Washingtonians

[Greg Richardson]

Quote: As soon as they come at your legs lift them up and away.
I've had some that come right back.
If you need to do it a few times then do it.

If you don't stop bad habits they won't stop doing it.

Chickens can be dumb but they can be trained also.

They no longer come at me nor when I open up the gate to the run they know to back off as they got taught not to try to get out with the same method.

Each time just like training a dog say the same words such as back back.
They will learn.

That will help you big time when you need to bring things in the run needing the gate open a while to get stuff in.

 

[FirewifeJess]

Quote:

As soon as they come at your legs lift them up and away.
I've had some that come right back.
If you need to do it a few times then do it.

If you don't stop bad habits they won't stop doing it.

Chickens can be dumb but they can be trained also.

They no longer come at me nor when I open up the gate to the run they know to back off as they got taught not to try to get out with the same method.

Each time just like training a dog say the same words such as back back.
They will learn.

That will help you big time when you need to bring things in the run needing the gate open a while to get stuff in.

Thanks! I do need to be consistent and figure out exactly what I want to say and how I want to train them. Gosh they drive me nuts sometimes, but they're so darn cute! A few times they've been after my legs so much I've resorted to a kick! (Not to hurt them, just shoo them away) You're saying when they do that I should pick them up? Sometimes they're surrounding me and if I'm not paying attention to those behind me, they start biting the backs of my calves! Ouch!

 

[justbugged]

Quote: I don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but it is safer to ship chicks in larger batches. When the chicks are shipped they are often the only thing providing heat for each other. So when there are only a few chicks, there is a bigger risk of the chicks dying because they got too cold. If you only want a couple of chicks it is safer to either share an order from a hatchery, or buy the chicks from a local feed store or other local source.

If you want a specific breed, you should be able to pre-order them from any feed store. I do know that I am planning on ordering meat birds next spring. I normally buy 30 or so chicks at a time. This year I am planning on offering to go in with anyone that is interested in less chicks than I plan on. Even those that want 25 or more may find that by going in together, that we can ask of a discount on one very large order.

 

[FirewifeJess]

Woohoo! DH wants to go with me to Coastal Farm Supply, so off we go! Wish me luck in getting out of there for under $100! LOL

 

[justbugged]

So I have motivation to get coop #2 done. I want to build one of these in an 8x8:

http://www.frdmontana.com/gallery.html

We saw these in person as we were driving to and from Yellowstone. Poor hubby... he can't even go on vacation with me coming up with a new project.

I bought my cute little egg basket from this company for just $8. No tax, either. Yay!

My current greenhouse is a pop-up greenhouse. I'd love to retire that to just temporary use. I think I'm going to be watching Craig's List for more free wood.

I love the greenhouse.I have a 4'x8' greenhouse that I got from Harbor Freight years ago. It has an aluminum frame. Over the past couple years I have been replacing the panels on it. The corrugated clear panels that it came with were thin, and starting to fall apart. If I remember right it was the door panels that busted up first. So we have been buying panels of much better quality polycarbonate multiwall panels. The only trouble that we have had with the project is that DH re-enforced the greenhouse to prevent it from blowing apart every time the wind blew out here on the Plateau. He threaded a heavy gauge wire through the frame. We haven't lost a panel from wind since. It has made it much harder to pull out the old panels, and get the thicker panels back into the spot though. The cost of the panels, and how the greenhouse is tucked into it's spot are the only things preventing the last couple of panels from being replaced. Someday though I am going to have DH put concrete under the greenhouse, and I know that we will get the rest of the panels done then.

I really like the wood framed houses better. My only wish now is that my greenhouse was a lot bigger. My little greenhouse is overfull during the winters these days. I have been wintering over geraniums, and a handful of other plants now for a number of years. I have also found that by the time I need to start the seeds in the greenhouse, that it is still much to cold to put the geraniums out. So what I would would really love to have is a second larger greenhouse. I am fairly sure that it is not going to happen this year. lol We still have to get the kitchen cabinets installed, so there are other things to spend money on right now.

 

[hallerlake]

OK well just in case anyone is thinking of adopting another dog. Im trying to help my mother rehome her basset "Tank."

‎6 year old Basset hound up for adoption!

Tank is a lovable energetic dog who needs someone who has time for him. Up to date on all medical care, fle and tick treatment, worming, shots, nails trimmed. He is a well loved dog. Microchipped, but the information was never transfered into my Mothers name. His curent vet is at tender touch animal hospital in Kingston.

Tank would really benefit from a fenced in yard, or a family who wants a walking partner. He is a big goof ball, loves to play, loves to run and follow his nose! Balls, rope toys, sticks, he loves to play. Is great with people of all ages! From toddlers who climb and pull on his ears and tail, to adults! Gets along with other dogs, and cats!

I've worked extensively with him on ignoring the chickens. He no longer chases them, but watches. Not sure I would trust him off leash or alone with any fowl though.

My 13 year old Brother has completely lost interest in his dog. He gets tied up during the day, and crated at night. I feel bad for him, and would take him myself if it wasnt for the lack of time. I will miss this dog when I find him a new home. He's free to the right home.

Don't tempt me. I miss our bassets.

 

[justbugged]

Quote: I have agree with Sadie. With the red combs and tail feathers, I think both of chicks facing us in the picture are roos.

 

[justbugged]

Quote: I am so tempted also. I am fairly certain that he would tip the scales completely. Things are already swimming with testosterone around here. With my DD's dog staying with us, and having 3 males pups that need their own homes desperately, I am sure that Tank would tip my house into complete and utter chaos. Still my heart goes out to a little dog that just wants and needs to be part of the family again. I have also learned over the years that sometimes you can't make others do whats right. My hats off to you Cheryl for making the hardest, and best choice for Tank.

 

[justbugged]

Woohoo! DH wants to go with me to Coastal Farm Supply, so off we go! Wish me luck in getting out of there for under $100! LOL

I'd wish you luck, but I am fairly sure that it's considered enabling.

 

[justbugged]

Well I am certain that there are things for me to do around here. So away I go for a bit. I wish that I really wanted to clean out the refrigerator, and hang another load of laundry on the on line.