What did you do with your flock today?

[TropicalBabies]

Can I teach my chickens this? View attachment 3518831

Sure they already know it. You just have not seen them do it yet.

 

[TropicalBabies]

Water bill has stayed the same. He knows less bout all that than I do...he's computer man as opposed to outdoor man lol. He did say he would help me rake it all out for composting and put down all new pine bark, shavings, etc. cause having twice as many babies as I've ever had I'm sure plays a part in it...even if it is only 13 bantams.
I couldn't have dug more than a couple inches - I thought when cleaning it all out for composting (couldn't find anything on BYC to give clear instructions) that's how to do it so as to start with fresh stuff then.
It has all been in place and covered almost 2 years now. It has to be spent and ready to be cleaned out? I mean even if it wasn't wet in areas. It is only like that where I dug and just below the area all in the center of the run.
Here's an older pic...not now. Funny thing is the red marked area is where i do have mounds i am composting on the outside of the run...i just do the lasagna method of.layering i dont stir or anything. Could that be adding the moisture? View attachment 3518679

So charming
K. Is it wet or moist? Like, how wet is wet? Does it have a smell?
I guess if it is just moist and you only dug a few inches and your water bill is the same, then I'd lean away from a broken waterline. I don't know what if anything would be under your coop anyways. i'd lean towards what @ChicksnMore said.
With the info you have given, Id probably pull all old material out, turn all soil and then add fresh mulch, monitor your waterers, look for more clues, wait and see.

 

[Smokerbill]

Water bill has stayed the same. He knows less bout all that than I do...he's computer man as opposed to outdoor man lol. He did say he would help me rake it all out for composting and put down all new pine bark, shavings, etc. cause having twice as many babies as I've ever had I'm sure plays a part in it...even if it is only 13 bantams.
I couldn't have dug more than a couple inches - I thought when cleaning it all out for composting (couldn't find anything on BYC to give clear instructions) that's how to do it so as to start with fresh stuff then.
It has all been in place and covered almost 2 years now. It has to be spent and ready to be cleaned out? I mean even if it wasn't wet in areas. It is only like that where I dug and just below the area all in the center of the run.
Here's an older pic...not now. Funny thing is the red marked area is where i do have mounds i am composting on the outside of the run...i just do the lasagna method of.layering i dont stir or anything. Could that be adding the moisture? View attachment 3518679

Probably a long shot, but could a natural spring have started seeping there? Any springs in the area?

 

[PopoMyers]

That is some cat to kill a rabbit. I'm impressed... and would like to borrow it for my monster shop rat.

I had one that caught and ate bunnies, and lots of things other critters she caught.

 

[PopoMyers]

We all secretly want this
Have you tried chicken diapers? I have seen people successfully use face masks for their bums. Cus then what you got going could be sustainable without as much cleaning supplies. I'd personally like a big barn that I could live above. In my fantasy dream world that is.

After brooding one inside, and giving her a pan of soil to bathe in, everything in that room had a fine layer of dirt and dander powder. Can't imagine the amount of dust you had with these babies. They will sure miss being inside with you, one day.

 

[TropicalBabies]

After brooding one inside, and giving her a pan of soil to bathe in, everything in that room had a fine layer of dirt and dander powder. Can't imagine the amount of dust you had with these babies. They will sure miss being inside with you, one day.

My DH would NEVER let me raise a chook inside. He cringes when I bring them in for medical care/baths/solo chicks. I'm lucky I live in a pretty favorable climate.

Yeah. Living above a barn... that could be dusty but it is def clean, fun and convenient in my dream.

 

[PopoMyers]

wish there was a way to let all of the birds through

Then again, would you want to risk diseases the wild birds may bring to your flock? I once found a poor bird whose foot got caught in the netting, and had died. I would go with the cross strings or heavier netting material that they can't get tangled in.

 

[Antiocheggers]

Yeah, the guy said they do. Crazy, right!? I need to look it up. Maybe it goes into soup or something? I think you could probably make tea with it, but stinging nettle stew doesn’t sound good for your digestion.

Doesn't sound good to me either. They can come dig up all they want in my yard BYOG ! Bring your own Gloves

 

[TropicalBabies]

I had one that caught and ate bunnies, and lots of things other critters she caught.

That is one bada** kitty. wish he would come catch my rat. Setting traps is on my list today. Rat has over stayed its welcome.

DH and I just went and did a yard clean for my son. He said helping him with his yard is what he wanted for his birthday. Filled 6 big rubbish cans with fallen mangoes. Could have made a fortune if we had picked them in time. Cans were heavy. Hope child is stoked. Will go back tonight to do some more.
DH and I are talking about building him a privacy/sun screen also. He is a hard one for holidays and celebrations. He gets that from me lol. Don't want nothin'.

 

[Gammas Bearded Babies]

@TropicalBabies there is a slight smell but typically only after days of rain. The current damp area gives a little whenever I walk and doesn't really have an odor.

So good to see you! Hug the little grandbabies for me

If a broken waterlines not the issue, it could be the undug dirt is so hard it repels water a bit and the dug spot creates a shallow catch basin where the water can pool. Maybe it's catching the water from your water bowls, watering system, or something else? Then soaking in there in a way it can't on the undug dirt?

Now that is quite possible.

Probably a long shot, but could a natural spring have started seeping there? Any springs in the area?

No springs anywhere that I'm aware of.