Wing It Wednesday

Wing it Wednesday tip:

When your eggs have a little dirt, chicken poop or feathers stuck to them... Resist the urge to scrub them clean!  Don’t wash off the bloom that wards off bacteria and icky junk. If you must, gently rub off icky with a washcloth, paper towel or the like.

Hold back Type-A folks, we know this is hard.

Happy Egg Eating.

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Use a bungee cord to keep the hen house door closed and chickens inside when you are cleaning the run or tending to filling the feeder, fountains or tossing out some tasty treats.

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Gotta hen with a poopy-droopy bottom?  It is okay to trim those icky feathers to remove the poopy debris.  Gently hold your feathered fowl in your arms (or have an assistant give you an extra hand).  You'll want to hold 'em like a football with their rear facing forward.  Using sharp scissors give a little clip here and there. Discard the icky feathers into the trash and be certain to sanitize those scissors too.

While you are there: check around the vent for lice and mites that are likely feeding off dried skin and moisture. 

Did you find lice and mites?  Not to worry.  We've got you covered.  Lice, mites and dirty bottoms are a common mishap with poultry.  Here's some quick information and solutions.

Nesting Box Blends

Diatomaceous Earth

Poultry Protector

Thanks to Jake and Dennis for today's Wing it Wednesday tip. 

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Hanging metal feeders are notorious for bent rods and disappearing metal clips. The feeders are meant to last and sometimes you got to give them a little hand to get the most out of them.

Don't toss out that broken feeder: Here's what you do... use twine or baling wire (from straw bales).  Run the string through the

holes and tie a triple knot.  Yes, it looks a little okey but Steve in Seattle, WA says his feathered ladies could care less and he's happy he saved some $.

Thanks for your Wing it Wednesday tip, Steve.