as a tennis ball, and most of the time they're in our bedroom or bath tub. I don't know if they're wolf spiders or hobo spiders, but I'm extremely glad we haven't been bitten by any of them yet, they look like they have huge fangs. Maybe next time I'll catch one live so I can ID it...I really don't mind spiders as long as they're not hanging out inside, but when they hang out over my bed I get pretty squeamish.

Welcome!

My non-poultry friends don't understand talking them, either. Yet, some will go on and on about their dogs...

I don't think hobos are that big. Here's a good site to quickly see if what you are looking at could possibly be a hobo. http://www.hobospider.org/ Scroll down and click on the link to both the male hobo and female hobo (they look very different). All I've seen have been what looks like the female. The spiders my neighbor took in were males. Bad thing is - the females also look like the giant house spider (which is a cousin to the hobo, but not a bad bite).

 

[itsren]

I can't sleep. I have too much to do to get ready for overnight guests and a birthday party. I was hoping I'd get sleepy if I started reading. I think it is finally working. I think I'll make a cup of tea, grab my kindle and read about chickens (instead of spiders). Turn the creepy crawlies into warm fuzzies and dreams of chicken math.

 

[KMHunter]

Quote: Thanks Robin. Took a photo of Alisha holding 2 of the turkeys. LOL. it was so funny. Got your PM. I sent one back.

I want to thank everyone for kind words. I know I will miss someone. Please forgive me. My life is crazy busy, trying to finish the coop, cull birds,who to keep, kids ready for school, working full time and looking to take on a few extra hours for a bit more cash. I am doing much better health wise/anxiety wise.

Hugs and loves to you all. I will try to keep in touch. I skim through the posts.

Just happy to hear from you!

 

[Chicken Rustler]

What do you all do when you feel a sore throat starting and suspect a cold coming on? My neck is sore to the touch, and I have no desire to get sick now (nor ever).

For a sore throat I take "Fisherman's Friend" throat disk's they don't taste real good but are very effective at relieving sore throat!!! They are over the counter in a white pouch with a boat and old fisherman.

 

[KMHunter]

Quote:
Exactly what I meant to say. Mine "fight" the exact same way you just described and it's hilarious to watch! Apparently I miss all the major scuffles that lead to bruised/bloody combs or wattles though; I think those happen on the roosts at night and I don't care to stay out there looking in on them when they're going to bed. So far there's never been anything bad enough to warrant any treatment from me, so as far as I'm concerned, they're just acting like chickens!
I came home yesterday and someone had taken a big chunk out of my Faverolle pullets comb. I was so upset! I wish I knew who did it. I took the worst bulliers out of the flock just before bedtime. I put them in my large brooder/broody pen in my shed. I will see if things settle down or not. I think this is the one issue I have with chickens. They can be so mean!

 

[Dwkuska]

Definitely open

$5 each.

I will talk to the wifey

You need more birds!

+1

 

[KMHunter]

My young ones are so sad when their ladder is taken over by the older girls that they try to sleep in trees outside. I basically have to gently move the older girls to other ladders so the young ones will sleep in the house. I have to carefully arrange everyone so that no one is being beaten up. It's a giant pain, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't love them so much!

I have done and am doing this right now. I am putting my Cockerel and pullet up on the roost across from the older girls every night.