Could your pet be a new species?

If each of my pets were their own species…from the achooicus to the derpicus! The world is full of interesting animals – including those that live with us in our homes.

Also, I have to note that this is a satirical post – although it would be pretty cool to discover a new species!

Felis derpicus

Peaches

Felis derpicus is a close relative of Felis catus. However, the derpicus is much larger and rounder. It is fluffier and derpier than any Felis catus. To have a happy Felis derpicus, you must have large quantities of boxes and bags, which the derpicus needs for shelter and amusement. Unlike Felis catus, the derpicus has almost no prey drive and evolved solely to play with hair ties and imitate a throw pillow. It occasionally thinks that it is a dog. You can always identify a derpicus by its signature throw pillow pose. When petted in this position it will flip upside down and make strange squeaking noises.

The stomachus is a domesticated canine similar to Canis lupus familiaris (dogs), but with one important anatomical difference. The Canis lupus stomachus has a stomach that extends into its cranium. The brain is merely a small cluster of neurons located at the entrance to the stomach. The stomachus can eat almost anything and spends every waking hour of its life searching for food. They are generally very friendly and cute, but it is all in hopes of obtaining food. The stomachus can be difficult to distinguish from the regular domesticated dog. The main means of identification is a food test – since the stomachus will eat anything, dangle the least appetizing item you have in front of its face (for example, a hairball or anchovies). If the specimen attempts to eat the item, it is likely a stomachus.

Canis lupus stomachus

Winnie

Canis lupus achooicus

This canine is certainly very unique. It is much like the domesticated dog and the stomachus, but with a few key differences, especially in behavior. For one thing, the achooicus rarely ever barks. When excited, happy, or attempting to bark, it bares its teeth and sneezes violently while wagging its tail. The tail of an achooicus is long and curly, more like that of a cat. The achooicus loves meat, bagels, carrots, and running. It is a very loving species and may have sneezing fits every time you enter the room.

Rex
Fancy and her silkie buddies

Gallus gallus flufficus

The Gallus gallus flufficus is a close relative of the chicken. However, the flufficus is much smaller and fluffier. They are completely flightless and have few if any survival instincts. They are adorable and friendly, however, and much smaller than most chickens. They like dried mealworms and wearing tiny bandanas.

Pogona insanis

The Pogona insanis is a type of bearded dragon that is slightly crazier and more insane than its fellow Pogona species. The insanis is much smaller and only has one eye. It will often jump off of high surfaces because it believes it can fly and will approach other household animals as if they are best friends, despite the potential for being eaten by said animal. The insanis loves being picked up and petted.

Dill the beardie

Could any of your pets be one of these new species?

Did you winter-proof your chicken coop?

Winter is certainly not my flock’s favorite season. The snow is too cold. The grass is dead. There are no bugs.

Actually, it’s just downright freezing! Cold can be very bad for chickens – it can result in frostbite, or the waterer might freeze, or it could be super wet and windy.

Here are some tips for all that and more – for ducks, chickens, and other poultry!

Water:

I use a heated dog water bowl, but there are also heated rabbit waterers that work quite well. Another option could be a heated base, such as this one. If you can’t plug anything in, try using a large black tub placed in the sun and float some ping pong balls on top. Check this link out here for more: https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2013/10/five-easy-ways-to-keep-your-chickens.html

Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

Exposure:

Puddles of water and drifts of snow kinda defeat the purpose of a covered run. And high winds? My chickens stay in all day when the weather’s like that! One thing that works really well is using a plastic drop cloth (you can find it in a roll like giant saranwrap). Zip tie it around the outside of the run area to block the elements (just make sure they don’t eat it). I wouldn’t recommend placing it over the top, as rain and snow may cause it to sag and drop. However, you can generally find cheap corrugated plastic sheeting for the roof if needed. If your coop has lots of ventilation, you can cover up some gaps to keep the heat in – just don’t block all airflow.

Frostbite:

Chickens, especially roosters, are prone to frostbite on their large combs and wattles. While many people recommend Vaseline for frostbite, this can actually increase the risk. Instead, follow some of these steps from this article, especially if you live in an area where it is regularly below 25 at this time of year. Extra pine shavings to burrow in and extra food rations will go a long way in keeping your flock warm and healthy during the winter.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Boredom

In the winter, there are no bugs to eat, grass to scratch in, or holes to dig. For chickens, all the fun activities are buried under drifts of snow. Bored chickens may turn to pecking each other or develop bad behaviors such as egg eating and ripping up the wire on the coop. Fortunately, there are many things you can do for your flock to make winter more interesting. Try activities like these here, or throw some veggies in the blender for a boredom-busting smoothie treat.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you back soon!

Feeding Marigolds to your Chickens

Photo by Silvia Corradin on Pexels.com

At the height of summer, you are sure to find this flower adding a pop of bright orange or yellow to any garden. Originally found from the southwestern U.S. to Argentina, these plants were transported to Europe by Spanish explorers and then made their way across the globe. Today, they have found immense popularity in North America as a resilient and easy-to-grow annual flower. But, did you know that marigolds are great for chickens, too?

Yes, that’s right! Let’s learn about feeding marigolds to our feathery friends.

Marigolds and marigold extracts have been found to keep parasitic insects away, enhance egg and beak color, and contain powerful antioxidants. Plus, marigolds are incredibly easy to add to your flock’s diet. Grab a flat of marigold flowers at a local nursery for only a few bucks, and you have a great way to keep your flock happy and healthy.

Please note that there are several different marigold species, including the African, French and common marigolds. They all have slightly different benefits. I use French marigolds for my silkies. Make sure your flowers have not been sprayed with any pesticides that may be harmful to your flock.

Natural Insect Repellent

Marigolds contain limonene, a phytotoxin that acts as a natural pesticide. To keep away mites, lice, and other parasitic insects, just pinch off some fresh marigold flower heads and add them to the pine shavings, the run, and in the nesting boxes. The flowers will dry out and keep until you clean out the coop, no need to remove them. I have several large pots of marigolds on the patio, and it’s so easy to pick a few flower heads. You can also plant marigolds around the coop and run area. I have NEVER had any problems with mites, lice, or other insects, and I attribute that to the marigolds! It’s fine if your chickens eat the marigolds, in fact, it’s very good for their health!

Enhance Egg and Beak Color

Feeding marigold petals to your flock is an excellent way to get bright orange egg yolks and keep their feet and beaks looking healthy. This is because marigolds contain the pigment xanthophyll, which is what gives autumn leaves their orange color. My chickens eat fresh marigold petals, but you can also add dried marigolds to their feed, at 10 g per kg (Poultry DVM). Marigolds are also shown to increase egg shell strength!

Marigolds for Healthy Chickens

Marigolds have many other benefits. They are a great source of carotenoids, flavonoids, and antioxidants, such as lutein, gallic acid, and quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid, which are anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and protect cells. Lutein is a carotenoid that is also anti-inflammatory. Gallic acid is a natural antioxidant. So definitely consider adding marigolds to your flock’s diet!

Treatment for Sick Chickens

Marigolds have been shown to improve skin repair in chickens, and some even claim that they can treat respiratory diseases. They support a healthy immune system and have antibacterial properties.

Are you ready to grow these incredible flowers for your flock? Here’s how!

Growing Marigolds

Marigolds are fast-growing and resilient. Plant seeds after the last frost and have blooms in about 8 weeks. For best results, follow instructions on the seed packet. Marigolds are pretty tolerant of both wet and dry weather, and should not need fertilizer.

Buying marigolds at your local garden center is also inexpensive. They are easy to transplant – just dig a small hole about two times the size of the roots, loosen roots, plant, and water.

(Have you met the chickens?)

Sources and further reading:

https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/HpD9SNHj3D5rVmkdJ4qgWxD/?lang=en&format=pdf#:~:text=The%20major%20phytochemical%20antioxidants%20in,petals%20(Rivas%2C%201989), https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2013/09/marigolds-for-orange-egg-yolks-and.html, http://www.poultrydvm.com/supplement/marigold, https://cen.acs.org/biological-chemistry/natural-products/chemistry-behind-marigoldspest-control-power/97/i10, https://www.burpee.com/blog/article10006.html, https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/marigolds-for-chickens.html, https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/marigold.html

Thanks for reading! See you next week for another pet post!

Boredom-Busting Chicken Treats for Hot Weather

Bored chickens can cause all sorts of problems, from feather pecking to garden destruction. Here are some ideas to prevent boredom and keep your flock happy and healthy.

Ice pops or slushies!

What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than with an ice pop? Now your chickens can enjoy their own version of this summer treat. In a blender, blend some of their favorite foods with water. I used carrots, apple, and mixed greens with about a cup of water. Freeze it in a bowl or mold. Serve, or grind up the frozen chunks to make a chicken slushy!

Chicken Trail Mix

Throw a few chicken-friendly ingredients together for an easy Chicken Trail Mix. You can use dried fruit, raisins, oats, scratch, feed pellets, dried mealworms, seeds, and more. Mix your flock’s faves together and scatter in the run or yard. My flock’s favorite is 1 part raw whole sunflower seeds, 1 part rolled oats, and 1 part dried mealworms. I like to feed this a lot in the winter for extra protein and to maintain weight.

Peanut Butter & Paper Towel Roll “Bird Feeder”

Use peanut butter to coat a paper towel roll. Put some chicken trail mix (from the previous list item), scratch, feed, or anything dried that your chickens like to eat (dried mealworms, dried fruit, etc.) on a plate. Roll the paper towel roll over the plate, so that the treats stick to it. Hang it in your chicken run for your flock.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a delicious, hydrating treat for your chickens, perfect for hot weather. Feed watermelon sparingly, as it has a high sugar content and too much may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Hanging Salad

Choose some chicken-friendly vegetables, such as carrots and kale. Rinse them to remove any pesticides. Then cut a long piece of twine, about the height of your run. Do not use short pieces – chickens can accidentally eat these and get sick. Lay your veggies on the end of the twine, and wrap the twine around several times before tying it off. Hang this in the run, and watch your flock go wild! You can also hang a whole head of romaine lettuce.

Apple

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Rinse and core an apple. Then put a short stake in the ground, and impale the apple on it. You can also peel the apple if you prefer; however, the skin is very nutritious for your flock.

Chicken “Wading Pool”

Fill a large, shallow container with water. Make sure it’s not too deep, and that they can easily get in and out. Add some herbs or leaves for your chickens to snack on. This is a great way to help your chickens cool off on a hot summer day.

Also check out Chicken Smoothie Bowl Treats and meet my flock here!

What are your flock’s fav activities and treats?

Chicken Bandannas! (yes, really! they’re adorable!)

Bandannas are just awesome. They have so many uses, and there are so many different colors and patterns to choose from! So why shouldn’t our chickens get to enjoy the bandanna-ness? Here is the solution: A 10 minute bandanna craft for chickens!

**It is dangerous to let your chickens wear bandannas unsupervised, because they can get caught on things and potentially injure the bird. However, these bandannas are perfect for a photo op!**

(Check out my article on dogs and bandannas!)

I’m not great at sewing, but these are super easy! I used them to quickly identify two of my Silkies for a project I was working on.

Materials:

12 inch square of fabric

1 fabric snap

Thread and needle

Hot glue/regular glue

  1. Hem 2 sides of the fabric, 3/4 of an inch in

2. With the patterned side down, fold the side that isn’t hemmed to make a triangle.

3. Roll over the top of the triangle until it is the right size for your chicken. You can always adjust this later.

4. Glue on the fabric snaps. One will be on the outside of the collar, one on the inside. Before you glue, double-check that they will fasten correctly.

5. Make sure the glue dries completely before putting it on your chicken. It should fit loosely.

6. Chicken fashion show!

Chicken fashion show!
Fancy Pants the chicken is showing off her new bandanna!

Week 6! The chicks move to the coop!

Here’s another update as our baby chicks grow up! Smokey, Pepper and Eggplant have fully feathered out and are enjoying their new home in the chicken coop with the rest of the flock. While they prefer to hang out with each other, Smokey, Pepper, and Eggy are getting along fine with their new friends. They can really fly now, unlike our fluffy, flightless Silkies! I think the Silkies might be jealous! 😄

See the chicks as they grow up:

3 Weeks old!

5 Weeks Old!

We’re still not sure what breed the chicks are, with their fluffy feet, different colored beaks and varying numbers of toes. They’re probably barnyard mixes, each their own unique type of chicken. Smokey could definitely be a cockerel (that’s a young rooster) because of his large comb and wattles, but we’ll have to wait to know for sure. Pepper and Eggy are likely pullets, but it’s hard to tell since we don’t know the breed.

Here are some pictures, at 3, 5, and 6 weeks!

Do you have chickens or want to get chickens? Tell me all about it in the comments!

Our Chicks are Growing Up! 5 Weeks Old!

Smokey, Pepper, and Eggplant are getting bigger every day. They’re 5 weeks old, and nearly old enough to join the other chickens in the coop. They love to roost on everything, and scratch in the yard.

We suspect that Smokey (the gray one) is a rooster, because his comb and wattles are bigger and redder than those of the other chicks. Eggplant may also be a roo, but we’ll have to wait to see for sure. All three are going through a scruffy phase, as their new feathers grow in to replace their chick fluff. The breed of the chicks is still hard to determine, but hopefully they will be bantams, like our silkies. Speaking of our silkies, the chicks will need to be integrated with the rest of the flock soon.

We’re using a red heat lamp, so the pictures look a bit tinted.

Here is an image comparison from last week’s post vs. today. They are growing so fast! Can you believe that only a week passed? They are still so tiny compared to our silkies, though.

Stay tuned for more posts, including How to Make Chicken Bandannas and Meet Koko the Bearded Dragon!

Rainbow Chickens? The many colors of silkie bantams.

Have you ever heard of a blue chicken? What about a cuckoo-colored one? A chocolate chicken? Well, these are all colors of silkie chickens. There are white, red, lavender, black, gray, splash, buff and partridge silkies, too (and probably more colors in the works).

Let’s take a look at some of these awesome birds.

Photo by Luke Barky on Pexels.com

1. White Silkies

Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels.com

2. Cuckoo Silkies

Silkie, Chickens, Snow, Hen, Birds, Animals, Fowls
Photo by furbymama on Pixabay

These are cuckoo silkies, with barred feathers.

3. Buff Silkies

Photo 31164470 © CynoclubDreamstime.com

Buff silkies have a pretty golden color.

4. Black Silkies

Black Silkie | Dale Calder | Flickr
Black Silkie by Dan Calder on Flickr

I love the gorgeous plumage of the black silkies.

5. Splash Silkies

By Deb Nystrom on Flickr

6. Partridge Silkie

By cskk on Flickr

7. Lavender Silkies/Self Blue

13 Lavender Silkies ideas | silkies, lavender, silkie chickens
On Pinterest

8. Red Silkies

On Pinterest

9. Gray Silkies

Gray Silkies question - PICTURES | Pet chickens, Cute animals, Silkie  chickens colors
On Pinterest

10. Blue Silkies

Murray McMurray Hatchery - Blue Silkie Bantams
Find some blue silkie chicks at McMurray Hatchery!

11. Paint Silkies

Paint Silkies - Breeding Trio | Pets for Sale | Pets for sale, Silkies, Pets
On Pinterest

Paint silkies have a dominant white gene that overrides their black coloring, according to Silkie.org.

12. Chocolate Silkies

chocolate silkie - Google Search | Silkies, Animals, Chickens

I’m also looking to get a few more silkies to add to my flock, and I can’t decide on the color! What’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments!