Search found 6 matches

by PeckingMaster
Tue Mar 04, 2025 11:51 pm
Forum: Health and Wellness
Topic: Could My Pine Shavings Be Making My Chickens Sick?
Replies: 14
Views: 17427

Re: Could My Pine Shavings Be Making My Chickens Sick?

Not all pine shavings are bad, but if they were freshly cut, they might still have a lot of sap and natural chemicals in them. That could definitely be irritating your flock.
by PeckingMaster
Thu Feb 27, 2025 9:30 pm
Forum: Emergency Situations
Topic: Should I Bandage My Chickens Injured Toe?
Replies: 234
Views: 363438

Re: Should I Bandage My Chickens Injured Toe?

If she's pecking at it, a bandage might be a good idea. Otherwise, I'd just monitor and let it heal naturally.
by PeckingMaster
Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:04 pm
Forum: Planning Your Coop
Topic: Choosing a Coop: Ground-Level vs. Raised & Ventilation Concerns
Replies: 7
Views: 28987

Re: Choosing a Coop: Ground-Level vs. Raised & Ventilation Concerns

If rodents are a big concern, you might want to store feed in rodent-proof containers and avoid leaving scraps in the run overnight.
by PeckingMaster
Sun Feb 16, 2025 11:16 am
Forum: Predators and Pests
Topic: Worming a Large Mixed Flock Routine or Only When Needed?
Replies: 15
Views: 413148

Re: Worming a Large Mixed Flock Routine or Only When Needed?

Since you have multiple species, I'd be cautious about blanket worming unless you confirm a need. Some parasites affect certain birds more than others, and overuse of dewormers can lead to resistance. A good approach is to take fresh droppings to a vet for a fecal test,many clinics can check for ...
by PeckingMaster
Fri Feb 14, 2025 3:32 pm
Forum: Selective Breeding
Topic: Breeding My Own Meat Birds Whats the Best Cross?
Replies: 11
Views: 21631

Re: Breeding My Own Meat Birds Whats the Best Cross?

I've tried breeding my own meat birds and found that while they didn't match Cornish Cross in speed, they were much healthier and better for free-ranging.
by PeckingMaster
Fri Jan 31, 2025 5:10 pm
Forum: Choosing Your First Flock
Topic: Which Chicken Breeds Start Laying the Earliest?
Replies: 10
Views: 2958

Re: Which Chicken Breeds Start Laying the Earliest?

If you're in a colder climate, early egg laying can sometimes be delayed.
My Buff Orpingtons didn't start laying until about 20 weeks.
But I think it was because the daylight was decreasing.
If you're hoping for early layers in fall or winter, it might be worth supplementing light to encourage ...