Little stuff around the homestead
The chickens have been without scratch for several weeks but today I got a 50lb bag of it to mix with their regular food. Yes scratch is essentially empty calories but it has lots of corn and seeds mixed in to generate warmth. Delilah needs it as she is quite low on feathers. I put them away early so they could make some heat inside the coop. Stirring up the shavings that are wet also make heat but not the right kind of course. Good thing they have lots of air to breathe!
Too bad the wormy shavings can't be used but that is ok as chickens make enough poo to make up for the temporary loss. What I am really concerned about is the ongoing worm problem. I've made it hard for them to get worse in Betty but they are still there. Some hard internet readings had me almost convinced to use chemicals on the chickens which means their eggs have to be thrown out. A real waste even though they are only putting out 2-3 eggs a day due to four being in molt. Only Betty seems to have them overall but I think either Delilah or Ebony has some as well. So almost convinced to use chemicals I did some more digging on herbal remedies because what a waste it is to throw out eggs due to man made chemicals which cause more problems than they solve in some cases.
Chickens are usually discarded as temporary animals with no use other than eggs or meat. My girls are pets but like my current pets I do not want to put stuff in them I wouldn't take myself. I found that Wormwood in the water doesn't work because it is bitter and they won't drink it. Raw Apple cider vinegar keeps things mostly in check but it has to be raw or it doesn't work. Do not buy store grade vinegar that is all clear and pretty. Shit don't work at all! These are the herbs I will have to get for my chickens and it will have to be administered by dropper to be affective as well as cover all the birds.
Wormwood
Slippery elm (to expel tapeworms)
Pumpkin seed oil
water
I think I have some bottles with eyedroppers otherwise the poly vi sol for babies bottle is just about empty and can do in a pinch. Have only given these vitamins to the chickens so I feel ok in using the bottle. I do however need to get a much smaller dropper as chickens have small mouths. Failing this there is this wonderful goat owning lady who makes her own herbal products some of which can be used on all animals including chickens. Only if her stuff does not work will I even consider the chemical route. Crossing my fingers in hopes this works!
Too bad the wormy shavings can't be used but that is ok as chickens make enough poo to make up for the temporary loss. What I am really concerned about is the ongoing worm problem. I've made it hard for them to get worse in Betty but they are still there. Some hard internet readings had me almost convinced to use chemicals on the chickens which means their eggs have to be thrown out. A real waste even though they are only putting out 2-3 eggs a day due to four being in molt. Only Betty seems to have them overall but I think either Delilah or Ebony has some as well. So almost convinced to use chemicals I did some more digging on herbal remedies because what a waste it is to throw out eggs due to man made chemicals which cause more problems than they solve in some cases.
Chickens are usually discarded as temporary animals with no use other than eggs or meat. My girls are pets but like my current pets I do not want to put stuff in them I wouldn't take myself. I found that Wormwood in the water doesn't work because it is bitter and they won't drink it. Raw Apple cider vinegar keeps things mostly in check but it has to be raw or it doesn't work. Do not buy store grade vinegar that is all clear and pretty. Shit don't work at all! These are the herbs I will have to get for my chickens and it will have to be administered by dropper to be affective as well as cover all the birds.
Wormwood
Slippery elm (to expel tapeworms)
Pumpkin seed oil
water
I think I have some bottles with eyedroppers otherwise the poly vi sol for babies bottle is just about empty and can do in a pinch. Have only given these vitamins to the chickens so I feel ok in using the bottle. I do however need to get a much smaller dropper as chickens have small mouths. Failing this there is this wonderful goat owning lady who makes her own herbal products some of which can be used on all animals including chickens. Only if her stuff does not work will I even consider the chemical route. Crossing my fingers in hopes this works!