Search found 17 matches

by FowlAfficionado
Tue Mar 04, 2025 10:15 pm
Forum: Health and Wellness
Topic: Injured Pullet With Swollen Hock Seeking Advice
Replies: 8
Views: 19055

Re: Injured Pullet With Swollen Hock Seeking Advice

Given that she's still eating and showing no signs of distress beyond limping, this could just be a bad sprain. Sometimes, injuries take longer to heal than expected. If you can, try gently feeling along the leg to see if she reacts strongly to any particular spot, which might indicate a fracture ...
by FowlAfficionado
Thu Feb 27, 2025 11:42 pm
Forum: Coop Bedding Choices & Care
Topic: How Do I Prevent Moisture Build-Up With the Deep Litter Method?
Replies: 15
Views: 7933

Re: How Do I Prevent Moisture Build-Up With the Deep Litter Method?

Check for leaks or damp spots in your coop. Sometimes moisture builds up from small cracks or gaps you might not notice at first.
by FowlAfficionado
Thu Feb 27, 2025 5:09 pm
Forum: Predators and Pests
Topic: Whats the Weirdest Predator Youve Ever Dealt With?
Replies: 20
Views: 23325

Re: Whats the Weirdest Predator Youve Ever Dealt With?

Our strangest predator was a great horned owl that moved into our barn. It never attacked the chickens, but it kept scaring them off their roosts at night. The poor girls stopped laying for weeks! Eventually, we had to put up owl deterrents and seal off gaps in the barn.
by FowlAfficionado
Thu Feb 20, 2025 8:49 am
Forum: Behavior and Training
Topic: When a Chick Turns Into a Tiny Terror What Should I Do?
Replies: 52
Views: 23494

Re: When a Chick Turns Into a Tiny Terror What Should I Do?

If he's already fixated on fighting, he might always be a bit of a bully. Some cockerels mellow out, others don't. Keep an eye on him!
by FowlAfficionado
Thu Feb 20, 2025 1:55 am
Forum: Brooding Chicks
Topic: Do I Need a Red Heat Bulb for My Brooder? Understanding Heat Sources for Chicks
Replies: 8
Views: 18708

Re: Do I Need a Red Heat Bulb for My Brooder? Understanding Heat Sources for Chicks

Heat plates are best, but red bulbs work. White light can stress chicks.
by FowlAfficionado
Tue Feb 18, 2025 5:37 am
Forum: Planning Your Coop
Topic: Can I Use Alfalfa Hay Instead of Straw for Coop Bedding?
Replies: 17
Views: 12150

Re: Can I Use Alfalfa Hay Instead of Straw for Coop Bedding?

If you're already feeding a high-protein diet, using alfalfa hay as bedding might be overkill. Too much protein can lead to kidney issues in chickens. Maybe mix it with wood shavings to balance it out?
by FowlAfficionado
Tue Feb 18, 2025 2:00 am
Forum: Feeding and Nutrition
Topic: What Happens If Chickens Eat Too Many Fly Larvae?
Replies: 53
Views: 22977

Re: What Happens If Chickens Eat Too Many Fly Larvae?

Yikes, that's a lot of larvae! Chickens love treats, but too many fatty foods can cause some issues. If you notice them being extra sleepy or their droppings seem different than usual, it might be time to cut back on the extra larvae snacks.
by FowlAfficionado
Wed Feb 12, 2025 5:36 am
Forum: The Roost
Topic: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Replies: 231
Views: 24375

Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?

I raised mine together, but I used two separate water stations,one deep for ducks and one shallow for chicks. It worked well, but cleaning was a daily struggle!
by FowlAfficionado
Wed Feb 12, 2025 4:09 am
Forum: Pets and Other Animals
Topic: Aggressive Quail Hen Acting Like a Rooster?!
Replies: 235
Views: 421653

Re: Aggressive Quail Hen Acting Like a Rooster?!

It's rare, but some quail hens do develop aggressive tendencies similar to roosters. It could be genetic, hormonal, or even due to previous experiences. If she's otherwise healthy and not disrupting the flock, I wouldn't worry too much. Just be careful when handling her to avoid unnecessary stress.
by FowlAfficionado
Mon Feb 10, 2025 7:55 am
Forum: Raising Baby Chicks
Topic: Growth Slowdown in 8-Week-Old Chicks Normal or a Concern?
Replies: 234
Views: 20228

Re: Growth Slowdown in 8-Week-Old Chicks Normal or a Concern?

Try fermenting their feed! Some people notice better weight gain and overall health when switching to fermented feed.