in nature, the outside humidity is not dry. My hen hatches give me a high percentage of hatch from viability. And splayed legs frequently come from slippery surfaces. It’s related to environment more than humidity; don’t let it get slippery and wet. My chicks are on a wooden floor with straw.
The most useful and sensitive article on reading a rooster that I’ve come across yet. Thank you! It will help me realistically assess my own capabilities and that of any animal I have.
Personally, I agree. You have not owned chickens for long. Increasing your hen number just for a rooster will mean a lot of extra feed to buy and excess eggs. Calculate how many a day you now eat or use. Who eats eggs in your family now and how often a week? We found 1 hen (or less) per person...
You might want to create a “no go” zone around your back legs and back. Because they approach from behind. Just use someone facing you to alert you to the approach. Use your voice to warn of the invisible boundary. Create test or training situations and work on one goal at a time. You’ve trained...
I actually had a border collie, who had this problem and constantly did it to my mother. I saw a vet and he suggested that I desex him and do some behaviour training with him. This included negative reinforcement through growling menacing, ignoring or tying up when he exhibited nipping...
God bless you, Jared. Often dogs are the closest we come to God’s unconditional Love. It sometimes helps after a period of grieving to resolve to buy a new pet, unlike the other. That way you don’t feel you are replacing him but have a new buddy to love you and get to know. Resolve to give them...
My experience on mixing birds is that younger ones adjust to each other better.
Do it gradually- as you are.
My experience is with deep straw in nest boxes. I love to reuse it on the garden.
I have seen sand used. It has to be coarse or at least medium grain to avoid inhalation I have read...
Kerry, we totally relate to your obsession! I had 6 kids and the youngest is now 12. Hence new baby chicks fill that gap. You sound like you are doing a great job! I would watch your dogs though as it sounds like they weren’t brought up with the chicks. If they can find a way to conquer and...
It can take a lifetime but God never gives up and so we unceasingly pray: if not for this lost lamb or prodigal son, for another. And also for each other; for we too easily fall and are in constant need of grace.