Recent content by SituationalLefty

totally comprehensive about the science of chickens' natural eating instincts and how to meet their needs economically and in a way that is satisfying. So @Perris, I'm guessing retired botanist - ?

dawn is coming earlier and the birds are starting to sing

I'm also in for pullets rather than cockerels.

French. There are so many places where you can use it. Same for Spanish.

When chicken people measure egg-laying capacity, they sometimes talk about "longevity of lay." This means that certain breeds of chickens may be more likely to lay regularly into their 5th, 6th, or 7th years. So if you raise these breeds, you might have better luck getting ladies that will lay...

Amazing. Michael's ability to improvise and use old stuff is inspiring. I like the "I'd rather be flying" bumper sticker - took me a minute to get it. As did the name "Maurice," which we Americans pronounce differently. I'd love to see some pictures of Michael cutting the car in two - and...

Update: by 9 PM last night she was all better. I’m so grateful for this forum. Thanks for all of you who responded.

I didn't think of trying to look into her throat. Will do now.

I've had her since she was a chick, and the rest of the brood have been with her since day 1. They are 26 weeks and in lay. She has no symptoms of respiratory issues. She's walking around foraging and meanwhile mooing and occasionally giving out a squeak or a hiccup. Interesting that she...

Can anyone explain these growling noises? She's not broody, there aren't any threats, she has eaten anything weird today. Thanks for your help.

My grandfather used to say "Whistling girls and crowing hens Always come to bad ends." I'm one of those whistling girls, so I'm rooting for your hen. So far I have avoided the bad end thing!

Isn't it great when you find out that you get Easter eggs instead of supermarket white?

great comprehensive resource for the site

We have a brown leghorn, Bucket, who is 18 weeks, and has been laying small green eggs for a week and a half now. Of our 6 hens, she has been one of the first two to come into lay, and at first we thought the eggs were just freak "getting started" eggs. But now we have a bunch of them, and...

Yikes. I hadn't thought of that. The roofing nails are pretty sturdy, but your idea is a good one.