In hotter climates, you build for the heat, and adapt for the cold.
This photo is of my hoop coops in “winter“ mode.
Tarps on the tops only. Opaque plastic on the back (north) side and below the tarps, screwed down with wood strips. Open on the front (south) side. When Texas froze in...
Remove the dividers from your nest boxes and let them have all of the room. They will still crowd together some, but they will not get as hot, and eggs will have a better chance of not getting broken. You can still scatter some fake eggs in other parts of the bigger nest box to encourage them...
I separated all my hormonal boys from the pullets. The girls and I appreciated it, but now the boys are fighting among themselves.
I know which boys I want to keep, but it is too hot to ship my “seconds” or take them to the feed store to sell. I do not need 17 Spitzhauben roosters!
It sounds awful, but we chop the head off. With a chick, you can even use a pair of shears or scissors. It is fast and painless.
When we first had chickens, I read about using engine starter fluid because it has ether in it. Soak a rag in starter fluid, put it in a bucket, put the chick in...
I do not post as often as I used to, but I do follow posts that are close to my heart (or are about Spitzhaubens).
I am very sorry for your loss, and I understand how hard it is.
Several years ago I posted this on another forum. I go back and read it to myself every once in a while as a...
I have a waiting list right now, but I believe there are some Spitzhauben breeders in your area on the Appenzeller Spitzhaubens Around the World Facebook group. Ask to join, and I will approve your membership. What is your FB name?
Oh my gosh!
I am so glad for the update, Cynthia. I am happy to hear you are still active with your animals, but sorry to hear your husband is not feeling as well.
I miss the old days with BYC, and the old friends. But sometimes you have to slow down and take a side path.
However, chickens...
We Spitz breeders have worked for years to get the Polish poofy crest out of the Spitz genes.
I used to raise Gold Brabanters, and I worked on the same issue. It would be better to keep the Polish out of the equation and just work with Spitz/Brabanter cross to produce a nice chamois Brabanter.
I have pooper scooped my coops every day or every other day for as long as I have had chickens, which is 18 years. I always wear a mask. If I have to catch my chickens for worming, moving or anything else that is going to stir up dust, I wear a mask.
I cannot imagine how sick I would get if I...
Robin,
I am so glad you were interviewed. It is amazing how you know someone for a long time, but don't really know them.
It was great to know more about you !
Hey, Cyn,
I loved reading your interview and going down memory lane with you and your chickens. I remember them all from when I was more active with BYC. It is so hard to lose the favorites. I also have a retirement home and hospice for my older birds. Two of my original birds are 12 years...