JFlorio Loc: Seminole Florida

My Great Uncle had hundreds of chickens. One thing I remember is the hens always picked out one and pecked the devil out of it. My uncle use to mix Vaseline and cayenne pepper and rub it over the wound so the other hens would lay off. I was just a little kid so my only other Memory was seeing one run all over with no head. Scared the crap out of me.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

There are plenty of books on chickens and our neighbor has about 35 of them. If you are going free range, secure from predators, but capable of running around one of the darker colored breeds works best, as the hawks cannot see them as well. He has Welsomers, which are winter hardy because they are loose feathered so they stay warmer. The hens are not aggressive and usually lay five eggs a week, for around four years. Unless you want to raise the next generation DO NOT GET ROOSTERS as they
can be aggressive. One of his attacked his grandson, and another met its end by attacking the lawn mower. He doesn't heat the barn because they share it with around 12 goats which keep the hens warm. The hens eat the bugs, like ticks off the goats, and also eat the fleas and ticks that people and dogs can get, great pest control. His also have k**led a number of newly hatched copperheads. They also lay extra large dark brown eggs. Because they are free range they have dark yellow yolks on the eggs and the eggs are very tasty. They need scratch feed, a mineral suppliment, and a good all purpose crumble. If they are confined they probably need a laying mash as well. Order chicks early but don't have them mailed until the middle of May. you will still need a heat lamp for them but not for as long a time. If the hatchery offers chicks that have been inoculated at day one, spend the extra few cents per chick to do it, it cuts down on loss. They should be handled enough o they can be picked up and not run away from you. throw out the scratch feed while you can watch them to make sure they are eating. That also teaches them to come to you in case you have a reason to pen them or put them in the coop or barn. Make sure they have lots of water, shade outside and that the waterer has a heater on it for the winter. Talk to your local tractor supply store that sells chicks and supplies to find out what you need. his suggestion was to get your chicks direct from the hatchery not from the feed store, as they have had less stress that way. You are also welcome to PM me in addition to B****sheep. Both of us will be happy to help (B****sheep, you offered so I assume I am not being too presumptuous)

Rufus Loc: Deep South

My Mom is 75 and will not eat chicken. When she was a little girl she thought the chickens were her pets. But then she saw one get its neck wrung and cooked up for dinner. Just for the fun of it I Googled, " chicken prayer. " There are a bunch of funny chicken prayer videos for whoever is not too chicken to look. :lol: :lol: :lol: Shalom.

PoppaGringo Loc: Muslim City, Mexifornia, B.R.

I wasn't aware of your experience and knowledge about chickens. You apparently have a lot of both. Your telling brought back many memories of the times spent on my grandparents farm. I especially liked your solution to a pesky rooster. :lol:

PoppaGringo Loc: Muslim City, Mexifornia, B.R.

I hope my attempt at a bit of levity doesn't detract from the seriousness of the discussion. It most assuredly was not meant as a deflection.

Blacksheep

I was raised in the city but born a country boy. Built my own homes, had big gardens, all that stuff. and yeah, I was thinking that. All the advice is getting buried in other comments.

PoppaGringo Loc: Muslim City, Mexifornia, B.R.

I do apologize for not adhering to the theme of the thread. :oops:

missinglink Loc: Tralfamadore

A good way to live. I was city raised with summers on my grandparents farm. Loved it. The food was the best. Hard work, good fishing, more hard work followed by more great meals made for a wonderful days end. Deep sleep was never hard to find.
Occasionally neighbors would help one another with laying back the corn or Moccasin removal from freshly formed small ponds across pastures an much more.
Life was good.
I was blessed.

Rufus Loc: Deep South

Aaah, levity shlevity. Vhat, You vant that I should be serious? i am still disturbed that Archie has all those hammers. Maybe he uses them to k**l chickens. Shalom.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

When the chicks arrive put them on newspapers. Choose the most left wing ones you can find, as the chick will crap on them, and they you will have political chickens, the best of both worlds.

JFlorio Loc: Seminole Florida

Apt description of Washington D.C.

RockKnutne Loc: Valhöll

And all this time I thought you were the expert on chicks...

Excuse me, I have to ask Loki a serious question.

Hello PG, how are ya today?

PoppaGringo Loc: Muslim City, Mexifornia, B.R.

Just tolerable...

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

Maybe this will help. I, again, stole food the the guy's mouths. Again, they are unaware. It was freezing on the front porch last night. Hopefully, a postal visit will occur this week. 8-) :idea:

RockKnutne Loc: Valhöll

Lo que está mal?

Nothing I hope?