Search found 15 matches

by FeatheredDreamer
Tue Mar 04, 2025 7:36 pm
Forum: Getting Started with Backyard Chickens
Topic: Do I Need a License to Ship Fertile Chicken Eggs?
Replies: 6
Views: 15355

Re: Do I Need a License to Ship Fertile Chicken Eggs?

A good first step is to call your state's agriculture office. They can tell you whether NPIP or other permits are required for legal shipping.
by FeatheredDreamer
Thu Feb 27, 2025 8:30 pm
Forum: The Roost
Topic: Best Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds for Backyard Chickens?
Replies: 12
Views: 23423

Re: Best Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds for Backyard Chickens?

Kangals are brilliant and powerful. Socialize early, and they'll treat your flock like their own.
by FeatheredDreamer
Sun Feb 23, 2025 4:34 pm
Forum: Incubation Tips & Guidance
Topic: Hatching Store-Bought Eggs Need Advice!
Replies: 15
Views: 220119

Re: Hatching Store-Bought Eggs Need Advice!

The key thing is to let the eggs reach room temperature before putting them in the incubator. Sudden temperature changes can reduce viability. Hope you get some chicks!
by FeatheredDreamer
Sat Feb 22, 2025 2:02 am
Forum: Lessons Learned
Topic: A Hard Lesson in Calcium
Replies: 8
Views: 19931

Re: A Hard Lesson in Calcium

Glad you caught it in time! I had no idea soft eggs could lead to egg binding. It's amazing how small mistakes can teach such big lessons in chicken keeping!
by FeatheredDreamer
Thu Feb 20, 2025 2:35 pm
Forum: Getting Started with Backyard Chickens
Topic: Counting Down to Spring Hatch Excited for These Breeds!
Replies: 13
Views: 419973

Re: Counting Down to Spring Hatch Excited for These Breeds!

That's a really well-rounded selection of breeds! You'll get a great variety of egg colors, feather patterns, and personalities. I've found that Swedish Flower Hens are some of the best free-rangers, while Marans and Legbars are more content staying close to the coop. If you're looking for a low ...
by FeatheredDreamer
Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:47 am
Forum: Incubation Tips & Guidance
Topic: Understanding the Impact of Humidity on Developing Chicks During Incubation
Replies: 16
Views: 14764

Re: Understanding the Impact of Humidity on Developing Chicks During Incubation

A lot depends on egg shell porosity. Some eggs lose moisture faster than others, so what works for one batch may not work for another. Checking air cell growth is the best way to adjust.
by FeatheredDreamer
Thu Feb 13, 2025 11:03 am
Forum: Behavior and Training
Topic: 4 Year Old Hens Not Laying After Molt and Cold Spell, Should I Be Worried?
Replies: 232
Views: 28563

Re: 4 Year Old Hens Not Laying After Molt and Cold Spell, Should I Be Worried?

Could she be laying somewhere hidden? If she's acting like she wants to lay but you aren't finding eggs, she might have a secret nest.
by FeatheredDreamer
Wed Feb 12, 2025 2:24 pm
Forum: Flock Journals
Topic: Harvesting Armyworms: Turning a Pest into Poultry Gold
Replies: 236
Views: 38134

Re: Harvesting Armyworms: Turning a Pest into Poultry Gold

Have you considered turning them into insect meal? Dry them out (sun, oven, or dehydrator), then grind them into a powder to mix with feed. That way, no mess and easy storage!
by FeatheredDreamer
Tue Feb 11, 2025 7:40 pm
Forum: Feeding and Nutrition
Topic: Chicks Keep Getting Soaked, Waterer Mystery!
Replies: 235
Views: 37701

Re: Chicks Keep Getting Soaked, Waterer Mystery!

Chicks can be surprisingly strong when they all push against something! Maybe try placing the waterer on a small elevated platform to prevent tipping.
by FeatheredDreamer
Tue Feb 11, 2025 1:29 pm
Forum: Brooding Chicks
Topic: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?
Replies: 232
Views: 25655

Re: Concerned About Chicks with Curled Toes, What Should I Do?

Did you notice any curled toes right after hatch? Sometimes chicks are born with it, and it corrects itself as they grow. But if it's getting worse, you might want to help splint them.