Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[Debbie292d]

Vaccinate for flu? I read Dutch did some vaccinations on chickens.

I think you're right -- I had Marek's on my brain.
The flu strain they get today is different tomorrow so vaccinating for flu wouldn't help.

Coccidiosis and Marek's vaccinations are the ones most common in hatcheries.

https://www.cacklehatchery.com/should-you-vaccinate-your-chickens/

 

[bigzio]

Hope everyone had a great FFF!
The lack of sunshine and the colder temps that
are on their way next week reminds me why I'm
happy when Jan runs its course.
I did notice the days are getting longer, so that is
one bright sign we are heading in the right direction.
Been cutting wood all week in the snowless woods, that is
a blessing for sure.

Stay safe ...bigz

 

[DoodlesDuckies]

Hello .Hope everyone is staying warm!!

Let the ducks and geese out this morning. They have heated water bowls and a rubber tub to play in. I bust out the ice at lunch when I am home from work and refill. Just making sure I am not hurting them but they always jump in the tub right away. The water is from the garage faucet cold and sometimes I mix a small amount of warm water. They seem to love it, it is just tough to watch them climb in a tub of water in -4 degrees.

 

[bigzio]

Good to hear the ducks and geese are doing well doodles.
Next week they are calling for the coldest temps in 4 years.
I'm not looking forward to that at all. The straw depth gets deeper every week in the coop. The hens enjoy the extra straw for sure.

Stay Safe ... bigz

 

[DoodlesDuckies]

Good to hear the ducks and geese are doing well doodles.
Next week they are calling for the coldest temps in 4 years.
I'm not looking forward to that at all. The straw depth gets deeper every week in the coop. The hens enjoy the extra straw for sure.

Stay Safe ... bigz

Yes, I just keep adding and adding the straw. The duck ceiling is about 7ft, the geese have a playhouse. May need to take some out Friday during the warm snap to make room for more straw.

Truly amazes me how they run outside in the mornings during this weather.

Renee

 

[bigzio]

My hens are under lock down during the extreme cold.
They hate the cold and won't step outside on snow.
My coop is large enough to give them plenty of room
and avoid any stress from crowding (10x16) for 15 hens.
Over 10sq ft per bird works well for me and the flock.

Stay safe ... bigz

 

[Amer]

My hens are under lock down during the extreme cold.
They hate the cold and won't step outside on snow.
My coop is large enough to give them plenty of room
and avoid any stress from crowding (10x16) for 15 hens.
Over 10sq ft per bird works well for me and the flock.

Stay safe ... bigz

Our door got froze too many times so the handle won't work.
I just have to put rocks outside of it to keep it shut But while I am inside caring for the birds it is open (with a rock to keep it from opening further) so I can get inside.
Yesterday they took a few steps out and then came back inside. It was 0 but a lot of wind chill.
This morning it was 3 with no windchill and sunny.
I couldn't stop them from going out. Especially not the guineas. Well the cat is out of the bag. It actually feels nice out today. No wind and some sun makes all the difference.

 

[DoodlesDuckies]

I have thought about keeping them inside but they are such a mess with water. Even the smallest amount of water and they will find a way to get it ALL over.

At lunch when I went home everyone was in the same hut, I was kind of shocked. I put water tub just outside the hut so they don't need to go far. This weekend has me a little worried with the even colder temps.

I was curious...does anyone on this thread have Sebastopol Geese? They sure at pretty but not sure with their flowing feathers if they would do well in these parts. I watch a gal on tik tok with 7 of them...just beautiful geese.

 

[Amer]

I have thought about keeping them inside but they are such a mess with water. Even the smallest amount of water and they will find a way to get it ALL over.

At lunch when I went home everyone was in the same hut, I was kind of shocked. I put water tub just outside the hut so they don't need to go far. This weekend has me a little worried with the even colder temps.

I was curious...does anyone on this thread have Sebastopol Geese? They sure at pretty but not sure with their flowing feathers if they would do well in these parts. I watch a gal on tik tok with 7 of them...just beautiful geese.

I know Lund Poultry has them in more Southern WI. Also the Schwandts. I've seen lots of pictures of them in the snow.

 

[babylady4]

During extreme cold (like crazy -20 temps) I mover my ducks indoors; otherwise they had their heated dog bowl available all the time… never mattered to them what the temps were.

Going to put the chickens in lockdown tomorrow morning. Shut all the doors and add some new bedding. My poor roo does not have many points left to lose, and his wattles don’t need any more trimming…. Poor babies……