Amber Waves Bearded Bantam Silkies

Learn how to raise chickens and ducks in your backyard, March 4 ...

2012-02-29T03:33:00.000-08:00

Learn how to raise chickens and ducks in your backyard, March 4 ...
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get back to its Richmond District backyard! Sorry, bad joke. This Sunday from 10am until 1:30pm, the Botanical Garden.
richmondsfblog.com/.../learn-how-to-raise-chickens-and-duck...

Raise your own urban chickens

2012-02-29T03:32:00.000-08:00

Raise your own urban chickens
SFBay
Come to the urban chicken class this Sunday to learn how to raise chickens in your backyard. (Furtwangl/Flickr) By Natalie Thomas Growing herbs and vegetables in your backyard is so last year. Why not step it up a notch and raise your own chickens.
See all stories on this topic »

Learn to raise poultry at The Grange Supply's 2012 Chick Days

2012-02-29T03:31:00.000-08:00

Learn to raise poultry at The Grange Supply's 2012 Chick Days
Issaquah Press
The 2012 Chick Days will provide poultry raising resources to the Greater Seattle and Issaquah communities March 16-18. The Grange believes that with many people looking for ways to save on food costs and control their food choices, raising chickens ...
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Issaquah, WA

Chicken 'mad as a mother hen' about her lost kitten until a neighbor finds it

2012-02-28T05:31:00.002-08:00

Chickitten (Chicken adopts kitten)

2012-02-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

Legislation Would Allow Goats, Sheep at Beachwood Homes

2012-02-26T06:06:00.002-08:00

Legislation Would Allow Goats, Sheep at Beachwood Homes
Patch.com
One ordinance would allow residents to keep two goats or one sheep at homes on at least 1.1 acres of property. A Beachwood resident, who asked Beachwood Patch not to publish her name, asked City Council to allow goats in the city.
See all stories on this topic »

Learn how to raise chicks

2012-02-23T04:14:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 2012 20:26

WRITTEN BY DENISE CIVILETTI

Meet the Experts from the Suffolk County Farm and learn how to raise baby chicks. Everything you need to know about feeding, housing, common problems and solutions. Learn about raising ducks, turkeys, guinea keets and other fowl too.

Plenty of opportunity for questions and answers.

See and learn about many live chicken breeds. See real eggs hatch into chicks. This free community event is a great day for kids and fun for the whole family.

Saturday, March 17 10 am to 3 pm

Talmage Farm Agway, 1122 Osborn Avenue, Riverhead. 631-727-3100

Our Newest Fence Banner

2012-02-22T05:31:00.000-08:00

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Learn how to raise chickens or spring veggies in San Ramon

2012-02-18T12:02:00.001-08:00

Learn how to raise chickens or spring veggies in San Ramon

Contra Costa Times

Posted: 02/17/2012 07:26:44 PM PST

SAN RAMON -- The San Ramon Library will present a free program Thursday on how to start a spring vegetable garden.

Contra Costa Master Gardener Janet Miller, will speak on how to successfully plan, prepare and grow a spring/summer vegetable garden. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 100 Montgomery St.

On March 1 at 6:30 p.m., Contra Costa Master Gardener Kim Garner will put on a free

library program on the topic of "Getting Started With Backyard Chickens."

From raising chicks, to how to keep your egg-laying flock healthy, will be covered in

,the talk.

For more information, visit http://ccclib.org/locations/sanramon.html or call 925-973-2850.

Roosters - Free Silkie Roosters Available

2012-02-14T03:31:00.000-08:00

Call Jim (951) 233-4231 or e-mail debbie@amberwaves.info

Seattle, WA - Feb 25 - Seminar City Chickens 101

2012-02-12T02:24:00.000-08:00

Chickens, bees, and veggies
Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog)
One of the more interesting seminars will take place on February 25 with “City Chickens 101.” This will focus on everything you need to know about keeping hens in a small city spaces in Seattle. Most classes are offered at Seattle Tilth's headquarters ...
See all stories on this topic »

Peebottle Farm: Keeping city chickens in winter | Grist

2012-02-10T02:14:00.001-08:00

Peebottle Farm: Keeping city chickens in winter | Grist
Since my joyful entrance into chicken-keeping last summer, the most frequently asked question I've heard has been: “But what happens in the winter?” “Oh,” I'd ...
grist.org/.../peebottle-farms-keeping-city-chickens-in-winter/

Visit our all new blog for Chicken Laws and Ordinances by state

2012-02-07T01:13:00.000-08:00

Visit our all new blog for Chicken Laws and Ordinances by state. Click Here
If you know of any laws or ordinances in your city please e-mail them to me and I will post them. Be sure to include the city, and state and source.

E-mail to: debbie@amberwaves.info

Beautiful Partridge Rooster - Listed 2/4/12 (FOR SALE)

2012-02-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

This guy came back from a pet home on our hen warranty he is extremely sweet and friendly.
$35.00

Backyard chickens are legal, but not for all Nashville homeowners ...

2012-02-04T11:58:00.001-08:00

Backyard chickens are legal, but not for all Nashville homeowners ...
Homeowner association restrictions on raising chickens have ruffled the feathers of some Nashville residents, who thought the city had given them clearance to ...
www.tennessean.com/.../Backyard-chickens-legal-not-all-Nash...

Pet Chickens Permitted in Ellisville

2012-02-04T11:56:00.001-08:00

Pet Chickens Permitted in Ellisville
Patch.com
Residents in Ellisville now are allowed to keep chickens as pets in single-family homes. By Chase Castle Following a decision by council members late Wednesday, Ellisville is now a four-chickencity. The council voted without dissent to allow ...
See all stories on this topic »

Class on raising chickens offered in Ogden

2012-02-04T11:53:00.001-08:00

Class on raising chickens offered in Ogden
StandardNet
Officials said the class was very popular last year as area residents were interested inraising chickens for their own use. This year's class will be taught jointly by David Frame, USU state extension poultry specialist and James Barnhill, ...
See all stories on this topic »

Chicken List Guides Richmond Heights Residents Through Permit Process

2012-02-04T11:47:00.001-08:00

Chicken List Guides Richmond Heights Residents Through Permit Process
Patch.com
The list and a collection of chicken resources became available Jan. ... Building and ZoningCommissioner Dave Reary stated in an email.

Raising Chickens - Richmond Heights MO

2012-02-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

Raising Chickens - Richmond Heights MO
Richmond Heights permits the keeping of up to five (5) chickens at a single-family residence. Below are the steps to follow if you would like to raise chickens: a.
www.richmondheights.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=5115

2/1/12 - 1 Free Black Chick DNA Tested

2012-02-01T04:34:00.001-08:00

Bearded Bantam Silkie Chick - Black DNA tested 1-2 months.

FREE TO A GOOD HOME

Jim (951) 233-4231

City Council Unanimously in Favor of Urban Agriculture Amendments (San Diego, CA)

2012-02-01T04:32:00.001-08:00

City Council Unanimously in Favor of Urban Agriculture Amendments
San Diego Reader (blog)
... in favor of amendments to the municipal code which simplify the process for approving farmers' markets on private property, make minor adjustments to community garden regulations, and ease restrictions for keeping chickens, goats, and bees.
See all stories on this topic »

2012-01-28T03:37:00.001-08:00

Keeping your Chickens Healthy while Raising them

By on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 | No Comments

It is extremely important for you to figure out just how you will engage in keeping your chickens healthy while raising them. It is not a very difficult task to raise chickens. Once you provide them with the requisite water and food then you can even leave them to their own devices for the most [...]

Tori Spelling and Juliet (Registered African Pygmy Doe Kid) Purchased From Amber Waves

2012-01-28T03:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/03/photos-video-hubby-gets-tori-spelling-s-goat-literally

2012-01-28T03:35:00.000-08:00

You Can Raise Chickens in Your Backyard ~ Getting Started

Raising Chickens has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding ventures I have ever undertaken! If you are getting ready to 'take the plunge' into having your own brood, get ready to watch, cock your head sideways, and just laugh as they are stand up comics of sorts. My recommendation is that you check on your local ordinances and be sure you can have them in your location and if all is 'a go' - start with chicks from a reputable Breeder who sexes and vaccinates them, giving you and them a jump start on their success. If you have never kept chickens before, your next few months will be full of surprises. Watching chicks discover, relate, grow, eat, explore and just act like siblings could be the next great reality show! (Hey, it worked for Meerkats!) Anyone who has raised them closely would agree, they each develop their own personality! Read complete article

Green Thumb: Backyard chickens catching on

2012-01-21T02:14:00.000-08:00

Green Thumb: Backyard chickens catching on
Memphis Commercial Appeal
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about chickens in the backyard? If you grew up on a farm or had close relatives who lived on one, you may think of chickens as producers of fresh eggs and fertilizer, and even as companions. ...
See all stories on this topic » Click here

Bearded Silkies For Sale Up-dated 1/20/12

2012-01-20T06:06:00.001-08:00

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Victory Chicken Makes it Easy for You to Raise Chickens in Brooklyn » Brooklynian

2012-01-19T03:28:00.000-08:00

Victory Chicken Makes it Easy for You to Raise Chickens in Brooklyn » Brooklynian

Backyard chickens approved in Nashville

2012-01-18T03:58:00.001-08:00

Backyard chickens approved in Nashville
The Tennessean
Chickens, long forbidden in Nashville's urban precincts, will now get to cluck in the city — legally. After a 45-minute debate and a close decision to let nearly one-quarter of Davidson County opt out, the Metro Council voted 21-15 on Tuesday to allow ...
See all stories on this topic »

Silkies For Sale - Updated 1/17/12

2012-01-17T04:38:00.001-08:00

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Chickens come home to roost in Creve Coeur

2012-01-17T02:18:00.000-08:00

Chickens come home to roost in Creve Coeur

Chickens Laws – Community Zoning and Authorized Restrictions for Retaining Chickens

2012-01-16T03:43:00.001-08:00

Chickens Laws - Community Zoning and Authorized Restrictions for ...
Widespread Zoning Places Agricultural Zoning - you are able to probably hold chickens devoid of any real complications with this sort of zoning. You want to ...
www.jonspelman.org/chickens-laws-community.../.HTML

Chicks Available 1/15/12 - Updated

2012-01-15T08:26:00.001-08:00

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Quincy Illinois Chicken Ordinance

2012-01-15T03:46:00.001-08:00

Quincy Illinois Chicken Ordinance

Last updated 1/7/12 by weirdanne
Quincy Illinois Chicken Ordinance Are Chickens Allowed in CarlsbadYes Max Chickens AllowedNO Roosters AllowedYes Permit RequiredNo Coop Restrictionsnone City/Organization Contact name Additional InformationAnimals - Chapter 22, Article IV has the chicken restrictions Link for more Informationhttp://www.ci.quincy.il.us/cityclerk/Codebook/codebook.pdf Information Last Updated2012-01-07 09:34:58 NOTE: This information was submitted by a member of our chicken forum. Please make sure to double check that this information is accurate before you proceed with raising... read more

Athens Illinois Chicken Ordinance

2012-01-15T03:45:00.002-08:00

Athens Illinois Chicken Ordinance

Last updated 1/7/12 by weirdanne
Athens Illinois Chicken Ordinance Are Chickens Allowed in CarlsbadNo Max Chickens Allowed Roosters AllowedNo Permit RequiredNo Coop Restrictions City/Organization Contact name Additional Informationpage where all codes are linked (like the front page) - http://www.athens-il.com/index.php?ID=city_ordinances with this page being the actual page where the info is - http://www.athens-il.com/city/city_ordinance/ordinance_02_88.pdf Link for more Informationhttp://www.athens-il.com/city/city_ordinance/ordinance_02_88.pdf Information Last Updated2012-01-07... read more

Lincoln Illinois Chicken Ordinance

2012-01-15T03:45:00.000-08:00

Lincoln Illinois Chicken Ordinance
SubscribeHistoryEdit
Lincoln Illinois Chicken Ordinance

Are Chickens Allowed in Carlsbad No
Max Chickens Allowed
Roosters Allowed No
Permit Required No
Coop Restrictions
City/Organization Contact name
Additional Information the only thing I could find is this -- Title 11, Chapter 4, Section 2 which states: Nurseries, truck gardening and the raising of farm crops, but not the raising of poultry, commercial pet or livestock raising, and provided further that no building shall be erected or maintained on the property which is used for the sole purpose of selling the products grown or raised.
Link for more Information http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/getBookData.php?id=§ion_id=128781&keywords=
Information Last Updated 2012-01-07 09:51:06

NOTE: This information was submitted by a member of our chicken forum. Please make sure to double check that this information is accurate before you proceed with raising chickens. You can read more info about checking local laws here..

WEBINAR TO INTRODUCE PLEASURES AND PROFIT OF RAISING POULTRY-

2012-01-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

Webinar to introduce pleasures and profit of raising poultry
January 11, 2012

Print Version
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A series of online workshops will help those running a small-scale poultry operation better understand the fundamentals of raising chickens for eggs, meat and income - from selecting their birds to marketing their products.

The webinar, "Raising Poultry for Pleasure & Profit," is sponsored by Purdue Extension and the Purdue School for Successful Poultry Production and Marketing. It begins Feb. 2 and will contain five webcasts, shown weekly at Extension offices across Indiana. They also can be watched at home or as recordings.

Topics cover the basics of poultry production, keeping the flock healthy and productive, developing a forage and production system, making a profit, and creating a customer-ready product. The content is appropriate for both current and prospective poultry producers.

The final session, organized by county, will be a tour of a pastured poultry production farm and an optional workshop on chicken tractor construction.

"This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in poultry - from people wanting a few chickens to people managing a small flock, " said Kelly Heckaman, Purdue Extension educator in Kosciusko County. "The online delivery method allows us to feature poultry experts from across the Midwest. The topics are approached from so many different angles, both as a hobby and as a business, that they will apply to almost anyone who has an interest in small-scale poultry. "

More information and registration forms for the event can be found at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/kosciusko/pages/default.aspx under "Hot Topics." Those interested in participating can contact their local county extension office to identify a nearby host site.

Early registration is due by Jan. 26 and costs $40 per person attending the entire webinar series, with no additional fees for attendees from the same household. Cost for one session is $15 per person. There is a late fee of $10 for registration after Jan. 26.

For more information, contact Heckaman at kheckaman@purdue.edu or Roy Ballard at rballard@purdue.edu.

Writer: Jessica Merzdorf, 765-494-8402, jmerzdor@purdue.edu

Source: Kelly Heckaman, 574-372-2340, kheckaman@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Raising Chickens 101 - February 4, 2012

2012-01-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

Raising Chickens 101
Raising Chickens 101. For beginners: Figure out which end is up with chicken production and how to comply with regulations to sell eggs! February 4, 2012 ...
Click here http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/2012_0204_RaisingChickens101Polk.pdf

Updated Silkies chicks for sale as of 1/14/12 AM

2012-01-14T07:33:00.001-08:00

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Free Bearded Bantam Silkie Roosters

2012-01-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

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Electric Brooder Used very little. FOR SALE

2012-01-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

An electric brooder for baby poultry or quail. Capacity: 125 day-old chicks, 100 one-week-old, 100 two-week-old, 65 three-week-old, 50 four-week-old. Quail capacity: 100 to fourth week. Use in any building where the temperature does not fall below 50° F. Galvanized construction. Sliding poly mesh door panels on the front and one side. Includes a 3-liter bottle drinker and 580-cu.-in. capacity feeder. Both feeder and drinker fill from the outside. Drinker trough is self-cleaning. 1/2" PVC coated wire floor. Dropping pan is easily removed for cleaning. Thermostatic control, 250 watts. Overall size: 33" W (including drinker and feeder; width without drinker and feeder is 27") x 42" L x 19-1/2" H (interior height 10"). 110V AC only.

Webinar to introduce pleasures and profit of raising poultry

2012-01-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

Webinar to introduce pleasures and profit of raising poultry

January 11, 2012

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A series of online workshops will help those running a small-scale poultry operation better understand the fundamentals of raising chickens for eggs, meat and income - from selecting their birds to marketing their products.

The webinar, "Raising Poultry for Pleasure & Profit," is sponsored by Purdue Extension and the Purdue School for Successful Poultry Production and Marketing. It begins Feb. 2 and will contain five webcasts, shown weekly at Extension offices across Indiana. They also can be watched at home or as recordings.

Topics cover the basics of poultry production, keeping the flock healthy and productive, developing a forage and production system, making a profit, and creating a customer-ready product. The content is appropriate for both current and prospective poultry producers.

The final session, organized by county, will be a tour of a pastured poultry production farm and an optional workshop on chicken tractor construction.

"This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in poultry - from people wanting a few chickens to people managing a small flock, " said Kelly Heckaman, Purdue Extension educator in Kosciusko County. "The online delivery method allows us to feature poultry experts from across the Midwest. The topics are approached from so many different angles, both as a hobby and as a business, that they will apply to almost anyone who has an interest in small-scale poultry. "

More information and registration forms for the event can be found athttp://www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/kosciusko/pages/default.aspx under "Hot Topics." Those interested in participating can contact their local county extension office to identify a nearby host site.

Early registration is due by Jan. 26 and costs $40 per person attending the entire webinar series, with no additional fees for attendees from the same household. Cost for one session is $15 per person. There is a late fee of $10 for registration after Jan. 26.

For more information, contact Heckaman at kheckaman@purdue.edu or Roy Ballard atrballard@purdue.edu.

Writer: Jessica Merzdorf, 765-494-8402, jmerzdor@purdue.edu

Source: Kelly Heckaman, 574-372-2340, kheckaman@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Learn how to raise chickens Jan. 21 at museum

2012-01-12T04:30:00.001-08:00

Published: 2:00 AM - 01/12/12

CORNWALL — The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will present an introductory course on raising poultry in your own backyard from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 21.

Audrey Reith of the Cornell Cooperative Extension will teach the basics of keeping a backyard flock of chickens at the Outdoor Discovery Center, on Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Road, Cornwall.

Besides being fun and entertaining, there is nothing fresher than an egg right from the hen, Reith said. Chickens also help control ticks and produce fertilizer for your garden.

This three-hour program will provide information including: Coop requirements, chicken breeds and how to obtain chicks, feeding and general care, local and state regulations.

This course requires prepaid registration and is recommended for adults and children age 7 and up. Admission is $25 for adults, $12 for ages 7-16; museum members $20 for adults, $10 for ages 7-16.

For information and prepaid registration, call 534-5506, ext. 204, or register online atwww.hhnaturemuseum.org.

Ferndale City Council OKs Backyard Chicken Ordinance

2012-01-10T02:38:00.000-08:00

Ferndale City Council OKs Backyard Chicken Ordinance
Patch.com
By Jessica Schrader Eggs from the chicken coop in the backyard of Ferndale resident Nathalie Wood. Ferndale City Council unanimously approved a proposed ordinance change Monday night that will allow most residents in the city to keep chickens as long ...
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Is that a chicken in your yard?

2012-01-10T02:37:00.001-08:00

Is that a chicken in your yard?
Chicago Tribune
You don't need to be a farmer to have chickens. Keeping chickens in an urban setting is fun and educational, provides companionship and access to fresh eggs, and can even be useful for gardening. Why do people do it? It is well-established that ...
See all stories on this topic »

Current Silkie Sales List Up-Dated 1/6/12

2012-01-06T05:21:00.000-08:00

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Tori & Dean Recap: Home Sweet Hollywood – Coming Clean

2012-01-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

View complete article click here http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2012/01/04/tori-dean-recap-home-sweet-hollywood-coming-clean/

Tori & Dean Recap: Home Sweet Hollywood – Coming Clean

January 04, 2012 12:07 AM by Ashley Lee

In the last episode of Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling lied to Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb about their pregnancy on national morning television. However, as the 12-week mark approaches and the press push their rumored stories more aggressively, Tori and Dean are finally ready to come clean about their family’s upcoming addition. But that’s not all; Dean starts cooking up something new, Tori’s hoarding gets out of control and the two take Coco onstage to fight bullying!

Tori and Dean have tried their hardest to stick with their secret until after their 12-week doctor’s appointment, but one more major red carpet event is before that ultrasound: the GLAAD awards, a cause that the couple is passionate about. Tori will be presenting an award with Lisa Vanderpump from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, who always brings her Pomeranian, Jiggy, on the red carpet and onstage; so in an effort to deflect from pregnancy rumors, Tori decides to make a matching dress for her chicken, Coco, and bring her along as well!

“Doesn’t every chicken deserve to look chic?” she laughs. “No one is gonna be asking about a baby bump when I have a dressed up chicken in hand!” Her plan works flawlessly and Tori has fun hosting: “I was gonna bring my dog too,” she banters with Vanderpump, ” [but] I chickened out!”

Metro Council Takes Up Backyard Chicken Bill - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

2012-01-04T03:36:00.000-08:00

Metro Council Takes Up Backyard Chicken Bill - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Preparing for Winter

2011-12-31T06:45:00.000-08:00

Shorter days and colder nights are just around the corner. No matter what type of poultry you're raising, the steps you take now can help you maintain egg production and save you when the thermometer dips.

Supplemental Lighting. Shorter days trigger molting. Molting results in more energy devoted to growing feathers and less energy devoted to egg production. So one of the best ways to maintain egg production is to prevent a sudden molt. You can do this by providing supplemental lighting, extending the "daylight" hours to 14 to 16 hours per day. A single 60 to 100 watt bulb set on a timer will suffice. It's best to extend the hours at the beginning of the day, so set the timer to turn the lights on before dawn. By employing this technique, any molt will be gradual and will not hinder egg production.

Egg Gathering. The more your birds are confined during cold weather, the more frequently you should gather eggs. This will prevent other birds from pecking and breaking the eggs.
Ventilation. While it's important to weatherproof your coop to protect birds from the increasingly cold temperatures, you must still allow for adequate ventilation to help keep the litter dry. Otherwise, in such a confined area, ammonia can build up quickly. The hazards of ammonia can range from infection, to birth defects, to blindness. A simple way to test ammonia levels is to position your head at the same height as those of your birds'. Breathe normally. If, after a few seconds, your throat or eyes begin to burn, you have ammonia build up.

Ventilation will reduce the moisture in your litter, which will help eliminate the ammonia.
Water. If birds do not have water, they will not eat. If birds do not eat, they will not produce eggs. Make sure feeders and waterers are set up to function during freezing temperatures. Your birds need access to fresh, clean water at all times, day or night, and it's always easier to install a heated waterer on a crisp, autumn day than in the middle of a cold, dark, winter night. If you do not have a heated waterer, be aware that even hot tap water freezes within a short time in cold temperatures.

High-Quality Feed. Last but not least, especially during the cold weather months, it's important to offer a high-quality complete feed instead of "scratch" alone. Purina® Layena® SunFresh® Recipe is all natural and contains sufficient protein, vitamins, minerals—and even marigold extract—to produce hearty, golden-yoked eggs. For even more nutrition, try Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3. It's made from the same grains as the original Layena® but has added flaxseed to triple the amount of Omega-3, an essential fatty acid that many Americans' diets are lacking, in each egg.**

*With added vitamins, nutrients and trace minerals.

A library of past issues of Better Animal E—zines and an introductory video is maintained and can be accessed by clicking here.

Better Animals^®
10715 Kahlmeyer Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63132

Commissioners Approve Backyard Chickens

2011-12-29T03:21:00.000-08:00

Commissioners Approve Backyard Chickens
Patch.com
Pinellas County Commissioners voted 5-2 to approve an ordinance allowing residents in unincorporated Pinellas County to raise chickens in their backyards. By Sunde Farquhar Many Americans have started to raise chickens in their urban yards to try and ...
See all stories on this topic »

Amber Waves Bill Durham - sold

2011-12-20T04:25:00.000-08:00

Amber Waves Bill Durham with Amber Waves Diva (Great Pyrenees Livestock Guardian Puppy)

Beginning Goat Farming

2011-12-20T04:22:00.000-08:00

Missouri Beginning Farming: Goats Require Minimal Investment But ...
There are several major benefits to raising meat goats according to Dr. Jodie Pennington, ... “Raising goats requires minimal costs for facilities and investment. ...
Click here

2011-12-20T03:54:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON

Click Here To Request A Free Catalog

2012 "Poultry Solutions" catalog
2012 Poultry Solutions! catalog

Premier's new 2012 "Poultry Solutions" catalog will be mailed to poultry enthusiasts in January. The 40-page catalog will include our full line of poultry items including poultry netting, feeders, waterers, heat lamps, ChickBoxes/other nests , and Premier's hands-on comments and suggestions about using products in the catalog.

Be sure to request the catalog via our website if you're not already on our poultry mailing list. (Note: If you have previously ordered poultry products from Premier, you're already on our mailing list.)

Chicken Laws

2011-12-19T02:49:00.001-08:00

Click Here

Raising Free-Range Chickens - Off The Grid News

2011-12-16T04:34:00.000-08:00

Raising Free-Range Chickens - Off The Grid News
Raising your chickens on open grass has several benefits, the first of which is that your production costs will be far less because the birds are eating grass and ...
www.offthegridnews.com/2011/.../raising-free-range-chickens...

Talking chickens: preparing your poultry for winter, part two

2011-12-16T04:29:00.001-08:00

Keep your flock cosy this winter and you won't end up with frozen chicken. Photograph: Sami Sarkis/Alamy

Talking chickens: preparing your poultry for winter, part two
The Guardian (blog)
In the previous post in the series I provided some hints and tips on housing, cleaning and feeding regimes to help your chickens get through the winter. While it's true that chickens can survive without very much additional care, it is with little more ...
See all stories on this topic »

Three-Legged Goat Shares Special Bond With Rescuer

2011-12-14T03:40:00.001-08:00

Three-Legged Goat Shares Special Bond With Rescuer
ABC News
By KATIE MOISSE (@katiemoisse) Albie the goat had to have his leg amputated, just like his rescuer Jenny Brown. (Courtesy Jenny Brown) Albie the three-legged goat needs a new prosthetic. The 5-year-old kid has worn out and outgrown his current one, ...
See all stories on this topic »

Falmouth council OKs backyard chickens, train crossing 'quiet zone' improvements

2011-12-14T03:10:00.001-08:00

Falmouth council OKs backyard chickens, train crossing 'quiet zone' improvements
The Forecaster
By Emily Parkhurst FALMOUTH — People who live anywhere in town will now be allowed to keep backyard chickens and other poultry. And residents in farm, village mixed use and residential B zones with lot sizes larger than 40000 square feet will be ...
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Chickens ordinance approved

2011-12-14T03:09:00.001-08:00

Chickens ordinance approved
Windsor Beacon
During last Monday's regular town board meeting, the board voted 5-2 to approve on second reading the ordinance extending chicken-keeping in town. The newly extended ordinance will be back up for discussion next year at this time, when it's set to ...
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Backyard chickens OK'd in Concord

2011-12-14T03:08:00.000-08:00

Backyard chickens OK'd in Concord
The Union Leader
By DOUG ALDEN The City Council approved an amendment this week allowing residents to raise chickens for personal consumption. Only five chickens are allowed per household and none of them can be roosters, averting noise complaints sure to come up with ...
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Bearded Bantam Silkies - Updated Sales List 12/13/11

2011-12-13T05:35:00.000-08:00

Still time to Ship for Xmas!!!


DOUBLE CLICK TO ENLARGE

Exhibitors invited to New Year's Eve Chicken Show

2011-12-13T05:28:00.001-08:00

Exhibitors invited to New Year's Eve Chicken Show
Eastern Arizona Courier
The third annual Safford Chicken Show is Dec. 30-31 at the Graham County Fairgrounds Common Sense building from 9 am to 3 pm Local breeders are encouraged to enter their chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese to compete for prizes in nearly 20 categories. ...
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Chickens can flock to the city

2011-12-13T05:27:00.001-08:00

Chickens can flock to the city
Concord Monitor
By Ben Leubsdorf / Monitor staff Some officials clucked over the potential for smelly or runaway birds, but the Concord City Council last night voted to let residents keep small flocks of chickens in their backyards. It's a pilot program for now. ...
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Chickens May Roost in Coronado

2011-12-07T03:22:00.001-08:00

Chickens May Roost in Coronado
Patch.com
The City Council on Tuesday will discuss changing the law to allow a lmitied number of backyard chickens. By Gloria Tierney Leslie Crawford holding one of her hens. She has appealed to the City Council to lift a ban on keeping backyard chickens. ...
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City to Allow Residents to Keep Chicken

2011-12-07T03:08:00.000-08:00

City to Allow Residents to Keep Chicken
KIII TV3
In Corpus Christi, there's been a big push to allow people to be able to legally have chickens in the city limits. Tuesday City Council approved a change to the livestock ordinance which will allow residents to keep the fowl. ...
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Pinellas may OK cooped chickens

2011-12-07T03:07:00.000-08:00

Pinellas may OK cooped chickens
Tbo.com
These were among the selling points raised at a public hearing held Tuesday on a measure that would allow chickens in residential backyards in unincorporated swaths of Pinellas County. There was support for the measure at the hearing, ...
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Poultry for Sale - Updated 12/4/11 AM

2011-12-04T04:56:00.000-08:00

Winterizing Your Chickens

2011-12-04T02:16:00.001-08:00

Winterizing Your Chickens | Earth Eats - Indiana Public Media
Will my chickens be warm enough in the winter? Sure, as long as they have a dry coop that is well ventilated and plenty of food and water to drink.
indianapublicmedia.org/eartheats/winterizing-chickens/

Updated Poultry List as of 12/2/11 AM - Double Click on Image to Make it bigger.

2011-12-02T05:20:00.000-08:00

Chickens Allowed In White City

2011-12-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

Chickens Allowed In White City
KDRV
The controversial debate over whether chickens should be allowed in White City yards is over. Jackson County Commissioners made the decision today to allow up to 30 chickens per acre. All of those in attendance at the meeting voted in favor of the ...
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KDRV

FREE Bearded Bantam Silkie Chicks - 1-2 Months

2011-11-30T02:23:00.000-08:00

DNA Tested Male Chicks - Free to A Good Home

Wing Band #360 - Blue
Wing Band # 363 - White
Wing Band #364 - Splash
Wing Band #459 - Buff
Wing Band # 458 - Buff

E-mail or Call

debbie@amberwaves.info
Jim (951) 233-4231

New DVD on raising chickens released - UAF News and Events

2011-11-30T02:16:00.000-08:00

New DVD on raising chickens released - UAF News and Events
By Pat Cruse
The DVD, which is filmed in Bacsujlaky's chicken coop near Fairbanks, is a visual illustration of what one can expect and is not intended as a comprehensive how-to guide. It contains information about housing and equipment, feed and costs, ...
UAF News and Events

Cuckoo Silkies - We have two chicks Straight Run 2-3 Months of Age

2011-11-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

E-mail for More information
debbie@amberwaves.info debbie@amberwaves.info

City to allow backyard chickens after rewriting ordinance

2011-11-23T05:49:00.001-08:00

City to allow backyard chickens after rewriting ordinance
Corpus Christi Caller Times
By Jessica Savage Michael Zamora/Caller-Times Chickens peck bugs out of an overturned stump Thursday in the backyard of Courtney Turnlund's home in Corpus Christi. The chickens eat bugs and leftover food scraps along with the store-bought chicken feed, ...
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Spartanburg Council Passed Chicken Proposal Monday Night

2011-10-25T03:14:00.001-07:00

Spartanburg Council Passed Chicken Proposal Monday Night
News Channel 7
Joe Spigner with Spartanburg City Council says that the chicken vote passed tonight. He was the only one who voted against it. Spinger says they will start issuing permits next week and the fees associated with it will start next budget year ends which ...
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SILKIE CHICKS ARE HERE

2011-10-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

1-2 Months - Available

18 Partridge
1 Buff
2 White
1 Splash
6 Blue

Under 1 Month - Available

5 Buff
7 Splash
3 White
9 Partridge
6 Blue

More Hatching

Click here to view our full color Bearded Silkie Booklet

Ship nationwide
NPIP - CA-308
Payments Accepted: All Major Credit Cards, Checks, Cash, PayPal

You can make an appointment on line by clicking this link http://amber-waves.genbook.com
If you need to change it or move it you can do it on-line.

More Information:
E-mail or call Jim (951) 233-4231

Thinking of chickens? It starts with the coop

2011-10-22T03:18:00.001-07:00

Thinking of chickens? It starts with the coop
Sacramento Bee
By Debbie Arrington Chickens are totally dependent on people; that includes providing a safe and secure place to call home. They need their own space in the backyard, at least 20 feet away from neighbors' fences (according to Sacramento's new ...
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City chickens will be legal starting Nov. 1 in Sacramento

2011-10-22T03:17:00.001-07:00

City chickens will be legal starting Nov. 1 in Sacramento
Sacramento Bee
By Debbie Arrington As a teenager growing up in Fair Oaks, Greg Howes discovered the joy of chickens. With Sacramento's new ordinance allowing city residents to keep chickens, he expects people to flock to the hobby. "It's not just about the eggs," ...
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Chicken-Keeping Legalized on Most Residential Santee Lots

2011-10-14T03:18:00.001-07:00

Chicken-Keeping Legalized on Most Residential Santee Lots
Patch.com
Coops of ex-outlaw chickens can rest easy in Santee after a vote by City Council. By Steven Bartholow The council voted to take staff recommendations and alter the current city ordinance to broaden the areas that chickens can be kept and add details ...
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Join USDA's Healthy Harry Twitter Chat on Nov.1!

2011-10-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm Healthy Harry (Healthy_Harry), spokesbird for the USDA’s Biosecurity for Birds educational campaign!

If you are a bird lover, have backyard poultry, or are thinking about starting up a flock, please join me and my friends at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on a Twitter Chat Tuesday, November 1, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. EST. CHAT HASHTAG (IDENTIFIER): #HHChat

You can get your questions about bird health answered by APHIS veterinarian, Fidel Hegnig, and share valuable information about your flock. Andy Schneider, the renowned “Chicken Whisperer” will be joining us too!

The Twitter Chat is a special activity of Bird Health Awareness Week, an annual observance held this year October 30th through November 5th. For more information, please visit www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

Please give my friend Charlotte (see below) a squawk by return email and let her know if you will join us and if you will share this invitation with other poultry lovers who might be interested. Thank you!

Attached are detailed instructions for joining the Twitter Chat.

Charlotte Roy

Associate

Diversity Marketing and Communications

404-531-6777

www.diversitymc.com

GSA Contract Holder

Certifications: SBA/SDB, Port Authority NY & NJ,

WBENC, NJ-Small Business, NJ-WMBE, NMSDC

How to Join the Healthy Harry Twitter Chat.pdf
349K View Download

Chickens rule the roost in Brookfield

2011-10-11T05:39:00.000-07:00

Chickens rule the roost in Brookfield
Suburban Life Publications
By Joe Sinopoli, jsinopoli@mysuburbanlife.com Brookfield residents can now have farm fresh, no, yard fresh eggs following the Village Board's amendment to an ordinance which previously prohibited the raising of chickens in the village limits. ...
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Bring Out Your Chickens and Mini Goats (San Diego, CA)

2011-10-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Bring Out Your Chickens and Mini Goats
Voice of San Diego
San Diego city planners have proposed rule changes that would make it easier to keep backyard chickens and for residents to become urban farmers. Posted: Tuesday, October 4, 2011 6:50 pm | Updated: 8:48 pm, Tue Oct 4, 2011. by Adrian Florido San Diego ...
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Bearded Bantam Silkie Chicks Available As of 10/6/11 AM

2011-10-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Under 1 month - $15.00 Each
With Hen Warranty $35.00 Each

10 Partridge
1 Blue
1 Gray

Call Jim (951) 233-4231 or E-mail Debbie@amberwaves.info

National Bird Awareness Week October 30, 2011-November 5, 2011

2011-10-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/birdbiosecurity/bird-awareness-week/index.shtml

Backyard Chickens: Coming Soon to a Suburb Nearby?

2011-10-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

Patch.com
By Marcia Sagendorph Long Grove soon may become the first village in Lake County that allows its residents to keep chickens. In McHenry County, the city of McHenry also is considering welcoming backyard hens. Other suburbs that allow chickens include ...
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FREE ROOSTERS - While Supply Lasts

2011-09-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

3 Partridge Roosters FOR FREE approximately 3 months of age. NPIP
E-mail: debbie@amberwaves.info or call Jim's cell at (951) 233-4231

Auto Solar Chicken Coop Door Lets You Sleep In

2011-09-27T04:37:00.000-07:00

by Susan DeFreitas, September 23rd, 2011

http://www.earthtechling.com/2011/09/auto-solar-chicken-coop-door-lets-you-sleep-in/

Everybody these days, it seems, wants chickens, whether as an antidote to that sad business of factory farms, security against the latest food scare, or the simple, old-fashioned pleasures of a homegrown omelet. But there’s one thing almost nobody wants to do, and that’s get up at the crack of dawn — weekdays, weekends, holidays, etc. — to let those little cluckers out to peck.

Not long back, we covered a solar powered chicken coop that actually moves, robotically, around your yard, giving your chicks some exercise without actually having to open the coop. Maybe it’s Occam’s Razor, but we like this solar powered chicken coop door scheme from chrisatronics better. Not only because it’s simpler, but because, given basic tools and a day or so of mechanical inclination — and, okay, probably a geeky programmer friend – you can build it yourself.

Bearded Bantam Silkie Chickens Breed Profile

2011-09-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Other name(s): Chinese Silkie Chicken; Bearded Silkie; Bantam Silkie; Standard Silkie; Silky Chicken

Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus

Country / Place of origin: Asia

History: The silkie chicken is a small, unique breed of poultry aptly named for its fluffy plumage that is said to feel like silk. Originating in Southeast Asia, most likely in China, sometime before the 1200s, the first written record of silkie chickens comes from Marco Polo, who wrote of chickens with fur-like feathers in the logs from his Asian travels in the 13^th century. Silkies made their way West via the Silk Route and were officially accepted into the North American Standard of Perfection in 1874. Today, silkie chickens come in bearded and non-beaded varieties and can be seen in poultry shows and backyards across the United States.

Current Uses: Because of their friendly temperament and inability to fly many people choose to keep silkie chickens as family pets in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Silkies are also shown in exhibitions and used to raise other breeds of chicken and poultry because they are exceptionally broody. While they are not best known for their egg production, silkies are actually excellent layers of relatively large-sized bantam eggs, and unlike most other breeds, will continue laying eggs throughout the winter because their fluffy feathers keep them warm and content. To purchase silkies from a reputable breeder and get any of your chicken questions answered, contact Amber Waves.

Appearance: The most striking feature of the silkie chicken is its fluffy, silk-like plumage; however, the differences from other breeds of chickens don’t stop there. Silkies are also unique because of their dark blue flesh and bones, blue earlobes, and five (as opposed to four) toes on each foot. The American Bantam Association accepts six standard colors of Silkies for showing: black, blue, buff, white, partridge, splash and gray. However, there are also some non-standard, yet, popular colors. These popular non-standard colors are red, lavender, porcelain and cuckoo.

Average weight: 1.5 – 3.5 pounds

Lifespan: 9 years

Grooming: Silkies don’t require much grooming; however, they should be checked over every week for lice, mites, and changes in health. If lice are found, silkies require a dust bath, and it is best to treat the entire flock as opposed to only the bird the bugs were found on.

Diet: Feed silkies the same food as all breeds of hen and give them a layer complete food when they are of egg laying age to ensure they get all the nutrients they need for good egg production. Otherwise, silkie chickens need no special diet; they eat seeds, grains, vegetation, and bugs (which can provide excellent pest control). For optimum health, it is important to keep their feeding area and water clean.

Housing: To keep them safe from the elements and predators, silkie chickens need a coop much like other breeds of chickens. However, roosting posts should be kept lower to the ground in a silkie chicken coop since silkies can’t fly. Whether built at home or purchased premade, each silkie requires three feet of space. Nesting boxes, chicken feeders, and a watering station are also needed. Silkies should get plenty of outside time and exercise, so a small fenced in area should be provided for them.

Health issues: Despite their docile nature and inability to fly, silkies are quite hardy and resilient. Their feathers keep them relatively insulated, so they can thrive in cold as well as warm climates. However, mite and lice infestations can cause serious health issues including death, so silkies should be treated as soon as any bugs are found on them. Housing, feeding, and drinking areas should be kept as clean as possible to keep silkies healthy. Silkies can also suffer from diseases, so it is important to purchase birds from a reputable breeder with an NPIP certified flock. The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) provides certification that poultry and poultry products destined for interstate and international shipments are disease free. In order to be a NPIP flock, requirements include Annual P-T Testing, AI Testing, Annual premises Inspection, and Annual Records Audit.

Behavior / Temperament / Activity level: Silkie chickens are the most friendly and docile of the chicken breeds making them excellent pets for anyone interested in chickens, even children. They are extremely broody and will “adopt” any poultry or other small animal that follow them around. Silkies can become quite affectionate to their owners, but frequent, gentle handling is required to get them used to people. Silkies need exercise just like everyone else, and if given the space, they will run around looking for things to eat.

Silkie chickens make great additions to every home

2011-09-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

While most often thought of as barnyard birds, chickens are found in urban, suburban, and rural environments across the country – and for good reasons! Chickens produce fresh eggs for their owners to enjoy themselves or sell, provide a natural form of pest control, and make fun, inexpensive, and easy to care for pets. There are many varieties of chickens, and one of the most unique, beautiful, and friendly is the silkie chicken. It is because of these qualities that silkie chickens are an excellent pet choice for novice and seasoned chicken owners alike.

The silkie (sometimes spelled Silky) chicken is an old breed of poultry that originated in Southeast Asia sometime before the 1200s; the breed is aptly named for its fluffy plumage that is said to feel like silk. Silkies are also unique because of their dark blue flesh and bones, blue earlobes, five (as opposed to four) toes on each foot, and their inability to fly. It is quite difficult to tell the difference between male and female silkie chicks because they take longer to mature than most other chicken breeds; however, once they are mature, males (roosters) and females (hens) do have some distinct differences including: roosters tend to be larger than hens, the comb will be larger on a male than on a female, and males will crow while females will lay eggs.

Silkies were officially accepted into the North American Standard of Perfection in 1874. Today, silkie chickens come in bearded and non-beaded varieties and can be seen in poultry shows across the United States. The American Bantam Association accepts six standard colors of Silkies for showing: black, blue, buff, white, partridge, splash and gray. However, there are also some non-standard, yet, popular colors. These popular non-standard colors are red, lavender, porcelain and cuckoo. A common question associated with silkies, and chickens in general, is do they make good pets? The answer is absolutely yes for the following reasons:

Silkie chickens are inexpensive to keep

Silkie chickens are extremely affordable pets to own, especially when considering the benefits of keeping them such as access to fresh eggs, pest control, and companionship. Silkies need a chicken coop, which should be a onetime expense, fresh food and water, and the occasional dust bath to keep mites at bay. A small fence should also be put up around the area silkies will be allowed to roam. Fortunately, all of these expenses – including the coop and fence – can be kept to a minimum by purchasing premade, simple products or constructing them at home. Chicken feed is quite cheap when purchased, and silkies can also eat scraps from your home and insects they find themselves (hence the natural form of pest control).

Silkie chickens are easy to care for

The coop, food, and water provided to silkies should be kept as clean as possible to ensure the birds stay content and healthy. Silkies should also be looked over weekly for mites, lice, and changes in health; should lice or mites be found, the entire flock should be treated, which is relatively easy and inexpensive. Silkies are hardy and resilient, and they are able to thrive in both cold and warm climates. These chickens are long-lived, often having life spans up to around nine years old, and continue to stay beautiful even when older.

The fact that silkie chickens are unable to fly due to their fluffy plumage makes them the easiest of all chickens to keep as pets because they are that much easier to contain. Silkies are also known for their calm, friendly temperament, which makes them exceptionally great pets for homes that have children. In fact, silkies can be quite affectionate if owners take the time to handle them often.

Silkie chickens provide many benefits to their owners

Besides entertainment and companionship, silkies can provide their owners with tangible benefits, which makes keeping silkies as pets all the more rewarding. Silkies can be entered into poultry shows, which can become a fun pastime to get involved in, and they also provide a natural form of pest control as they gobble up any insects they find. And probably the largest benefit, silkies provide their owners with fresh eggs to eat themselves or sell.

Silkies are excellent layers of relatively large-sized bantam eggs, and unlike most other breeds, silkies will continue laying eggs throughout the winter because their fluffy feathers keep them warm and content. In addition to being great egg layers, silkies are known for being the broodiest of all chicken breeds and are often used to incubate and raise the offspring of other poultry.

Only purchase silkie chickens from reputable breeders

Even though silkie chickens are easy, fun, and inexpensive to keep as pets, it is possible to obtain sickly chickens, which makes it much more difficult and expensive to keep a flock healthy. This means that when purchasing silkie chickens, potential owners should only work with reputable breeders. One indication that you are working with a reputable breeder is if the breeder’s flock is NPIP certified. The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) provides certification that poultry and poultry products destined for interstate and international shipments are disease free. In order to be a NPIP flock, requirements include Annual P-T Testing, AI Testing, Annual premises Inspection, and Annual Records Audit.

Amber Waves, an industry leader for over 26 years, provides its clients with high quality silkie chickens from its NPIP certified flock and support over the entire lifetime of the chickens. Contact Amber Waves (http://showsilkies.com/) to purchase silkie chickens and get all of your silkie chicken questions answered.

Revised Chicken Ordinance on its Way to City Council

2011-09-16T05:05:00.001-07:00

Revised Chicken Ordinance on its Way to City Council
Patch.com
By Terry Parris Jr. Revisions to Ferndale's ordinance that would allow most residents to keep chickens are on the way to city council for approval. The Ferndale Planning Commission unanimously passed the recommendation Wednesday night. ...
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It's easy to raise your own backyard chickens

2011-09-08T03:20:00.000-07:00

It's easy to raise your own backyard chickens. | USA WEEKEND ...
Raising chickens is the natural next step for anyone growing her own fruit and vegetables. And the popularity of 'homesteading' like this has a lot to do with the ...
www.usaweekend.com/.../It-s-easy-raise-your-own-backyard-c...

The time has arrived for backyard chickens

2011-09-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

The time has arrived for backyard chickens
Canada.com
We are very encouraged to see the City of Duncan going ahead with the necessary bylaws to formally allow people to keep chickens in their backyards. The proposed bylaws don't allow roosters, which should take care of any objections due to potential ...
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Poswt Falls will allow chickens on smaller lots (Coeur d'Alene)

2011-09-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Post Falls will allow chickens on smaller lots
Coeur d'Alene Press
As many as 10 chickens are now allowed on single-family lots of less than half an acre. The Post Falls City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved easing its ordinance for hens. The previous law stated that no chickens were allowed on such lots. ...
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Silkie Chick Inventory for Sale as of AM 9/5/11

2011-09-05T10:06:00.001-07:00

3-4 Months
4 - Buff; 2 White; 5 Partridge

Under 1 Month
3 - Blue

Chickens In The Garden

2011-09-05T04:17:00.000-07:00

Chickens in the garden
Smallholder
Chickens and bantams are extremely adaptable and, with a little forethought, can usually be accommodated in most gardens. Some people may try and tell you that you cannot have a garden and chickens but, provided you're sensible and do not overstock, ...
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August 30, 2011 - Happy Silkie Customer

2011-09-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would let you know how well the splash hen (now about two months old) is doing that I got from you in July. She has the nicest disposition, loves to be in the house, cuddles with people and hangs around my Austrailian Shepherd. Pecking around in the backyard is fun for her but she basically wants to be wherever we are. What a great pet!! Everyone who meets her is amazed.

Nancy Haugh

Film encourages local municipalities to relax their no-chicken laws

2011-09-01T03:21:00.001-07:00

Film encourages local municipalities to relax their no-chicken laws
The Journal News | LoHud.com
Chappaqua's Susan Rubin and Nikki Coddington, former mayor of Irvington, have teamed up to produce a documentary on backyard chicken keepers, called "Chicken Flick: Backyard Chickens for All." Westchester residents can go to the Hilltop Hanover Farm ...
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City chicken ordinance passed by city council (The Sacramento Press)

2011-08-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

City chicken ordinance passed by city council
The Sacramento Press
I want to give people that opportunity,” Ashby said, “but I don't want that decision to have a negative impact on the quality of life for people who don't want to have chickens in their backyard.” Kenneth Caldwell, a resident of Land Park, ...
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Bexley Soon May Allow Urban Chicken Farming

2011-08-31T05:40:00.000-07:00

FLOCK TIPS | Hot Weather Tips for Raising Poultry

2011-08-29T03:45:00.000-07:00

Source:Better Animals - Electronic Newsletter - Family Flock - August 2011

They say raising poultry is all about feed, water, heat and light. But in the summer, beating the heat is a top priority. Severe heat stress can affect egg quality, size and hatchability. It can also increase the rate of mortality. Here are some tips: KEEP BIRDS COOL

Even free-range birds need access to shade. If there is none, create some.

Ventilation is critical. Make sure nothing obstructs the flow of fresh air, and don't allow ammonia to accumulate.

Use a misting fan or fogging system in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid unnecessary activity. Don't disturb birds during the hottest time of day.

Digestion generates body heat, so feed during the coolest hours.

Avoid overcrowding. To instantly reduce the heat, reduce the number of birds in the house.

WATER IS ESSENTIAL

Provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water. It's essential.
Position water containers in the shade. If water is too hot (or too cold) chickens won't drink enough and egg production will suffer.
Adjust waterers to shoulder height to help keep litter dry.
Baby turkeys sometimes need extra coaxing to drink water. One trick is to put a few bright-colored marbles in their water. As they peck at the marbles, their beaks will slip into the water. Eventually, they'll get the hang of it. (Remove marbles before birds get big enough to swallow them.)
Grown ducks need access to water one or two inches deep in order to groom themselves. While swimming water is not a requirement, fresh drinking water is.

KEEP WATER CLEAN

If food, bedding or feces gets into drinking water, change the water.
Ducklings and goslings love to play in water and will quickly soil it. Use a dispenser that allows only their bills to enter. Put distance between feed and water dispensers to prevent cross contamination.
Germs multiply fast in summer heat. Disinfect incubators, feeders, water containers and other equipment regularly, particularly between broods.

SIGNS OF TROUBLE

Heat-stressed birds consume less feed, so meat-type chickens (i.e., broilers) grow more slowly and hens produce fewer eggs.
Birds don't have sweat glands so they cool themselves by panting, which can alter their electrolyte balance. If you suspect heat stress, ask your veterinarian about adding electrolytes to water.
Telltale signs of an unhealthy chicken:
- less active than the rest of the flock
- comb is pale and limp (the comb is a good barometer of health)
- breast is concave and the keel bone becomes prominent
- liquid diarrhea (versus a semisolid green and white splotch, which is normal)
- unusual breathing or wheezing (some panting is normal in hot weather, but not to excess)

If one of your chickens exhibits any of these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian.

Keep in mind, birds experience a major moult (shedding feathers) in late summer, so don't be surprised if they temporarily devote most of their calories to replacing their feathers and maintaining body temperature instead of producing eggs. Be sure to provide a good quality feed during this time. Have a

Animal Information Signs Arrive Today!

2011-08-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

I have had this project on my to-do list forever! Ordered animal information signs for all the animals we own. So many visitors ask about the different animals I thought this would be something they would enjoy.

Signs include: Pygmy Goats, Leopard Tortoise, Desert Tortoise, Blue Slate Turkey, French Maran Chickens, Sebastopol Geese, Great Pyrenees, Maremma, Rosy Bourke Parakeets, Love Birds, Scarlet Crested Grasskeet, Button Quail, White Doves, Miniature Donkey, Bearded Silkie Chickens, Road Runner, to name some of them.