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Barnyard Buddies:  All Things Chickens  |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 05 2010 : 1:23:16 PM
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oh kris congratulations. isnt it a fun thing to see new life come. what a miracle it is. even chickens are good moms. so happy for you. are the cows staying in? hope all is well. still no new babies here yet. must be 21st of this month. we shall see. happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2010 : 4:13:54 PM
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They are cute when they're little. I went to check on them when I got home just now and one popped it's head out from under mom but stayed put. Just that cute little orange head poking out. I wish I had a really good camera to get that shot. Still don't know how many have hatched yet. I will know in a few days when I put them in a bigger cage. And yep, the girls are being good so far. I have got to harvest the sunflowers. They are blocking my view of that pasture and I can hardly see the cowgirls.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2010 : 6:01:17 PM
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Oh, how exciting... I can just picture the sweet one peaking out but still aware that MOM is the safe spot.
I have been so busy here getting ready for winter and painting the outside of all the out buildings and the parts of the log home that are not logs that I have not gotten to posting. I have taken some pictures of the growing gals and hope to post soon. I sure hope we get to see your sweet one's Kris..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Oct 05 2010 : 7:53:34 PM
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That little chickie is smart! She knows where it's warm. It's supposed to be around 43 tonight here. And that is one fluffy momma! She is huge! I will let ya'll know how many she has when I can see them all. Right now they are all safe and warm and tucked in for the night.
Grace, you are one busy lady. Do you do all the work there yourself? No wonder we don't see you around much. You are probably exhausted when you finally come inside.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2010 : 12:02:22 PM
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5 chicks as of today. I checked the other 3 eggs. 1 was bad so threw it way out in the field. The other 2 were still warm and didn't jiggle so she put them back under. The 5 cuties are so stinkin' adorable. All fluffly and yellow-orange.
I have 2 other hens that want to go broody. Again. I am having a hard time keeping them out of nest. It's just getting too cold for more chicks right now. And it seems like when hens go broody the other hens get all out of whack and stop laying too.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
Edited by - kristin sherrill on Oct 06 2010 12:03:56 PM |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2010 : 6:04:12 PM
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Kris I sure do all the work myself - besides I am a bit of a perfectionist and so I just have no one to blame but myself. Today I did not get to paint - hands where to soar so I got back to work on the fiber business paperwork and such.
I did get some pictures of the chicks and will post tonight or tomorrow.
Question, my black hen has been hopping into their area of the coop and eating the chick starter - there is nothing that will hurt her, right??? So far she is not hurting them - I am waiting for the day when the chicks figure out that they out number her...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2010 : 6:38:22 PM
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if she is not the mom she can turn in an instant and kill them grace. we have been doing chickens for almost 20 yrs. i would not risk it. just a thought sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2010 : 06:45:16 AM
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Grace- You don't want the hens eating the chick starter if it is medicated. The medication will be transfered to their eggs. If you are worried about it then you can change the chicks food to a flock raiser or all purpose food.
LIllian |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Oct 07 2010 : 4:00:53 PM
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I didn't think about the medicated feed. But if your hen is not laying it should be ok. Since mine just hatched chicks, they are not laying either. But my starter feed isn't medicated.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 07:25:48 AM
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Nope not medicated so that question is answered. Here is another - at what age can the chicks be eating regular feed? I found two had gotten over to the hens side last night and was eating her laying feed. I am running low on the chick food and was wondering which feed to pick up this weekend. Many thanks.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 07:36:09 AM
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i usually go by the bird. when they are getting all feathered out i change. it takes extra protein to grow feathers. the starter is higher protein count. chicks are so cute. i have 7 from 2 batches. they are ready to be out protected. they are a mix bird.lol the last 3 that are growing went to regular fast. i like having it simple to feed. all my animals are on some sort of auto feed program. water is the same. if i have a rough night no one will starve if i am late to do chores.everything here has to revolove around my feel good. its just how it is. so long story sorry i say 2 months if feathered out. happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 10:46:04 AM
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I have 50 boys that are going to the freezer in a month, they were on chick starter for only 6 days. That is how long it took them to go through the bag. After that they went to a standard flock raiser. When I get a new batch of girls (25 at a time) they are allowed to go through 1 bag of chick starter (about 2 weeks) then they go an a flock raiser until they are 16 weeks and I switch them to a layer mix. Never had any problems here. I do start introducing them to scraps about 4 weeks old and they finally figure out that it is good stuff around 6 weeks of age.
Lillian |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2010 : 11:43:35 AM
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Grace, if your hen is eating laying mash I would try to keep the young chicks out of that. I don't feed layer feed til they are at least 5 months. But I won't be feeding any of mine layer feed now because there are so many different ages. And they lay without it anyway.
I have been letting the 2 mommas with the 5 chicks out every day. They go right back in at night. I think the hen with 3 chicks has 1 hen and 2 roos. And the other momma has 2 and I think they are both hens. The little game chick is SO small. Like a bird small compared to all the others. It's so cute. Just like a very mini chicken. And such a scardy chick too. Oh my goodness, if I get too close to her she freaks out.
And I put the new momma and her 5 little fluffy chicks out there in the coop with the others but they are in a big cage. She'll stay in the cage til the chicks are at least 4-6 weeks old. They are all Buff chicks.
Sometimes I catch the turkeys chasing the chicks. But not much. I was just out there with all of them feeding them bread. The turkeys ate from my hand.
It's a beautiful day here. It was 81 earlier. Probably a little warmer now.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Shery Jespersen
True Blue Farmgirl
115 Posts
Shery
Upton
Wyoming
USA
115 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2010 : 08:10:03 AM
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Oh you're going to have fun. There is a massive amount of information online...all you need to know. Basic chicken care is simple. Keep it simple. Keeping them healthy isn't hard. Raising babies is simple too...just follow a few basics, #1 keeping them warm. Make sure they have enough room too. Beyond these things, all you'll need to know is online. Copy details in an MSWord document and print them out for yourself. There are gobs of books on the basics, but you sure don't need a voluminous book on keeping and having healthy chickens.
I like the old-timey heirloom breeds from which all the production breeds came from. As a general rule, they're hardier and certainly prettier (if that matters to you). Chicken temperaments vary GREATLY. I don't like the flighty sort and by asking around, you can easily find out which breeds tend toward that sort of behavior. A lot of breeds are nervous and skittish. I like "people chickens" and if you get the right breeds to work with, that kind of calm and friendly behavior can be enhanced tenfold by handling them a LOT when they are babies. By handling, I mean taking the time to hold them long enough for them to be comforted, warmed by your hands, falling asleep. Feeding them from you hands is paramount - an eyedropper with a watery gruel made of the starter and add just a little sugar. The payoff later is a "home flock" of hens you can truly enjoy and hens who LIKE you. I know that matters little to some folks, but to me...I want more from my pretty girls than just eggs. We visit, they linger, they sing to me and follow me around when I do other chores. Mine are free-range birds and the advantage of handling them is really important in this case because you can actually "herd" you birds Pied Piper style.
Anyway, there are gobs of fun breeds to choose from. Meyer Hatchery is another big one with a good reputation. I've gotten mine from for many years at a local feed store because the owner is a poultry judge and will place special orders for me. We live in a remote area in the north and its real iffy to get babies delivered here in a timely way. My source is just a mile from her local airport. I then drive over to pick them up. This past spring I wanted to get Buckeyes, but the Hatchery overbooked. So, I opted to get Welsummers and Barred Marans. I'm happy with both. The Welsummers are very active and they were fast growers. The Marans hens are delightfully mellow and extremely gentle and friendly. They're just beginning to lay now. Buckeyes are very dark red like Rhode Island Reds. They are relatively rare. They have very good personalities, even the roosters...calm, very friendly, cold hardy, good layers and they multi-purpose birds. I'll place my order earlier next time. I want some Buckeyes!
Good luck with your hen venture. Having happy little hens is an earthy kind of pleasing therapy.
Farmgirl Sister #753
Ranch Farmgirl http://rfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org
My Blog http://reataroseranch.blogspot.com/ |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2010 : 12:40:55 PM
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Had the first blowing of a bit of snow this morning which got me thinking I will need to change the way I water with the larger number of mouths in the coop. I am wondering how you all water your chickens during the winter??? Since the largest number I have ever had was 8 the increase of girls makes me wonder how to keep the water flowing....
So how do you all do it???
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 25 2010 : 1:09:55 PM
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hi girls, i love my hens too. i am moving mine to a different barn. for their water i have a heater that the water tank sits on. its made specifically to hold a chicken waterer. the galvanized can type.
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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CascadeFootHillsFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
133 Posts
Stephanie
Granite Falls
Wa.
USA
133 Posts |
Posted - Oct 28 2010 : 11:40:41 AM
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Thank you Sherry for mentioning what you use. I will look into it.
I love my hens. The dominique's are chatter boxes and the buff orp is the best little layer.
We just put a light in the coop last night and we'll be turning the tractor tonight with their door facing our home so we can peek at them from the house! I can't wait. Last night all 6 were roosting, usually our roo and his special friend hang out below the girls on their house floor.
We get these huge eggs everyonce in a while that have 2 yolks. Never saw that before!
"A cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle." Irish Quote |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 29 2010 : 07:44:24 AM
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I had one hen who that is all she layed was double yolks - what a trooper..
We have had very cold temps at night and the young hens are not sure what to make of it. When I come into the coop in the morning they all run to me and are talking a mile a minute as if to say "Hey, Mom turn that warm temp back up" I switched to small rubberized bowls to put their water in - I can pop out the ice and fill with warm water - that is what I did when the numbers where low and once I get to town I will look at the heated base.
Here is another question.. Has anyone ever had a hen that had a crooked neck? I have one sweet one who an expert said had broke it's neck in transit but has healed and now has it's head facing the right all the time.. She eats well, drinks just fine and she has a circle of girlfriends who watch over her. No one is picking on her but I just wondered if this is something common or strange. You know me I will love her dearly and watch over her but just wondered if she will have special needs.. Heck, I have so many SPECIAL NEEDS darlings here over the years it is more common then not but just want to be prepared. Again, nothing about this in any of the dozen chicken books sitting on my shelf.
Thanks in advance
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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coloquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Susan
Co
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2010 : 10:46:48 AM
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Hi Ladies,
I need a little chicken advise. My Hen Lucy is struggling a bit this week. she is alert and happy, talkative as ever but she cant seem to walk very well. Her legs and wings are floppy.
She eats and drinks well, her poop looks normal, breathing is good. When she tries to walk her legs dont seem to be strong and she drags her wings to support them. The other chickens are fine, no one is picking on her, as a matter of fact they almost seem to be protecting her. I have one aggressive rooster and when he comes near her the other hens , especially her best friend Ethel gather around her .
What do you think ? |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2010 : 5:46:29 PM
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I am no expert but once I had a hen do that - she had gotten smacked in the head by one of the geese who had gotten into their coop - this only lasted for about a day and then was right as rain. How long has this condition shown itself???
I hope your sweet one will be on the mend soon and a big high five for those girls watching over her....
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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highlandviewpantry
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
WV
USA
214 Posts |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2010 : 09:54:43 AM
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Congrat's on everything back into full swing.
Just got back from the hen house and boy oh boy can they kick up the dust... This is the first time I am using shavings (untreated) because everyone was saying they where getting lice in their straw. Here is my new question - is the shavings creating the layer of almost like concrete dust in my coop or could it be something else??? I have had hens in this coop for 14 years now and this is the first time that everyday I am wiping down all the equipment, nesting boxes and lamps. Or could it just be because of the increased number of hens???
By the way I think there are two more roo's - before they could stop themselves I heard two more distinct crowing patterns. Not happy but what is a gal to do and don't say "STEW".
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2010 : 2:29:55 PM
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well howdy farmgirls, i use shavings and i do have dust but i think its normal. so could be your extra hens.i also use a lot of DE and it can pack some. i use it in the shavings in the nest boxes. iuse it in the floor of the coop and in their dust bath areas. no worms no lice or mites that way. they also eat it in kitchen scraps plus i worm my birds with live raw apple cider venegar. i also use the apple cider vinegar by heinz food for their water trough. it inhibits algae and is good for the birds, they dont now the difference. i want to say it must be a plastic waterer for vinegar. we use 50 gallon colored barrels with a water cup on the bottom. we moved 150 chickens today. i am ready for a bath and a nap before milking belle this eve. it was a gentle day weather wise. i had help today. she is a go getter. her name is lisa. she helped with all the birds. then we moved the 2 bucks where the chickens were for now. oh i HATE their stink. they are so temporary.lol grace i am so glad you are having fun with your birds. kris sure has enjoyed her turkeys this year too. for me its all about cow for now. i bet i have no one pregnant. they are FAT lol happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2010 : 3:56:32 PM
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Susan, how is your chicken today? I just read all these posts and saw some with questions. Have you checked the books? Or Googled it? I find all kinds of info on Google. Plus the ladies here are very smart about so much. I have never had these problems with mine before. Except one with a crooked beak. She was the sweetest hen. She didn't live to the egg laying stage though.
Is it getting cold out west? It's freezing cold here already. Down in the 30's at night. Tonight and tomorrow in the very low 30's and 20's. Not looking forward to that at all. Then next week back up in the 70's. I have a heat lamp in the milk room for the dogs and cats. I just fixed them a place in there. And I put plastic up in the turkey coop and momma hen and chick coop too. The turkeys do not like this cold. The mommas can keep the chicks warm, thank goodness. So it's nice and toasty in those coops. Then the rest of the flock roosts in trees and the fence out in the open. Silly birds. I also put up plastic in the goat barn to keep off the wind. So I hope we are ready for the cold winter.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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coloquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
214 Posts
Susan
Co
USA
214 Posts |
Posted - Nov 05 2010 : 10:53:41 PM
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Hello All
Lucy is unchanged. It's been just about a week.She eats and drinks well, she is happy and talkitive and poop is normal. I am beginning to think she was injured somehow,but I cant'find any tender places She is content to sit by the food and water and during the warm afternoon I carry her outside in the sun then as it cools off I carry her back to the coop. She seems to be able to walk 3 or 4 feet. Since she isnt outside as much I have started to add some grit to her food.I have read several books trying to diagnose her, but havent found anything like this. I guess as long as she is happy and not in any discomfort I will just continue on .
I am thinking of getting her one of those protective vests. I don't want that darn rooster picking at her.Anyone ever made one before?
Susan |
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Barnyard Buddies: All Things Chickens |
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All Things Chickens
