Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[irishrovr]

Gorgeous day! I hope you are all enjoying the outdoors!

I'm keeping the chickaroos in the coop and the rifle in the trunk today until I hear back from the DNR warden. One of my chicken neighbors recommended him (he's also a neighbor) to me as one who could help rid me of the predator. He reportedly has all manner of traps and is pretty good at getting them.

I moved the littles out to the chicken tractor in the back yard for the afternoon. They should be plenty safe. They are enjoying the grass and the sunshine! The hubs promised to hook up the heat lamp in the tractor so I can keep them out there for the rest of the season. Trekking up and down the stairs with chicks and puckie is getting pretty old.

 

[Firstchic]

Hey, I have no pond on my property but could I use a large kiddy pool for ducks and do they eat chicken food and do they have to be penned up. Thanks for the answers.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

You can use a kiddie pool but you'll want to clean it often.

There is an all flock type feed but you can feed chicken feed also. Just watch the protein intake, too much can cause angel wing.

If you want them safe from predators you'll want to at least pen them up at night.

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Also...for ducklings avoid the medicated chick starter.

 

[irishrovr]

Also...for ducklings avoid the medicated chick starter.

That leads me to ask something I've been wondering about - what is the advantage/disadvantage of using medicated chick starter? Anyone have any opinions?

 

[birdman55]

alot of people looking for an organic product will not use medicated feed...and some people want birds to build a natural resistance to disease....i have medicated feed, non gmo feed, non medicated feed...you just kindof wing it and see what the bird responds the best to...atleast that is what i do....alot of time i will mix the feeds, and mix in boss.....black sunflower seed

 

[BayBay Peepers]

That leads me to ask something I've been wondering about - what is the advantage/disadvantage of using medicated chick starter? Anyone have any opinions?

I was told by other duck owners that the "medication" in the feed is too high for ducklings. I use regular feed just because of the fact that I have a mixed flock. So far (knock on wood) it hasn't been an issue.

 

[bigzio]

Afternoon all and a dandy one as can be....I use and prefer the poultry ration sold at Magee Feeds in Embarrass..it is 18% protein and my birds do well with that feed..it is half the price of commercial layer...this is for layers and not chicks.

Good luck with the dnr Irish..hope they can give yo some help.

bigz


OOPs forgot about the wire under the tractor...you will need welded wire and 1x2 works well for the ability to still feed and not fall through when moved....deck screws with a washer works fine or the simple poultry staple or larger will get er done.

 

[Firstchic]

Thanks for the info on feed and wire. I have decided not to wire the bottom of the coop. My son and I will just have to move it after the girls have gone to roost. We will be putting up a fence in May that will be quite large so the coop at that point will just sit in one spot. Any advice/help is welcome.

 

[chikenscratch]

WOW, I finally caught up. I've got to stop with the huge time gaps before checking in each time. I used to be on here daily, but life has gotten to me! Ugh!

TerriO-sorry to hear about Tommy! However, my DH will be happy to sleep in a bit each Bash morning

Welcome to all of the newbies. I can't believe how many have joined! And yes, we do hope to see all of you (including the kiddos-willing or not...the teenagers) at the Bash May 29-31. For the newbies: tent, RV, in your car, or "cabin" camping are available. The "cabin" is bunk beds in 2 shared rooms, indoor bathrooms (complete with running water & hot showers) are also shared. The kitchen is equipped with all cooking items & stove/toaster/fridge/sink/and I think microwave(?), but we all bring our own food. There is one communal meal, so please bring a dish to share. We do have many GF families, so if you are GF you won't be alone! There is a fire pit if you'd like to cook outdoors as well. Also, we have a white elephant and a raffle. If you'd like to participate in either please bring a wrapped gift for the white elephant and a non-wrapped gift for the raffle (plus cash to buy raffle tickets-we always seem to forget to bring cash!)

Bigz-please remind me of the cost for the window. I know that you posted it months ago, but there is no way I'll find it.

Life here is pretty good. We just had to dig up, clean out and rebury parts of our septic tank as it had gummed up and started to pool water. I mean raw sewage! YUCK! We will be looking into surgery for Theo's knee. He does well with the shifting knee cap, but he has times where it pinches so bad that he refuses for a few minutes to even get up. Now that it is warm, we have the perfect opportunity. Chickens and rabbits and all others are well. We did have to put a cat to sleep a bit ago. Kids are all OK, I guess. The girls are not with us anymore as the grass is greener at their other parents house, but Ryan is keeping us company for now. I'm actually seeing that there might be a silver lining in the kids leaving and the options are endless (like moving to an area without worrying about school districts). Work is really busy as we are nearing the final stage of construction. Bleh!