Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[Angiebubs]

Have any of you grown and harvested sunflower seeds for the chickens? I have several sunflowers that are dying off and not sure if I should leave them on the stem, cut the heads and keep them somewhere dry, or what?

 

[babylady4]

Cut the heads and put them somewhere safe to dry or the birds and critters will get them.

In IL right now. Hi Kendra!

 

[chikenscratch]

Hi

 

[Angiebubs]

Babylady-At what point do I cut the heads off to dry? Just as the flower petals began to die? When the seeds are fully formed, or?

 

[babylady4]

I would think when the petals start falling off. Or when birds start eating them.....

 

[Terri O]

Yeah I had a bunch growing for my "kids" too...Sometime in late July when we had some heat they all turned brown and by the time I went out to take a look the wild birds had already picked them clean! I guess they have to eat too...Last year I just took the heads and tied them on a rope in the coop for the chickens to play with...didnt take too long and all seed was picked out!

Dam dog got another bird today while I was at work...one of the younger ducks (I think) the body was there and totally plucked...not a spot of blood...maybe I should let him pick roosters for me?

Have a good one! TerriO

 

[cuties]

Ooh Angiebubs, I now want to try to grow our own sfs I will need to hid e a plot in the public land I am sure Brownie and Hunder wo UK ld eat them otherwise! Keep us posted how theh dry.
Miss, what is in Illinois?
I have fixed cats and dogs before. And once saw a very interesting video on a rooster. But would be uncomfortable attempting. But I am very curious to find if he really does not crowmnor if it is lkke when people think if they neuter their dogs they will no longer lift their leg.



Hmmmm wonder what Jim has been up to today..........

 

[cuties]

Almost missd ya! Hi Terri was it Tippie?

 

[WeatheredWings]

The past 5 springs,until this one, I tilled up the outline of a square, but leave a couple feet untilled(doorway) on 1 side. Then I sow sunflower seeds in thick so that when they grow up my children had a little sunflower fort! They loved it and so did the birds! I have a picture of the kids with daddy's big baggy shirts on and they were painting in the sunflower fort. Sweet memory!

 

[Angiebubs]

People in the know on the "Caponizing" thread say yes. And of course I myself have to rely on someone who does know.


Don't tell you chicken, but mine had chicken and left over rice for breakfast.

I have heard of people having success with roosters using this:
http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/New-No-Crow-Rooster-Collar-c89.aspx