What did you do with your flock today?

[ChicksnMore]

I was mistaken calling them botflies. I'm pretty sure they are actually blowflies, also known as bottle flies. I think they can cause fly strike in chickens if the conditions are favorable for them. I'll keep the bait out for a few days and see if it decreases their numbers.

They were never in the main run, I think because it's always totally shaded. They seem to prefer being in bright sunlight.

I might try that spray. Thanks!

So glad they're not bots!

 

[kurby22]

Have to admit I've done that before too . My spangles are older and don't lay regular, plus they get fussy about egg collecting.Their nest boxes are on the ground because I move them around once in while too. So I get very lazy about checking their nests. But I do do a quick head count when I care for them and when I'm a hen short I empty the nests to feed to the peas.

I’ll be doing that from now on!

 

[Nomadicus]

Sorry to hear you lost some that way . But bet you learned a bit too. Sounds like you'll have a freezer full of the best chicken in town.

While we thought we had rescued one this morning we don't expect her to make it through the night now. She will not eat or drink. She will not even take egg yolk now or try and swallow water if we dip her beak in it.

 

[ChicksnMore]

Good morning all and happy Thursday!
Weather up here is blustery but dry. Made it hard to sew last eve, as my machine is on front lanai, and not to mention electric being out for at least 4 hours, so I put it off untill today.... eh. Can do.

Mochi left the house early this morning and did not come back for breakfast. He's got me worried sick again. Spent a few hours calling and looking and thinking the worst. Chances are he is just enjoying a nice quiet place, away from me lol. Wish kitties did not make me worry so much

Doing my chicken check this morning i heard chicks beeping in coop. Think mom is ready to lay and they are keeping her company. She slept on the roost last eve and they did not follow. They slept in another nest. So, i guess they kind of missed each other ♡ she is a wonderful momma and loves her babies ♡View attachment 3583348
Some of my morning view. Blooming agapanthus and side of coop. Cleaning out debris and planting is on my is on my todo list. View attachment 3583355A sea of Kahili ginger. The fragrance is insanely wonderful and the beauty of this flower unmatched- IMO.View attachment 3583356

Beautiful chickens and natural beauty! Is Kahili ginger edible? It's gorgeous

 

[ChicksnMore]

While we thought we had rescued one this morning we don't expect her to make it through the night now. She will not eat or drink. She will not even take egg yolk now or try and swallow water if we dip her beak in it.

Poor baby!

 

[ChicksnMore]

Do you guys remember Kirin? I was doing my chores and he decided to use me as a perch. He's never jumped up like that before so I brought him in for some extra attention and treats. Usually he jumps on a bar near the door and I just stop briefly to give him a pet and some conversation. Took some pics for you guys too. Just love the little guy. Curious to see if tomorrow he jumps up or if he decides he much prefers a brief pet and hello

 

[kurby22]

Do you guys remember Kirin? I was doing my chores and he decided to use me as a perch. He's never jumped up like that before so I brought him in for some extra attention and treats. Usually he jumps on a bar near the door and I just stop briefly to give him a pet and some conversation. Took some pics for you guys too. Just love the little guy. Curious to see if tomorrow he jumps up or if he decides he much prefers a brief pet and hello View attachment 3583768View attachment 3583769View attachment 3583770View attachment 3583771View attachment 3583772

He’s sooo pretty!

 

[ChicksnMore]

He’s sooo pretty!

Almost like a red shouldered yoko! And he's got the personality of an angel

 

[kurby22]

Almost like a red shouldered yoko! And he's got the personality of an angel

Almost! I had to do a double take! Personality to boot, he’s a big time keeper!

 

[Shetland lover]

I'm trying out an experiment. I went into the run and scooped a couple piles of fresh cecal poop with some dirt into a peanut jar lid. I added a little permethrin powder and mixed it in. I set it outside the run, in direct sunlight.

The flies are definitely going for it. I hope they all start dropping dead. I hate botflies!

And I thought about whether it would be harmful if the chickens happen to eat a permethrin-poisoned botfly. I don't think there'd be enough permethrin if the fly to cause any harm.

View attachment 3583304

I use a permethrin based red mite killer in both coops on alternate weeks and it not supposed to be toxic to chickens, just cats. Your birds should be fine.
Connie used to wait patiently for me to empty the natural bait traps and snatch any flies that crawled out. Made me feel a bit yucky...
She also used to catch flies mid-flight!