BarredBuff's Homesteading Shenanigans

[Denim Deb]

I don't use wood chips or a red brooder bulb either. So, I won't tell if you don't tell. Oh, and other than medicated feed, I've never done any kind of medication for the chicks. And, I don't even always use the medicated feed.

 

[BarredBuff]

It'll be our little secret...

Wood chips are a disaster........IMO

 

[Henrietta23]

What do you use instead of chips? I've had nightmares with chicks eating them..... nothing bad ever happened but the shear worry of it almost killed me. I don't use a red brooder bulb either.

 

[BarredBuff]

Hay. They mash it down after getting down there. They dont get the waterer clgged with chips this way nor do they destroy the feed with chips. Much better out come..........

 

[Henrietta23]

Hay. They mash it down after getting down there. They dont get the waterer clgged with chips this way nor do they destroy the feed with chips. Much better out come..........

Ah! I'd read not to use straw. (Can't remember why-haven't brooded chicks in two years). Is hay different or do you just ignore the "warnings" because you've found it works better? Not arguing, just curious!

 

[BarredBuff]

I dont like straw because its so thick but hay is softter and easier to use. Any warnings on BYC are usually just the opposite. For instance I never worm the birds, never. I have never had problems either. Scratch also does not warm them up, that is a myth. ALL food warm them up. I never give them grit. Even when they were cooped up 24 7. They did fine even with treats and scrath regualry. Other hens also do not kill chicks hatched by other hens. They dont. If they get near they get whipped.

 

[Wannabefree]

I dont like straw because its so thick but hay is softter and easier to use. Any warnings on BYC are usually just the opposite. For instance I never worm the birds, never. I have never had problems either. Scratch also does not warm them up, that is a myth. ALL food warm them up. I never give them grit. Even when they were cooped up 24 7. They did fine even with treats and scrath regualry. Other hens also do not kill chicks hatched by other hens. They dont. If they get near they get whipped.

I don't like straw either. I do worm ocassionally if/when I notice an issue, but never solely as a precaution. Corn is better for them in winter I have noticed, but it's not like it is a huge difference, but it is to the wallet Other hens killing chicks...can't say one way or another, but I know broodies are meaner than a rattlesnake with a headache!

 

[savingdogs]

I'll have to try hay next time. It sounds like a good solution.

 

[kcsunshine]

Good luck with the speech, little barred dude!

 

[TanksHill]

BB, so when you use hay with the meaties how hard is it to scoop the poop form the brooder?? From reading all the tales around here I am under the impression you need to scoop the poop on a regular basis.

The speech sounds scary to me. Good luck!

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