Washingtonians

[justbugged]

For all you folks that are trying to get rid of the spiders, I hope you leave mine alone.

I love my spiders. I know that they are excellent at eating other bus that are much worse. I rarely ever kill the spiders around here. There are times when I have to suggest that they leave certain places though. I will admit to not being very happy last year, when I had on of the big fall spiders make a face height web just out my sliding patio door. She got moved right after the picture was taken.

 

[mikeyb]

good spiders = dead spiders

 

[mikeyb]

now about grit for my girls.
I live in Rochester, affectionately called Rock-Chester by us residents. The girls don't seem to have any problem finding the grit they need. I'd hate to give them something that they can get for themselves and thereby also get exercise.
I don't ever recall my aunts worrying so much about their chickens, but hey I was a kid and beside, what do I know about chickens.
My girls are usually in their run until about noon and then I let them out to free range (use to be earlier but I got lazy) until sundown. (usually dark) then I give them fresh water and close the door.

another problem, I've gotten seven eggs from 9 hens, but now it seems to be settling in at 6. (at least since the show and tell about eggs and hatchet).
I have another question also. How do you supply water to the pen area. At present I use a hose but would like to have a stand pipe, but digging is not on my agenda nor is it a passtime that I enjoy.
I think I would only have to bury the pipe about 12" here in Rochester, but that's one tough SOB 12 inches of rock/gravel to dig through. Then of course I would have to gain access to under my house. The opening is too small (length) for me to get into which means I also have to dig it out to make it bigger. sigh.
Any suggestions on how to do this?

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Sheesh....some "night crew"...I'm on all by my wee wittle wonesome...

 

[KMHunter]

I rarely buy scratch anymore. The birdies have been getting small amounts of leftover fruits, veggies and black oil sunflower seeds. I bought a large container of the seeds mid-spring and still have more than half of the container left. I don't remember how much it was, though. They do get the opportunity to range most days and there are PLENTY of buggies and lawn for them to eat. I LOVE when they don't chow thru the bag of feed so quickly!!!

I have scratch for the winter months. Scratch raises their body temps when they digest it so I don't like giving it to them once the temps hit 65-70. But it's great for winter, especially giving them some before bed. Can help keep them warmer on those cold nights.
I give them a couple of handfuls in the alfalfa that I spread around for them to dig through, they eat the flowers and leafy part of the alfalfa and scratch around for the grains. Keeps them busy!

 

[VelvettFog]

Cool, thanks! So...do you guys use scratch at all? I have had the same huge bag of it forever now and they go nuts for it but I only give them 2-3 handfuls a day as a treat to keep them from getting bored.

Every now and then I will get some scratch. This summer, I put in an extra zucchini plant and they get one of those every other day or so. They also get some table scraps. I'm careful to avoid salt and sugar.

 

[VelvettFog]

Hello Washington BYC folks

I was wondering if anyone here has Quail?????????? I have been offered 5 hens. Thing is I dont know much about quail so Im gonna dig through BYC for information to learn more about them and see if I am smart enough to take them on They are all laying eggs and I know I like quail eggs. So Im considering it. If not I might have 5 quail if someone wants them LOL Just wondering if anyone has them oe has any expierance with them ??

Thanks

Rainwolf has/had quail -- she'll know

 

[VelvettFog]

So instead of scratch, it's safe to buy regular bird seed (with a higher protein that won't drag down the total protein too much) and use it as scratch? I have never heard of this but it seems quite sound.

Consider the scratch like candy for your kids. It's ok to give it to them now and then, as a treat, but you don't want them making a meal out of it, or eating it every day.

 

[Chicken Rustler]

OK....... Why ya all buying grit?...... Let them dig in the dirt they eat a lot of grit!

I offer it "free choice". Just like oyster shell they will only consume what they need. If the birds are getting enough grit naturally. They won't consume any of what is offered. Because my runs tend to be pretty muddy in the winter I never know if they can find enough grit in all the soupy clay.

 

[Chicken Rustler]

Quote: Triticale is a hybrid between wheat and rye.

ETA. It makes decent bread too and I like it in soup.
Thanks. I now know that since I just "had to" look it up.