Volume 11, Number 3 Backyard June/July 2016

PoultryDedicated to more and better small-flock poultry

Why Soil Testing Can GINGER, for Healthier Help Your Flock Chickens BASIC CARE for Geese $4.99 US www.countrysidenetwork.com CATS, PARASITES and Your Birds Backyard Poultry FP 12-15 THINK:Mother Earth 4.5 x7 12/17/15 3:20 PM Page 1

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® The Backyard Chicken™ Health Pack is designed to ZYFEND A improve intestinal health, provide safe drinking water, n Use during worm infestations to help offset and help protect poultry from worm related issues. worm related issues The all natural formula supports 25 chicks for about n All natural with no synthetic chemicals 50 days with three water soluble health aids – n One bottle treats 90 gallons of water HealthyFlock ® Tabs, Oxy E-100, and Zyfend® A. HEALTHYFLOCK® TABS n Targets harmful pathogens n Improves intestinal health n Contains beneficial bacteria n All natural formula n One bottle treats 90 gallons of water OXY E-100 n Sanitizes drinking water n Safe and easy to use n Reduces exposure to pathogens n One bottle treats 90 gallons of water Stay Cool, Chickens Photos by Kirsten Bellew

When temperatures increase, so do our concerns for the backyard flock. When chickens start to overheat, they will often start to pant and flap their wings, just like you would flap the bulletin in a hot church to move some air. There are some things you can do to help keep them cool. For one, make sure they have plenty of safe, shady places to get out of the sun. Trees, shrubs and porch furniture make great shelters for chickens. Or at least, they seem to think so. If you fear your chickens are way overheated, try splashing them with water or installing fans around the coop to keep air moving around them. Just like in cold temperatures, ventilation is as important as anything. Enjoy these photographs from Kirsten Bellew, a photographer and frequent contributor from Georgia. Her pictures show in good detail how chick- ens deal with the heat.

4 Backyard Poultry right: When a chicken starts to pant, you know it is overheating. Consider giving it cool water or relocating it to the shade. bottom right: A hot chicken will often seek shade close to shelters. below: Cool treats are always a good idea on hot days.

June/July 2016 If your chickens are free-ranging (and we hope they are), make sure to give them places to escape the sun. They will use them.

62 Soil Testing The history of your backyard is buried in the soil, and learning that history could help your flock stay healthy.

4 Stay Cool, Chickens FEATURES CONTENTS 32 Family Album 14 Something To Crow About The best of the best submission from flocks around the world. 11.3 18 Coming Events 36 Bookstore 40 Poultry Talk Ron Kean and Pam Freeman answer reader questions about their flocks. 46 Healthy Feed Ginger can be given three different ways to help your chickens improve their health. 48 Coop Inspiration Happy Hen Treats The Burgun family’s coop 20 in Ohio builds on a national Premium Treats for Chickens park theme. We know how much you love your flock, so reward them HELPFUL HINTS 50 From Nutrena with some tasty Happy Hen Treats. Our treats are specially Tips for keeping your chickens 20 Feather And Skin Development formulated for chickens and made from quality ingredients. cool this summer. How chicken genetics and research have built today’s complicated feather We know you’ll love our products, because all our products colors and patterns. 54 Cats + Chickens = are tested and approved by our own backyard flock. Toxoplasmosis? 28 How To Read Coop Cards Having cats around your Going to your first poultry show this summer? This will help. chickens could bring in some 30 The Circulatory System uninvited guests. Visit us online to find a dealer near you! In part 6 of our biology series, Thomas Fuller traces the chicken’s circulatory happyhentreats.com system, starting with the chicken heart.

8 Backyard Poultry Happy Hen Treats Premium Treats for Chickens We know how much you love your flock, so reward them with some tasty Happy Hen Treats. Our treats are specially formulated for chickens and made from quality ingredients. We know you’ll love our products, because all our products are tested and approved by our own backyard flock.

Visit us online to find a dealer near you! happyhentreats.com 70 Feed and Care for Geese Geese are hardy birds, but giving them the right feed and care will extend their lives.

Class Action A few lucky students in Wisconsin get to manage 58 a chicken coop as part of their core curriculum. 74 Continental Birds Breed specialist Stuart Sutton continues his series on preserved breeds of Lille Museum.

82 Finding CoCo CoCo is showing off a few deals Goose Eggs on cool new products aimed at Janice Cole shows us why cooking with backyard poultry owners. goose eggs can be challenging — and it starts with finding them. 88 84 Martin Silverudd The famous breeder’s magical breeding programs changed almost everything about raising chickens in the backyard today.

94 For the Love of the Hobby Judi Casey loves raising her chickens up high in the Rocky Mountains.

98 Every Bird Out of the Pool Lori’s pampered flock looked cramped, so she expanded the pool. But cramped is exactly what they wanted.

100 Gertrude McCluck 102 Marketplace 104 Breeder’s Directory 106 Classifieds

10 Backyard Poultry

Volume 11, Number 3 : June/July 2016 Backyard Poultry www.backyardpoultrymag.com

ON THE General Manager Mike Campbell COVER [email protected] Special thanks to the Editor Ryan Slabaugh June/July issue cover [email protected] photographer, Quintin Muhlenkamp, from Circulation and Fulfillment Greenville, Ohio. Learn Laura Ching, Ellen Soper, Lori Adams, more about his beautiful Christine Barkley picture on page 32. Bookstore Managers Ann Tom Sam Ingersoll [email protected]

Advertising Representatives From Backyard Poultry 800-551-5691 Alicia Komanec [email protected] Small Farming, 2.0 Kelly Weiler [email protected] sing the parlance of our times, it looks Clint Lindell [email protected] like backyard chicken farmers and farmers markets are getting an upgrade. Publication Designer UThe recent technological revolution has resulted Malisa Samsel in the increase in our access to real-time information about what is going on around us. It shouldn’t come Backyard Poultry’s Main Coop as a surprise then that Silicon Valley, the creators Backyard Poultry of this culture, has its eyes on chickens and the 145 Industrial Dr. local food movement. We are hearing about the Medford, WI 54451 Ryan Slabaugh development of airplane-like black boxes that track [email protected] Editor chicken movements in the coop, which will then allow homeowners who are away to know when something Subscriptions (U.S. funds): goes wrong. New apps like this spring up almost daily to help gardeners and $24.99 per year livestock managers, and while the traditional ways still work, for those who Backyard Poultry Subscriptions 145 Industrial Dr. are inclined, the new tools are trying to make life a little easier. Medford, WI 54451 From our point of view, the most revolutionary tools coming out this year 800-551-5691 are allowing backyard farmers to communicate directly to those interested in buying their products. Like those dozen eggs or loaf of bread you got at Printed in the U.S.A. the farmers market last weekend? Want to sell eggs to the neighborhood? Now, services will allow you to reserve eggs, connect with growers and sell hyper-locally. These tools will allow everyone to see when a gardener Backyard Poultry (ISSN 1559-2251, USPS 023-374) or beekeeper is harvesting, and to plant your stake in some of their fresh is published bi-monthly by Countryside Publications, produce, honey or eggs without ever leaving the house. It’s exciting, as at 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451. this should greatly improve the food supply. We are quickly entering an era Periodicals postage paid at Medford, WI and additional where farmers markets will become virtual, 24/7 operations, and we know mailing offices. ©2016 Countryside Publications. The views presented here do not necessarily represent from history that with any growth or innovation in local food movement, those of the editor or publisher. All contents of this backyard poultry enthusiasts will play a large part. issue of Backyard Poultry are copyrighted by Countryside Publications, 2016. All rights reserved. Write Ryan Slabaugh a letter about your flock at backyardpoultry Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission of the publisher. [email protected]. He’d love to hear from you. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Backyard Poultry Subscriptions, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 12 Backyard Poultry

Do You Have Something To Crow About? We want to hear from you. Send questions, comments, opinions, advice, coming events, etc. to: Backyard Poultry Editor, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or email [email protected]

pepper. Then, we tried wound spray, and finally, super glue on her nail where it was cut. Then we put her in her own kennel, alone with food and water. We think she had been bleeding all night. She was very pale. Her comb be- came redder and she’s finally recovering! Isabella M. Washington

Guinea or Jockey? I live on a small farm, and my roommate and I own chickens and guineas. We enjoy watching all of their antics — they are always up to something! Our guineas are especially comical, and they get into all kinds of interesting situations. Last week, my roommate Georgia was giving her horse Val a bath, and Clyde (a very tame Pearl guinea) decided that he wanted in on the action. Meet Midge, The Healing Chicken Before she knew it, Clyde had jumped onto Val’s back. He looked like a little, I would like to introduce you to my feathery jockey. Val was completely unconcerned. We thought the photo was wonder chicken, Midge. She was hatched too amusing not to share. over nine years ago in the company of one Gail Drus other sibling and four older, assorted hens Pennsylvania and roosters. I named her Midge because she was the smallest of the chickens. The little chick enjoyed probing for grubs in Saving Honey the grass and rustling in the leaves for Thanks for the Geese Story Yes! I have something to crow about. insects. Midge got along well with the I just wanted to drop you a line I am 11 years old. I was letting my other chickens. thanking you for the excellent article on chickens out when I noticed my chicken, But! One fateful day, things changed. geese in the February/March issue. It Honey, standing alone. I picked her up. As chickens will do, the older birds was well written and very informative. There was blood all over her feet. I took exercised their “pecking order” rights For those of us who raise waterfowl, the her inside and washed her feet off (yes, and seriously injured Midge. They tore enjoyment and satisfaction we derive getting my jacket covered in blood) and out her breast and back feathers, leaving from the efforts we put in are well she kept bleeding. I then put pressure on her skin raw and red. When I found her, worth it. I raise Muscovy ducks, but am her toe (the one that was bleeding). It she was in shock. I took her to Dr. Jim, preparing to raise Pilgrim geese, and your kept bleeding. my veterinarian friend, who treated her article was informational as well as an My mom helped me as we tried multi- and prescribed rest and relaxation. She added encouragement. ple techniques to stop bleeding. First, we recovered in the house in a cardboard box Terry Ashby tried cornstarch. Then we tried cayenne with a hole cut in it.

14 Backyard Poultry April/May, 2006 — Vol. 1/2 • Chick Success: Start Those Birds Right! • Working With the Cock(s) in the Flock A friend suggested, “Let’s get Midge Backyard Poultry’s Aug/Sept, 2006 — Vol. 1/4 a cage so she can see out. We can even • Make Your Own Feed move it into the yard so she can enjoy the • How to Bathe That Bird outdoors and still be safe.” Oct/Nov, 2006 — Vol. 1/5 Back Issue List • Portable Chicken Runs And that’s what I did. Now Midge • Turkey History & Varieties lives in her roomy rabbit cage and keeps Dec, 2006/Jan, 2007 — Vol. 1/6 February/March 2014 — Vol. 9/1 her eyes on everything that’s going on. • Winter Care for Your Poultry • Training Your Chickens She crows in the morning and faithfully • The Neglected Goose • Flock Infections, Options for Treatment laid eggs until about a year ago. In the February/March 2011 — Vol. 6/1 April/May 2014 — Vol. 9/2 • Essential Housing Tips • Get Started With Heritage Breeds summer, she does mingle with the other • Silkies: Furry, Five-Toed Bantams • Automatic Pophole Door Openers chickens in their yard. December 2011/January 2012 — Vol. 6/6 June/July 2014 — Vol. 9/3 Midge is now known as the “healing • Tricks for Winter Egg Production • A Veterinarian Learns How to Eradicate Rats chicken” because so many people have • One Dozen Tips to Legalize Chickens • GMO Feed, What You Need to Know August/September 2014 — Vol. 9/4 become acquainted with her. She sends April/May 2012 — Vol. 7/2 • Brooding Chicks is Easy! • Noisy Birds, How to Keep the Big Boys Quiet picture notes to her sick and homebound • A New Kind of Chicken Coop • 8 Awesome Coop Ideas friends to remind them that they, too, June/July 2012 — Vol. 7/3 October/November 2014 — Vol. 9/5 can recover from adverse conditions. • Plant a Poultry Garden • Storing Eggs, Modern New Ideas • Protecting the Coop from Predators Midge sends you greetings for the best • Feather Your Nest, Poultry Business Ideas December 2014/January 2015 — Vol. 9/6 of health! August/September 2012 — Vol. 7/4 • The Mystique of Swans • What NOT to Feed Your Flock Doris Lidell • Tools to Legalize Urban Poultry Keeping • Winter Proof Michigan December 2012/January 2013 — Vol. 7/6 February/March 2015 — Vol. 10/1 • Build a Beautiful & Practical Brooder • What’s Best In The Nest • Feather-Loss Solutions A Twist on Chickens and Goats • Beginner’s Guide to Raising Ducks June/July 2015 — Vol. 10/3 I read with interest and much concern February/March 2013 — Vol. 8/1 • Understanding Bird Talk • How To Trim Beaks And Claws for the chicken pictured on the goats in • Sex-link Chickens: Clarifying Crossbreeds • A Complete Guide To Poulty Diseases the April/May 2016 issue. It’s very true April/May 2013 — Vol. 8/2 August/September 2015 — Vol. 10/4 that some people have had goats and • Raise Healthy Chicks Naturally • Prevent Cannibalism & Picking • How a Chicken’s Digestive System Works chickens together with no problems. • Build a $3 Nest Box June/July 2013 — Vol. 8/3 October/November 2015 — Vol. 10/5 I had a friend about 50 years ago — • What’s the Best Incubator? • Poultry Feed For Molting Season I am 79 years young — who had goats • An Introduction to Pigeons • Fungal Infections Found In Poultry and chickens running together on about a August/September 2013 — Vol. 8/4 December 2015/January 2016 — Vol. 10/6 two-acre lot. My friend’s chickens started • Poultry Improvement and Medical Kits • Keep The Peace • Winter Feed Supplement Ideas mysteriously dying! • Digital Incubators October/November 2013 — Vol. 8/5 February/March 2016 — Vol. 11/1 One day, I was visiting with her when • Time To Winterize • Antioxidants To The Rescue I noticed her kid goats playing with the • The Exotic Rapanui Fowl • An Introduction To Raising Geese chickens, jumping on them with all four December 2013/January 2014 — Vol. 8/6 April/May 2016 — Vol. 11/2 feet, running in a circle, and repeating • When to Call the Vet • Solutions for New Chick Owners • Venturing Into Herbs • Preventing Urban Rodents the act. Before my friend and I were able to Only $4 each... while supplies last get to the pair, the goat had fatally injured Circle the issues of your choice. (Note: Past issues not listed are sold out.) the chicken! Mystery solved. The kid 1/2 1/4 1/5 1/6 6/1 6/6 7/2 7/3 7/4 goats were killing her chickens. 7/6 8/1 8/2 8/3 8/4 8/5 8/6 9/1 9/2 Just recently, a friend’s chickens were 9/3 9/4 9/5 9/6 10/1 10/3 10/4 10/5 10/6 getting into the goats’ pen. He ended up with two dead chickens and a badly 11/1 11/2 crippled rooster! Name ______Also, goats with horns will use chick- Address ______ens to toss around in goat games, which isn’t so good for the chickens. I have City ______State______Zip______had animals and birds most of my life, Phone number ______including goats and chickens. I have had Credit Card # ______Exp ____ CVV #_____ years of experience, including the good, bad and sad. I would not recommend E-mail ______mixing goats with chickens. Mail this form along with $4 per issue I enjoy your magazine very much! plus $4 shipping/handling for first issue and $1 for each additional issue to: Betty Sims Backyard Poultry Back Issues, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 Arizona 1-800-551-5691 • www.CountrysideNetwork.com

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 15 One for the Ages On the day I sold the cow, I raised on what had happened, but apparently, I have a chicken story that will trump the roost out of the way and lured the although the egg had gotten cold once all chicken stories. cow in to the building with grain so we and then laid on the cold, dirt floor in I have three hens and a rooster could load her. The hen was scared by February for two days, it hatched. I can that hatched last summer. They had a the cow and got off the eggs for three see no other explanation. Delaware father and leghorn mothers. hours, letting them get cold. This was late I have named the little chick Super The rooster looked exactly like his father, January. After the cow was gone, the hen Chick and have determined to give her Delaware Dude, so this one would be resumed her duty to the eggs. I thought the longest and best possible life. DD II. I might as well let her set until she gets Morris Wilson These four chickens kept close tired and gives up. Nebraska company with each other and were After about two more weeks, one constantly on the move; they paid no egg was lying on the cold dirt floor. Chubby’s Life Story attention to cold or snow. One day, one Who knows how it got there. There is a I have a Gold Star hen named Chub- of the hens became maternally inclined, 1-inch by 4-inch board across the nests by. She is bright orange and she used to that is, she started setting. She had only that should have kept the egg in the nest. always sneak out of the fence and roam two eggs that were laid that day, but the The second day the egg had a hole in it around our farm. Now, I might as well lack of eggs was no deterrent. The other as if a chick was trying to get out, but tell you how she got her name. two hens would jump into the nest and I knew that was impossible since the When she was 2 or 3 years old, she make a deposit for the next few days, so egg had gotten cold. After two days, the would get out and jump up at my Great she ended up with nine eggs, all destined egg was gone, and the hen was setting Grandma’s sunflower seed bird feeder. to hatch over a period of about a week. in the corner. I went over and nudged Because of all the extra food, she got That is, if she stayed on them. her with my foot, thinking how dumb, rather “Chubby.” She has made a nest These chickens were living in a 12- you have abandoned the eggs and are for herself in several different places over foot by 16-foot building erected for large setting on nothing. But she wasn’t setting the years. First, she made her egg nest in animals. My cow didn’t use the building, on nothing; she was setting on a baby our ATV’s front basket. Next, she made a so I instead put in a three-compartment chicken. nest in my mom’s garden behind a tree. laying nest and roost. It took a while for me to get a handle Then at about 4 years old, she had a nest

16 Backyard Poultry Jumbo French Guineas, Bantam Silkies, Freedom Ranger Broilers & Layers, Muscovy Duck, & Khaki Campbell Ducks

Ashlee’s Flock This is a picture of my 16-year-old autistic and visually-impaired daughter, Ashlee, with her flock. She loves raising and hatching her chickens. She sits outside often with them, and as you can see, they adore her as well. Michelle Merendino Guineas are fast growing, suitable for New Jersey backyard growers who want to control ticks and for those who would want to use them as a meat bird. in the outside corner between the wood Now it is the spring of 2016 and she and storage sheds. is still alive and going strong! I think it Freedom Rangers are Later in her fourth year is when she got has been awhile since she has laid an egg specially suited for full really sick. I thought this was where her though. We have put her in a safe pen so pasturing, free range, organic certified, life might end, but I was wrong! She sur- she doesn’t have to worry about much backyard, etc. vived, but she went blind in one eye. She anymore. She is one of the chickens that used to like to hang around the pumpkin gets to live out her life on the farm (even To order Freedom Rangers, call Kendall at patch, fluff up her feathers and take dust if she isn’t laying eggs) because she has 717-336-4878 or visit baths there. Dust baths help chickens get been so special. www.freedomrangerhatchery.com rid of little insects on their skin. She was Colton Carr, 10 always alert with caution because of our eagle attacks, but that is another story! When she would see the eagle she would dart next to a pumpkin for camouflage.

The Muscovy is fast growing and a great range duck with a lean meat that is desired by many restaurants. Call or visit us online. To order Muscovy and Khaki Campbell ducklings call Stephen at 717-445-6255. J.M. Hatchery 178 Lowry Road New Holland, PA 17557 717-354-5950 www.jmhatchery.com

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 17 COMING EVENTS: The Coming Events listing is gathered and provided by www.poultryshow central.com. Add your show listing on their website or send to: Coming Events, Backyard Poultry, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or email [email protected]. To be included in the Backyard Poultry magazine listing, event details must be sent 60 days in advance. If you do not have access to website show listings, please contact us for show specifics at 800-551-5691.

CALIFORNIA poultryshowcentral.com/ Mike_Headless_Chicken_ June 18, 2016, Indianapolis, Indiana: Marion County Show_Extravaganza.html Fair - “Serama Mania”; www.poultryshowcentral. June 3-July 4, 2016, Del Mar, California: San com/Marion_County_Fair-Serama_Mania.html Diego Co. Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ CONNECTICUT San_Diego_Co_Fair.html June 18, 2016, Shipshewana, Indiana: Newbury June 19, 2016, Haddam Neck, Connecticut, Square Swap Meet & Flea Market; www. June 4, 2016, Ramona, California: Wild West Connecticut Poultry Breeder’s Society Spring poultryshowcentral.com/Newbury_Square_Swap_ Serama Classic; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Show, www.poultryshowcentral.com/Connecticut_ Meet_Flea_Market.html Wild_West_Serama_Classic.html Poultry_Breeders.html July 9, 2016, Kimmell, Indiana: Wolf’s Swap meet; July 2, 2016, Eureka, California: Humboldt Poultry DELAWARE www.poultryshowcentral.com/Wolfs_Swap_Meet. Fanciers Summer Show; www.poultryshowcentral. html com/Humboldt_Poultry_Fanciers.html July 21-30, 2016, Harrington, Delaware: Delaware State Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ July 16, 2016, Shipshewana, Indiana: Newbury July 15-August 14, 2016, Costa Mesa, California: Delaware_State_Fair.html Square Swap Meet & Flea Market; www. Orange County Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ poultryshowcentral.com/Newbury_Square_Swap_ IOWA Orange_County_Fair.html Meet_Flea_Market.html June 5, 2016, Waukon, Iowa: Northeast Iowa Bird July 20-31, 2016, Paso Robles, California: KENTUCKY California Mid-state Fair; www.poultryshowcentral. and Animal Club Swap; www.poultryshowcentral. com/California_Midstate_Fair.html com/Northeast_Iowa_Bird_Animal_Swap.html June 13-18, 2016, Shelbyville, Kentucky: Shelby Co. Fair & Horse Show; www.poultryshowcentral. June 11, 2016, Maquoketa, Iowa: Eastern Iowa Bird July 22-August 7, 2016, Santa Rosa, California: com/Shelby_County_Fair.html Sonoma County Fair & Exposition; www. and Small Animal Swap; www.poultryshowcentral. poultryshowcentral.com/Sonoma_County_Fair_ com/Eastern_Iowa_Bird_Small_Animal_Swap.html July 11-16, 2016, Hardinsburg, Kentucky: Exposition.html Breckinridge County Fair; www.poultryshowcentral. June 12, 2016, West Burlington, Iowa: Southeast com/Breckinridge_County_Fair.html July 23, 2016, Sacramento, California: California Iowa Pigeon Club Buy-Sell-Trade Days; www. State Fair Fur & Feathers; www.poultryshowcentral. poultryshowcentral.com/Southeast_Iowa_Pigeon_ LOUISIANA com/California_State_Fair.html Club.html June 12, 2016, Denham Springs, Louisiana: Watson July 28-31, 2016, Plymouth, California: Amador June 19, 2016, Waverly, Iowa: Waverly Iowa Exotic Poultry Swap Meet; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ County Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Bird and Animal Swap, www.poultryshowcentral. Watson_Poultry_Swap_Meet.html Amador_County_Fair.html com/Waverly_Iowa_Exotic_Bird_Animal_Swap. html June 18, 2016, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Serama COLORADO Super Combine; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ June 25-26, 2016, Grundy Center, Iowa: Serama_Super_Combine.html June 3-4, 2016, Fruita, Colorado: Mike the Grundy County Bird and Animal Swap, www. Headless Chicken Show and Extravaganza; www. poultryshowcentral.com/Grundy_County_Bird_ MICHIGAN Animal_Swap.html June 4, 2016, Charlotte (Eaton County July 10, 2016, West Burlington, Iowa: Southeast Fairgrounds), Michigan: Michigan Bird & Game Iowa Pigeon Club Buy-Sell-Trade Days, www. Breeders Association; www.poultryshowcentral. FASTFENCE poultryshowcentral.com/Southeast_Iowa_Pigeon_ com/Michigan_Game_Breeders_Swap_Charlotte. Infoandbuynowat Club.html html July 20-24, 2016, Mason City, Iowa: North Iowa June 25, 2016, Trenary, Michigan: Trenary Fur www.electricnets.com Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/North_Iowa_ and Feather Swap; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ 800-356-5458 Fair.html Trenary_Fur_Feather_Swap.html July 24-30, 2016, Waverly, Iowa: Bremer County July 23, 2016, Rockford, Michigan: Rockford IMPORTANT VOLUNTARY RECALL Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/Bremer_ Small Animal Swap; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED County_Fair.html Rockford_Small_Animal_Swap_Meet.html Brower Top Hatch Incubator ILLINOIS MINNESOTA STOP USING THIS June 5, 2016, Kankakee, Illinois: Tri-K Pigeon & June 11, 2016, New Ulm, Minnesota: New Ulm INCUBATOR & Bantam Club Pigeon Fair; www.poultryshowcentral. Bird & Small Animal Swap & Sale Days; www. com/TriK_Pigeon_Bantam_Fair.html poultryshowcentral.com/Brown_Co_Pigeon_ CONTACT US TO Poultry_Club_Swap.html OBTAIN A FREE INDIANA BASE ASSEMBLY July 16, 2016, New Ulm, Minnesota: New Ulm June 11, 2016, Kimmell, Indiana: Wolf’s Swap Bird & Small Animal Swap & Sale Days; www. meet; www.poultryshowcentral.com/Wolfs_Swap_ poultryshowcentral.com/Brown_Co_Pigeon_ Meet.html This involves THI20 Poultry_Club_Swap.html Version 2. Not all Top June 12, 2016, Knox, Indiana: Golden Horseshoe Hatch Incubators are Saddle Club Swap Meet; www.poultryshowcentral. MISSOURI being recalled. Call com/Golden_Horseshoe_Saddle_Club_Swap.html 800-553-1791 or go to June 2-5, 2016, Versailles, Missouri: Jacob’s Cave Swapping Days; www.poultryshowcentral. browerequip.com for com/Jacobs_Cave_Swapping_Days.html more information.

18 Backyard Poultry

RECALL SLICK.indd 1 5/6/2013 11:53:51 AM June 3-5, 2016, Boonville, Missouri: Lake of July 28-August 6, 2016, Dunbar, Pennsylvania: the Ozarks Pigeon Club Swapper’s Days; www. Fayette County Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ poultryshowcentral.com/ Lake_of_the_Ozarks_ Fayette_County_Fair_PA.html Pigeon_Club_Swappers_Days.html VIRGINIA MONTANA June 12, 2016, Berryville, Virginia: PS Pearrell July 29-August 6, 2016, Great Falls, Montana: Poultry Auctions; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Montana State Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ PS_Pearrell_Poultry_Auctions.html Montana_State_Fair.html June 25, 2016, Berryville, Virginia: PS Pearrell NORTH DAKOTA Poultry Auctions; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ PS_Pearrell_Poultry_Auctions.html July 22-30, 2016, Minot, North Dakota: North Dakota State Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ July 9, 2016, Berryville, Virginia: PS Pearrell North_Dakota_State_Fair.html Poultry Auctions; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ PS_Pearrell_Poultry_Auctions.html NEW JERSEY July 23, 2016, Berryville, Virginia: PS Pearrell June 26, 2016, Moorestown, New Jersey: Poultry Auctions; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Stars and Stripes Livestock Show; www. PS_Pearrell_Poultry_Auctions.html poultryshowcentral.com/Stars_and_Stripes.html July 29-August 7, 2016, Fredericksburg, NEW YORK Virginia; Fredericksburg Agricultural Show; www.poultryshowcentral.com/Fredericksburg_ June 5, 2016, Syracuse, New York: Finger Lakes Agricultural_Show.html Feather Club Show; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Finger_Lakes_Feather_Club_Show.html WISCONSIN

June 25, 2016, Riverhead, New York: North Fork June 4, 2016, Galesville (Trempealeau Co. Hen House Tour; www.longislandhort.cornell.edu Fairgrounds), Wisconsin: Coulee Region Poultry Club; www.poultryshowcentral.com/Coulee_ July 30-August 6, 2016, Cobleskill, New Region_Poultry_Club.html York: Schoharie County Sunshine Fair; www. poultryshowcentral.com/Schoharie_County_ June 4, 2016, Peshtigo, Wisconsin: The Northern Sunshine_Fair.html Poultry Pigeon and Rabbit Club (NPPRC) Spring Swap; www.poultryshowcentral.com/NPPRC_ OHIO Spring_Swap-Peshtigo.html June 4-5, 2016, Chillicothe, Ohio: Southern July 2, 2016, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin: West Ohio Poultry Association Swap Day; www. Central WI Pigeon and Poultry Club Summer Swap; poultryshowcentral.com/Southern_Ohio_Poultry_ www.poultryshowcentral.com/West_Central_WI_ Association_Swap_Meet.html Pigeon_Poultry_Club_Swap.html June 11, 2016, Canfield, Ohio: Buckeye July 30, 2016, Wheeler, Wisconsin: RiceStonian Fancy Feather Club Poultry Show; www. Craft and Critter Swap; www.poultryshowcentral. poultryshowcentral.com/Buckeye_Fancy_Feather_ com/Ricestonian_Animal_Swap.html Club.html CANADA June 11-12, 2016, Lucasville, Ohio: Lucasville Trade Days; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ June 4, 2016, Clinton, Ontario: Huron County Lucasville_Trade_Days.html Poultry Club Show; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Huron_County_Poultry_Association.html July 15-16, 2016, Mt Hope, Ohio: Mid Ohio Swap Meet; www.poultryshowcentral.com/Mid_Ohio_ June 10-12, 2016, Ormstown, Quebec: Expo Swap.html Ormstown; www.poultryshowcentral.com/Expo_ Ormstown.html July 24-30, 2016, Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State Fair;www.poultryshowcentral.com/Ohio_State_ June 12, 2016, Odessa, Ontario: Kingston Fair.html District Poultry/Pet Stock Association Show; www.poultryshowcentral.com/Kingston_District_ OREGON Poultry_Pet_Stock_Association.html July 20-24, 2016, Eugene, Oregon: Lane County June 25, 2016, Smithville, Ontario: PoultryFest Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/Lane_County_ Niagara; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Fair.html PoultryFest_Niagara.html July 26-30, 2016, Myrtle Point, Oregon: Coos July 23, 2016, British Columbia, Canada: Maple County Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Ridge — Pitt Meadows Country Fest; www. Coos_County_Fair.html poultryshowcentral.com/Pitt_Meadows_Country_ PENNSYLVANIA Fest.html

June 19, 2016, Dunbar, Pennsylvania: Uniontown July 29, 2016, Murray River, Prince Edward Poultry and Farm Products Association; www. Island: Northumberland Fisheries Festival; poultryshowcentral.com/Uniontown_Poultry_ www.poultryshowcentral.com/Northumberland_ Association.html Fisheries_Festival.html

July 23-30, 2016, Lebanon, Pennsylvania: Lebanon Area Fair; www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Lebanon_Area_Fair.html

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 19 Helpful Hints

CHICKEN DNA, PART 3 This is the third in a six-part series on poultry genetics by Doug Ottinger. The fourth article coming in the August-September issue will look at sex-linkage and the female chromosome.

Doug Ottinger lives in northwest Minnesota with his wife, Connie. They raise chickens, ducks and geese on their small hobby farm. Doug’s educational background is in agriculture, with an emphasis in poultry and avian genetics.

Feather and Skin Development From Full Plumes to Naked Necks, Genetics Determine What Today’s Chickens Look Like

By Doug Ottinger Minnesota

ost of us as children probably enjoyed picking The development of the feathers and the feather up feathers when we were outdoors playing follicles is extremely involved. The follicles, feathers or walking home from school. It seems that and skin of the chicken, as well as other birds, start Malmost every child does. Some of us may have had feather forming during the first few days of embryonic growth. collections or proudly taken feathers to show-and-tell Complex chemical interactions, all dictated by the time when we were very young. And there are those of genes in the newly forming cells, take place in these us who never got over that childhood curiosity. We still regions, giving rise to what will become the feathers, have to stop and examine feathers when we find them on in all of their shapes, colors and individual purposes the ground. I know. I am one of those people. in the life of the bird. Feathers are actually a very complex part of the In this series of articles, I will often refer to how bird. While they will eventually stop growing and fall frequently avian research (often meaning research on off of the bird (only to be replaced by a new, growing chickens) is carried out as a way to help us understand feather), they start out as a living, growing appendage. human medical issues, as well as avian issues. Much There are many diverse types of feathers, each serving of this research links directly to genetics and tissue a specific purpose. similarities in many animals, including humans.

20 Backyard Poultry Researchers are now concentrating on The longer wing feathers (primaries and been extensively studied and cataloged the molecular structures within the cells, secondaries, for example), as well as for well over 100 years. Numerous genet- in the newest branch of genetics, more the retrices, or tail feathers, make flight ic and breeding books have been written. commonly known as “genomics.” possible. Feathers are also used for com- Many of these contain large sections on In 2004, a group of researchers from munication between birds. They can be color and color-pattern genetics. There two combined departments at the Keck used to signal welcoming advances, such are also very nice and informative web- School of Medicine at the University of as in courtship, or can be used to display sites that are almost entirely dedicated to Southern California, Los Angeles, led by anger, aggression and repulsion to other feather and plumage colors and patterns. Yu Mingke, published a comprehensive birds. One example would be two angry It is for these exact reasons that I research paper on the entire process of roosters with raised hackle feathers, fac- am not dealing with this in this article. feather follicle development in birds. ing each other, ready to fight. Instead of replicating what has been This group of researchers actually went printed time and again, it is my desire to so far as to term the feather “a complex share information that is lesser known, epidermal organ.” but can be used as examples of discov- The feather follicles, which form in eries researchers have found out in more conjunction with complex protein and recent years. chemical interactions taking place be- tween the layers of forming skin during Feathers and Skin early stages of embryonic growth, are Genetic traits like the genetic domi- also semi-complex organs. When looked nance of feather-barring, sex-linkage and at under a microscope, you will see many certain color patterns of a bird’s feathers components and parts to each follicle. and skin are already well known to many Each part serves a unique function in the poultry keepers. In this article, I am go- development of the new feather. ing to diverge from some of these more So, as we just learned, feathers start as common subjects, and talk about two small living organs. There are numerous traits — one dominant and one recessive layers and parts to each feather. Different — that give examples of the biochemis- species of birds may have feathers that try involved in the development of the differ somewhat, chemically, as well as in bird’s feathers and skin. I will keep it as physical form to serve the specific needs simple as possible. The first example is of that species. The newly forming feath- the dominant Na, or “Naked Neck” gene, er contains a small artery in the middle, found in the Transylvanian Naked Neck as well as several veins, which are all breed of chicken. The second example is a responsible for supplying blood, oxygen Feather patterns are genetically lesser-known, recessive gene, sc, or scale- and nutrition to the new “feather-organ.” complicated, and controlled by numerous less trait, that causes homozygous carriers The different types of feathers on the genes on many different chromosomes. (birds that have two of these genes) to body, as well as the colors or pigments be almost bald, over their entire bodies. they have, are all regulated by genetic Color of Feathers and Skin In most breeds of chickens, the feath- information, which is permanently im- It would probably be safe to say that ers are distributed in 10 major feather planted into each feather follicle when no area of poultry genetics has been more tracts or pterylae. The spaces between they are formed.. studied, or had more articles and books these tracts are called “apteria”. In most The feather patterns of a bird are reg- written on it, than the area of color in the birds, these apteria carry scatterings of ulated by complex genetic components. feathers, plumage and skin. After all, it is down feathers and semiplumes. However, These include numerous genes as well one of the first things we see that draws in the Transylvanian Naked Neck Fowl, as numerous modifying genes on many us to the beauty of a particular breed, or there are no down patches or semiplumes different chromosomes. Feather growth individual bird. in the apteria. in birds is also partially regulated by Color, and color patterns, have been, Furthermore, the head tract is free of sexual hormones. This is why one will see and still are, one of the easiest areas to feathers, as well as feather follicles, ex- brightly colored breeding plumage fade study and make clear-cut predictions of cept for an area around the comb. There out to lighter hues later in the season, or the outcome. After all, we have almost are no feathers on the dorsal surfaces of may infrequently see one sex of a bird immediate fruit from our labors. Based the neck, except for a few on the spinal species develop temporary, or sometimes on simple dominant and recessive genetic tract. The ventral tract is virtually absent, permanent feathering, of the opposite sex, patterns, it only takes a few generations, except for the area around the crop, and if there is a disruption in normal hormone all workable within just a few years, to the lateral feather tracts on the breast are balances within the bird. usually get what we want. The results very reduced. When the bird matures, the Feathers serve many purposes for a may not be perfect, and may require more naked skin area of the neck turns a red bird. One obvious purpose is for pro- years of breeding work, but we can usu- color. One researcher, L. Freund, found tection of the skin. Another is for heat ally see where the project is going. The many similarities between the breed’s retention and insulation in cold weather. heredity of color and color patterns have bare neck tissue and that of the wattles.

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 21 GENETICS GLOSSARY Back around 1914, the first records Here are a few terms you may of genetic studies with these fowl were encounter in this series of reported in research papers. A research- articles, and an explanation for er, named Davenport, determined that a each term: singled, dominant gene caused the trait. CHROMOSOMES Later, a researcher, named Hertwig, in These are the segments of DNA 1933, assigned the gene symbol, “Na.” (deoxyribonucleic acid) found Later, the gene was reclassified by some within the nucleus, or center, researchers as semi-dominant. of a cell. The “genes” are More recently, the Naked Neck effect attached to these. These are in was found to be the result of one gene, pairs in all cells, except the sex plus another modifying segment of DNA, cells of an organism. Sex cells or gene, both working together. Two (eggs and sperm) only have researchers from the University of Edin- one chromosome from each burgh, Chunyan Mou and Denis Headon, pair. The term “chromosome” completed much of this later work, most literally means “colored body,” since these show up under a of it within the past 15 years. microscope after a preparatory Early, it was known that the na- staining or coloring. ked-neck effect was a dominant trait, but the exact biochemical process was GENES not known. After many years and much These are actually just shorter research in this area, we now have some appendages of DNA that are answers as to what causes this. attached along the edges of From a chemical or molecular per- the chromosomes, in a linear spective, it was determined that the Na order. Working together, the genes hold the blueprint or gene was the result of a genetic mutation. “instructions” that make up This mutation causes the overproduction Researchers were mystified why the all of the traits in an organism of a feather-blocking molecule, called overproduction of BMP 12 only affected while it is developing — color, BMP 12 (short for Bone Morphogenic certain feather-tracts in the Naked Neck skin color, feather color in birds, Protein, number 12). At one point it was Fowl. Through continuing research, led hair color in mammals, types of thought that that the Na gene acted alone. by Dr. Headon, it was found that retinoic combs that chickens have, or However, more recent research, mainly acid, derived from vitamin A, is produced color of flowers on a plant. done by Mou and his group, found that in the skin of the chicken’s neck, head and another segment of DNA, on the same some of the lower areas surrounding the LOCUS (PLURAL: LOCI) This is simply the “location” chromosome, working as a modifier, neck. This acid enhances the molecular of where a gene sits on a helps cause the overproduction of this effect of BMP 12, causing development chromosome. This is a little more chemical. To show how much our un- of feather follicles to cease. This overpro- technical term, and under most derstanding of genetics is changing, an duction happens during the first week of circumstances, most people, increasing number of researchers now embryonic development while the baby including scientists, could really refer to the “BMP 12 gene” in research, chick is still in the egg. Just this brief pe- care less where that gene sits instead of just referring to the “Na” gene, riod is enough to stop the feather follicle along the strand of DNA. In as has been done for some 80 years. growth and formation. some recent works or reports, Here’s some trivia about BMPs: Here’s just a little more trivia: For any one will sometimes see the There are at least 20 identified BMPs. readers interested in the health sciences, word locus being substituted Many of these proteins have been deter- intensive studies have been done with for gene. Sometimes you may read something like, “The locus mined to be crucial in the development, BMP 12 within the past 15 years. Exten- responsible for hair growing in growth and repair of various body tis- sive research has been done in the areas the chicken’s nostrils ...” (Hey! sues, including connective tissue, skin, of using this substance in the healing I know hair doesn’t really grow tendons and bones. They are also crucial and repair of the tissues in the tendons. in a chicken’s nostrils ... it’s just to the development and functioning of Injections of BMP 12 have been used, and another one of my silly examples.) the central nervous system. Interestingly studied in the healing and regeneration of enough, BMP 12 is a member of the hu- completely severed chicken tendons. In ALLELE man BMP family of proteins, and is found at least one case, tensile strength of the Most often used as just another in humans, as well as our little friends, the repaired tendon was double that of the word for “gene.” More correctly, allele refers to a gene that is chickens. Essential to the development normal tendon. These types of studies part of a pair of genes, at the of tendons and other connective tissues, have given great hope for the repair and same locus on a chromosome, or BMP 12 also works as one of the agents healing of human tendon injuries. Again, pair of chromosomes. that help retard over-development of hair the lowly little chicken has been used as and feathers in mammals and birds. a forerunner in human medicine.

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June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 23 things, however, there is more that we that other breeds and strains of chickens DOMINANT GENE OR don’t know than what we actually do, and have. Footpads on the bottom of the feet DOMINANT ALLELE many times we can only make educated are also reportedly non-existent in most A gene that by itself will cause guesses, or hypothesis, as to what the birds. Because the sc gene is recessive, an organism to have a certain real story is. birds that have these traits, or phenotype, trait. In nomenclature or writing must have two of the genes present in their about genetics, they are always Bald Chickens genome, or genetic makeup (sc/sc). designated with a capital letter. Back in 1954, at least one little The gene that causes this condition is RECESSIVE GENE OR featherless baby chick showed up in a a prime example of a mutated gene, and RECESSIVE ALLELE hatching of some New Hampshire chicks the difference such a mutation can make. Always designated by small at the University of California at Davis. By any standards, the change in this gene, letters in nomenclature, these To say the least, this happening would as well as the resulting phenotype of the genes require two of them, become an almost unlimited gold mine birds, is greater than most mutations that working together to give an for researchers for many years to come. are normally seen. This gene, known as the organism a certain trait. In my research for this article, I was FGF 20 gene, is responsible for produc- HETEROZYGOUS not able to find how many featherless tion of a protein called FGF 20 (short for This means that only one of the baby chicks originally hatched, or what Fibroblast Growth Factor 20). FGF 20 is genes for a given trait is carried the survival rate was. Some of the sources necessary in the production of both feather by the animal or plant. I drew from indicated that there was at and hair follicles in developing birds and least a small group. One other source mammals. HOMOZYGOUS seemed to indicate that it was only one In naked scale-less having the sc/sc Two genes for the same trait, lone little mutant that inspired the whole genotype, the FGF 20 genes are actually carried by the animal or plant. breeding project. (Consequently, it is mutated to the point that the production SEX CHROMOSOMES easy to see how even the most basic of of 29 essential amino acids is halted, The chromosomes that determine information can be lost or skewed in keeping the FGF 20 from interacting with an organism’s sex. In birds, tracking or writing about scientific sub- other proteins, all necessary for develop- designated by Z and W. Males jects.) I would suspect that this original ment of feather follicles in the growing have two ZZ chromosomes, information is still somewhere in the chicken embryo. (These extreme types of females have one Z and one research archives at U.C. Davis. If anyone mutations that cause a breach in genetic W chromosome. reading this article (including anyone at communications are called nonsense SEX-LINKED GENE U.C. Davis) has any information on this mutations.) A gene attached to either the original brood, I am asking you to send a The normal interaction between Z or the W sex chromosome. In short letter to the editor and let us know skin layers during embryonic growth is birds, most sex-linked traits are a little more about it thwarted, thus causing the lack of follicle due to a gene on the male, or Many times, mutations such as this growth. Due to this, particular strain of Z chromosome. prove to be lethal to the animals involved. bird and the molecular interactions of this In this case, however, these birds lived, genetic abnormality are being studied, AUTOSOME bred, reproduced, and the offspring are in order to gain a better understanding Any chromosome, other than a still a major source of study to this day. of how skin forms during embryonic sex chromosome. This particular strain of chicken is growth in many other animals, including HETEROGAMETIC fairly smooth skinned with few feather human beings. This refers to differing sex follicles. The skin develops a red-color One of the foremost researchers with chromosomes carried by in many of the adult birds, similar to the these fowl is Professor Avigdor Cahaner, an organism. For example, exposed skin of the Naked Neck Fowl. at the Rehovot Agronomy Institute, near in chickens, the female is The rudimentary feathers that do exist Tel Aviv, Israel. Dr. Cahaner has spent heterogametic. She has both seem to be concentrated in the thigh area years developing birds that can survive a Z (“male” sex chromosome) and wing tips. Most of these feathers are and function in extremely hot areas of the and a W (“female” sex severely mutated, however, and are not world. Many of his genetic trials involve chromosome) in her genome, or genetic makeup. fully developed. There are a number of these birds. One benefit cited is the fact other differences present in these birds that the growing birds can cool down and HOMOGAMETIC also. Besides not having feathers, the get rid of body heat more easily. Rapidly This means that the organism shanks and feet do not develop scales. It growing broilers produce vast amounts carries two of the same sexual is because of this trait that the responsible of body heat. In extremely hot areas of chromosomes. In chickens, gene, as well as the birds, were called the globe, even brief periods of additional males are homogametic, as they “Scale-less.” heat can cause mortality losses between carry two Z chromosomes in Spur growth on the legs is non-exis- 20 and 100 percent. Reported feed con- their genome. tent. The bodies of most of these birds also sumption is also markedly less, due to the lack much of the normal body fat, includ- fact that feathers are almost all protein, ing fat normally found in feather follicles, and it takes a lot of protein in the feed,

24 Backyard Poultry Back in 1954, at least one little featherless baby chick showed up in a hatching of some New Hampshire chicks at the University of California, at Davis. To say the least, this happening would become an almost unlimited gold mine for researchers for many years to come. just to make the feathers. Another benefit cited: is the water conservation during feather removal. Commercial plucking uses voluminous amounts of water. This can be a significant waste of resources in arid regions of the world. The birds’ lack of extra body fat is also of interest to some of those interested in creating healthier food sources. Experimental work with birds hold- ing the Naked Neck gene is also being conducted by the same researchers. This genetic trait also holds promise for ex- tremely hot areas in the world.

Mad Science? Dr. Cahaner and his colleagues are not without their share of critics, howev- er. Some see the entire idea of mutated featherless birds as a demented project of mad scientists run amok. There are some definite problems that the birds experience. One is potential sunburn if raised in outdoor areas. Another comes from problems present in natural mating.

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 25 There are definite mobility problems Perfection? Who knows? I won’t even GAMETE A reproductive cell. Can be either for the rooster when mounting the hen. venture a guess on that one. There are an egg or a sperm. Feathers on the hen’s back also protect already hairless dogs and hairless cats, her from skin damage from the rooster’s both of which currently hold a place in GERM CELL claws during the mating process. the showring. My best remark on that one Same as a gamete. Some critics have concerns about is to just say, “Never say never.” skin damage to all birds. There are also This article has been a little longer MUTATION no feathers to protect the birds from in- than some, so I think it is time to stop. No A change in the actual molecular structure of a gene. These sect bites. And such birds raised in small matter how deep things get scientifically, changes can be either good free-holder systems in the developing the most important aspect of keeping or bad. Such a mutation may world cannot fly, and thus are more prone poultry, in my view, is the enjoyment we then make a physical change in to be killed by predators. There is also each get from the beauty of our birds, and the actual structure of the new concern about mobility problems in the watching their cute little antics. If your organism. legs and feet because of the absence of birds are like mine, they rarely complain. cushioning footpads. However, if they do, you may want to LETHAL GENE Will we ever see featherless chickens remind them that some chickens don’t These are genes that, when become an item of interest and fancy, even have feathers to wear to bed. present in a homozygous state, usually cause the organism to die eventually gaining enough support, to If they don’t believe you, you can read during development, or shortly be admitted to the American Standard of them this article as proof. after hatching or birth.

GENOME The whole big picture of all the Sources: genes and chromosomes put Mou, Chunyan, et al., Cryptic Patterning of Avian Skin Confers a Developmental Facility for Loss of together, in an animal or plant. Neck Feathering, March 15, 2011, journals.plos.org/plosbiology GENOMICS http://edelras.nl/chickengenetics/ The study of genetics and a http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/484808/featherless-chickens/ cellular and molecular level. http:nextnature.net/2006/10/featherless-chicken/ https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2307-featherless DIPLOID NUMBER http://the-coop.org/poutrygenetics/index.php?title=Chicken_Chromosome_Linkages This refers to the total number http://www.thepoultrysite.com/.../israeli-scientists-breed-featherless-chicken of chromosomes in an organism. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/110315-transylvania-naked-neck-chicken-chur- For example, chickens have keys-turkens-science/ 39 pairs of chromosomes in all cells, except the gametes. Since Yong, Ed, How the Transylvanian Naked Neck Chicken Got Its Naked Neck, blogs.discover magazine. chromosomes normally come com March 15, 2011. in pairs, the scientific “diploid” Hutt, F.B., PhD, D.Sc., Genetics of the Fowl, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1949. number for the chicken is 78. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health,https://www.ncbi.nih.gov/pubmed12706484 ibid., http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC34646221ibid., Lou, J., etal., BMP-12 Gene-Transfer HAPLOID NUMBER Augmentation of Lacerated Tendon Repair, J Ortho Res 2001, Nov.19(6) 199-202, www.ncbi.nlm.nih. This refers to the number of gov/pubmed/11781024ibid., www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p. The dynamic role of bone morphogenic proteins in chromosomes in a sex cell or neural stem-cell fate and maturation. gamete. There is only one half Wells, Kirsty l.., et al., Genome-wide SNP scan of pooled DNA reveals nonsense mutation in FGF20 in the of each chromosomal pair in an egg or sperm. Consequently the scaleless line of featherless chickens, bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10-1186/1471-2164-13-257 “haploid” number of the chicken https://prezi-com/hgvkc97plcq5/gmo-featherless-chickens is 39. Chen, Chih-Feng, et al., Annual Reviews, Animal Science, Development, Regeneration and Evolution of Feathers, February 2015, www.annualreviews.org MODIFYING GENE Hall, Brian K., Bones and Cartilidge: Developmental and Evolutionary Skeletal Biology, second This is a gene that, in someway, edition, Academic Press, Elsevier, Inc., 2015. modifies or changes the effects http://genesdev.cshlp.org/content/27/450.long FGF 20 governs formation of primary and secondary of another gene. In reality, many dermal condensations in developing hair follicles. genes work on each other, to a Yu, Mingke, et al., The developmental biology of feathered follicles (2004), http://www.hsc.usc. certain extent, as modifiers. edu/~cmchuong/2004/DevBiol.pdf. GENOTYPE Ajay, F.O., Nigerian Indigenous Chicken: A Valuable genetic Resource for Meat and Egg Production, This refers to the actual genetic Asian Journal of Poultry Science, 2010, 4: 164-172. makeup in an organism’s cells. Budzar, Nora, et al., Genetic diversity of Hungarian indigenous chicken breeds based on microsatellite markers, Animal Genetics, May, 2009. PHENOTYPE Sorenson, Paul D. FAO. 2010. Chicken genetic resources used in smallholder production systems and This refers to what the animal or opportunities for their development, FAO Smallholder Production Paper, No. 5, Rome. plant actually looks like.

26 Backyard Poultry

Helpful Hints How To Read Coop Cards Going To Your First Poultry Show? This Will Help

By Christine Heinrichs California

A rooster crows during a poultry show. When attending, ask questions and engage WHAT’S ON A CARD? the bird owners. You’re guaranteed to The card reads learn something. Class: Variety:

hether you plan to show your (FLEG). The logic is Breed: Sex: are cockerels, females chickens or are attending a to keep similar birds under a year old are show to look at the chicken together. pullets. Males over Wpossibilities, learning to read the Cage Signs indicating where the various a year are cocks and females over a year Cards will help. They are written in a classes are caged are often placed on top are hens. shorthand that requires some deciphering. of cages or in another easily seen loca- The chicken owner exhibiting the bird Chickens are judged according to the tion. The signs will help you identify is identified only by a number. This helps way they are classified by the American which breeds are on display. keep judging fair and impartial. Poultry Association and the American Within the class are separate breeds. The row of cages will be closed Bantam Association. Consult the APA Chickens are judged against others of their off while the judges are inspecting the Standard of Perfection and the ABA breed. Breeds are grouped together but may birds. It’s not necessarily solemn, but it Bantam Standard for all the details. be identified only on the cage cards. is serious. Judges spend years studying Bantam classes are different from Within the breed are varieties. These chickens and learning the refinements of large fowl: Modern Game; Old English are usually different colors, but may also body shape, feather condition and color, Game; American Game; Single Comb have different combs. comb, wattles and earlobes, and all the Clean Leg (SCCL); Rose Comb Clean Sex seems obvious, but for chicken other points that go into judging chick- Leg (RCCL); All Other Comb Clean shows, young birds are judged separately ens. They need to be left alone to focus Leg (AOCCL); and Feather Legged from mature birds. Males under a year old on each bird.

28 Backyard Poultry Judges love chickens and are eager to help others learn about them. They will happily answer questions after they are finished judging. The judge examines each bird in the variety, breed and class, and then ranks them. Number 1, 2 and 3 rank the top three birds of that sex, variety and breed. BV stands for Best of Variety. RV stands for Reserve of Variety, second place. BB stands for Best of Breed, meaning of all the chickens of that breed shown, all varieties, this chicken was the best. RB is Reserve of Breed, second place. CH means champion and RCH Reserve Champion, second place. Champions will be awarded for each class. Up to this point, similar birds are judged against each other. The next level is judging all bantams and all large fowl, to choose champions for each group. The champions of bantams and large fowl go to the front of the show, Champions Row. If waterfowl and turkeys are included in the show, their champions will be on Champions Row as well. From that lineup, the Grand Champion (GCH) and the Reserve Grand Champion (RGCH) of the entire show will be selected. Every chicken owner who goes to the trouble of preparing birds to take to a show is proud to be there. They are all proud of their birds, as you may be some day. Compliment them and ask them about their birds. Shows are an excellent way to connect with other chicken owners. Most shows have a sale section. Most of the birds will be show quality or close to show quality. Expect to pay more than you would for less carefully bred birds. But you may find some bargains. From experience I can tell you that it is difficult to leave a show without a few new birds. I’ve tried limiting myself by vowing not to waver, and not bringing any empty cages with me to the show. However, chickens don’t mind traveling to a new home in plain cardboard boxes.

Christine Heinrichs writes from California and works closely with the American Livestock Breeds Conser- vancy. Founded in 1977, the nonprofit works to protect more than 150 breeds of animals from extinction. For more information, visit www.albc-usa.org.

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 29 Helpful Hints

OUR BIOLOGY SERIES Ever wonder how your chicken really works? In part six, we are illus- trating how the blood flows through the chicken’s circulatory system, with the help of illustrator Bethany Caskey, and writer Thomas Fuller, a retired biology teacher and lifelong poultry owner, in upcoming editions of Backyard Poultry magazine.

The Circulatory System Biology of the Chicken, Part 6

By Thomas L. Fuller New York

he cir- are a thin-walled muscle culatory that pushes blood to or transport sys- the true pumps of the Ttem of the chicken is very heart, the ventricles. similar to that of our own The muscle wall cardiovascular system. of the right ventricle Throughout this series is lesser than that of the about the chicken’s biolog- left ventricle. The right ical systems, a common in- side of the heart is only fluence has evolved. Hank pushing blood a short path and Henrietta, as birds, to the lungs while the left side need special physiological ventricle has to push blood from adaptations for their inherent the tip of the comb to the tip of need of flight. The circulatory the toes. A chicken’s heart pumps system of the chicken, with this more blood per minute (cardiac same distinction, must provide a output) than that of mammal’s of more efficient manner of retrieving the same body mass. Birds also tend oxygen from our atmosphere. In other to have larger hearts (relative to body words, flight muscles need a lot of oxygen. size) than mammals. These physiological The primary purpose of the circula- adaptations precipitate in them having a tory system is to provide every living cell higher blood pressure and resting heart of the bird with oxygen and food while beat than humans (180/160 BP and 245 removing carbon dioxide and wastes from bpm heart beat). those same cells. In addition, this system As we have mentioned before, the plays an important role in maintaining the high-energy demands of flight have chicken’s body temperature of more than influenced this unique cardiac muscle, 104°F. The circulatory system consists of Illustrations by the chicken heart. As wonderful of an the heart, the blood vessels, the spleen, the Bethany Caskey organ as the chicken heart is, it would bone marrow, and the blood and lymph not be effective without its plumbing. vessels. The beginnings of this special- The purpose of a four-chambered heart The circulatory system of the chicken ized transport system starts after only is to divide the oxygenated blood (that is a closed circulatory system. That is to one hour of incubation in the fertile egg. leaving the heart with oxygen for the say, the life giving blood of the system is It is clearly operating after only two days cells) from the deoxygenated blood (that always contained in a vessel. The vessels and the beating heart can be seen with the coming from the cells with more carbon we are talking about are arteries, veins naked eye on the third day. dioxide in it to be expelled in the lungs). and capillaries. Arteries carry the bright Hank and Henrietta, like you and I, The left and the right atrium are locat- red oxygenated blood away from the heart have a four-chambered heart. It is located ed on the top of the heart and act as receiv- to the capillaries. There is no exchange of in the thoracic cavity (chest area) between ing chambers for the blood coming from gases or food in the arteries. Arteries are and in front of the two lobes of the liver. the lungs and body, respectively. Atria a network of elastic like tubes, squeezing

30 Backyard Poultry blood pushed from the heart. Beginning at the largest artery, the aorta, and ending in the smallest arteries, arterioles, they then connect to the capillaries. Here capillaries, The beginnings of this specialized only one cell in diameter, interact with the tissues exchanging gases and nutrients transport system starts after only one hour of and obtaining wastes. The other end of the capillary is then connected to another incubation in the fertile egg. It is clearly operating network of vessels called veins for a trip after only two days and the beating heart can be back to the heart. Veins carry all blood back to the heart. seen with the naked eye on the third day. After the exchange in the capillaries, the darkened blood with less oxygen works its way back to the right atrium of the heart. From the end of the capillary, small veins called “venules” flow to larger sized veins called “vena cavae.” Veins tend to be thin- walled compared to arteries and contain small check valves to assist in blood flow by not allowing it to flow backwards in the system. Once to the right atrium, blood flows to the right ventricle and is pushed to the lungs for gas exchange, and then takes a ride to the left atrium. From the left atrium, blood travels to the left ventricle, and from there, to the aorta and to the body. The design of our vascular system in the chicken also considers its need to conserve heat. Birds’ arteries and veins are designed so they lie next to each other. As warm blood leaves the heart via the arteries and goes to the extremities it warms the cooled blood returning in veins from the extremities. The placement of the vessels tends to then conserve heat from the body core. The spleen assists the circulatory sys- tem by filtering the blood and removing aging red blood cells and antigens. It also cytoplasm. They are formed in the system has the function of draining the stores some red blood cells and platelets. spleen, lymphoid tissue and in the bone body systems of fluid that is left behind As a secondary lymphoid organ, it con- marrow. These cells play an important by the blood vessels. Chickens do not tributes to the chicken’s immune system. role in the chicken’s defense against have lymph nodes, as we do. Rather, they Blood is the transport vehicle for the bacterial invasion. have an intertwining of very small lymph body. We are all familiar with the four The third component and what we vessels to do that filtering. most common components of the blood, associate with blood clotting would Hank and Henrietta truly have an red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets be platelets. In the chicken, however, efficient mode of transport or circulation. and plasma. Red blood cells called “eryth- thrombocytes replace mammalian blood Being animals of flight, their body de- rocytes” are large oval and flat. Their platelets and are less involved with their mands more oxygen and energy for that red coloring is caused by the presence of blood clotting. adaptation. Take note the next time you hemoglobin, which is an iron compound Plasma is the liquid or noncellular think your heart is beating too fast after that carries oxygen. The function of the portion of the blood. It may include, but chasing that chicken around the yard. red blood cells is the transport of oxygen is not limited to, blood sugar, proteins, The chicken’s heart is still beating faster. from the lungs to the tissues and carbon products from metabolism (wastes), dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. They hormones, enzymes, antibodies and non- Thomas Fuller is a retired biology are formed in the bred bone marrow. protein nitrogen substances. teacher and lifelong poultry owner. Look White blood cells or leucocytes are The lymph system is also connected for the next part in his series on the biology irregularly shaped cells with colorless to our circulatory system. The lymphatic of a chicken in the next Backyard Poultry.

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 31 Backyard Poultry Family Album June/July 2016

Photo WinnerContest June/July 2016

The June/July 2016 cover photo was submitted by Quintin Muhlenkamp from Greenville, Ohio. Quintin says, “My rooster named Marcus Aurelius watching over his flock.” What a gorgeous photo!

We love talking to our chickens.—Sydni Phillips, Montana

This is my hen named Marie Antoinette. She is our most beautiful chicken from our small flock of seven hens.— Sadie Thomas, Colorado

32 Backyard Poultry I love this image of our Red Sex Link, White Bantam Cochin, and Old English Blue Game Roo eating watermelon in the warm weather. —Jennifer Garcia, Texas Chillaxing.—Karen Schelinski, Pennsylvania

This little beauty is named Bianca. We went to a livestock sale to buy Silkies and came home with Bianca and it has started a new obsession, Polish Friz- zles. Her favorite place is my shoulder. Our family has fallen in love with her.—Tonya Lem- mons, South Carolina

Send Your Photo(s) Today! Photo Contest Guidelines Each issue’s winner will be displayed in the position of honor— on the front cover of the magazine! Photos must relate in some way to poultry or their products. No limit on number of entries. Attach your name, address, phone number or e-mail and photo caption or description to each photo (not on the front, please). Backyard Poultry retains the right to publish and/or reproduce any and all photos submitted in future issues or publicity, with or without mention of source. To have your photos returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send your entry to: Backyard Poultry Photo Contest, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451; or e-mail photos in jpg format to [email protected].

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 33 Sarah playing guitar for Stonewall.—D. Robertson, Ohio

Egbert, our small banty hen, sitting on a rock.—Casey Kahl, Wisconsin

Could Your Photo Be On The Next Cover? Tips to Make Your Photo a Winner

eauty: Photos should be just plain pretty enough to be placed on the cover. Think ver- ticalB with some space on top for a masthead. Many otherwise perfect photos are taken in a way that makes it impossible to display them in the position of honor on the front cover of the magazine. If we won’t be able to do it justice, the judges will avoid awarding it first place. • Clarity: The judges will be scrutinizing this aspect thoroughly and will only award first place to clear photos that can be enlarged to cover size without loss of clarity. • Conciseness: Photos are better if there isn’t too much clutter or aren’t too many things going on. • Good photos tell a story. It was a busy morning in the coop today and sometimes a girl just can’t wait!—Sue Sturm, Illinois

34 Backyard Poultry My rooster, Foggy, loves walking around my yard. He always comes running when I call his name. He is very friendly and loves when I carry him into his cage at night. He has been a wonderful addition to Klucker Farms.— My pullet visiting me at the window for treats.—Amaya Angie Gabriel, Illinois Bechler, California

Blizzard loves flowers! Blizzard is a Blue Splash Cochin After moving a hay bale, we found Buffie’s secret clutch of Bantam.—Susan Reilly, Illinois eggs!—Natalie Adam, Nebraska

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 35 Backyard Poultry Bookstore

New Books! • New Books! • New Books! • New Books!

The Big Book of KombuchaJust Dutch It! Naturally Bug-Free Brewing, Flavoring, and EnjoyingNo power? the No problem! Your75 Nontoxic Guide To Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Charcoal Storage And Cooking Health Benefits of Fermented Tea Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects By HannaH Crum By StepHanie l. tourleS Brew your own kombucha at home! Protect yourself, your children, your With more than 400 recipes, includ- pets, and your home from bugs — with- ing 268 unique flavor combinations, out using harsh or toxic chemicals! 75 you can get exactly the taste you simple recipes for safe, effective bug want — for a fraction of the store- repellents you can make at home from bought price. This complete guide, all-natural ingredients. For protection from the proprietors of Kombucha from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting Kamp, shows you how to do it insects, there are sprays, balms, body oils, from start to finish, with illustrated and tinctures, with scents ranging from step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. The book also eucalyptus to floral, lemon, vanilla, and woodsy spice. There are includes information on the many health benefits of kombucha, also recipes for pets, such as herbal shampoo, bedding formulas, fascinating details of the drink’s history, and recipes for delicious and flea-and-tick collars and powders.176 pages, $12.95 foods and drinks you can make with kombucha (including some irresistible cocktails!). 383 pages, $24.95 The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide Worms Eat My Garbage Emergency Preparedness for ANY Disaster How to Set Up and Maintain a Worm Composting System By JoSepH alton By mary appelHof This unique medical book is meant to Worms Eat My Garbage is a best- enable the average person to handle selling book that remains the defin- injuries and illness in situations in itive guide to vermicomposting—a which modern medical facilities and process using red worms to recycle professionals aren’t available due to human food waste into nutrient-rich a disaster. Most medical books will fertilizer for plants. Complete send you to the doctor or hospital when illustrated instructions on setting up and an emergency happens. The Ultimate maintaining small-scale worm compost- Survival Medicine Guide assumes ing systems. Internationally recognized what might actually happen—that the as an authority on vermicomposting, average person could be left without medical help in a disaster. Appelhof worked with worms for over With this unique book, you’ll have a head start on keeping your three decades. Topics include: bin types, family healthy in times of trouble. 328 pages, $19.99 worm species, reproduction, care and feeding of worms, harvest- ing, and how to make the finished product of potting soil. 162 Prepper’s Natural Medicine pages, $12.95 Lifesaving Herbs, Essential Oils and Natural Remedies CraftingWith Wood Pallets for When There Is No Doctor Projects For Rustic Furniture, Decor, Art, Gifts & More By Cat elliS A definitive guide to healing any ail- By BeCky lamB ment holistically when disaster strikes. Innovative new projects for trans- When disaster strikes and you lose forming wood pallets into all types of all access to doctors, hospitals and beautiful, useful items for the home pharmacies, natural medicine will be and garden. Packed with color photos your family’s best hope for survival. and easy-to-follow instructions for Prepper’s Natural Medicine is the over 25 DIY projects, this book shows definitive guide to creating powerful how to build, paint, and finish unique home remedies for any health situation. gifts, decor, and furniture, including: Includes easy-to-read herbal charts, a chic wine bar; handy step stool; family breakdown of essential oils, tips for chalkboard; inspiring word art; cute stockpiling natural medicines and step-by-step instructions for jewelry organizer; rustic coffee table. 128 pages, $16.95 creating your own elixirs, salves and more. 184 pages, $15.95

36 Backyard Poultry Eat the Yolks The Small-Scale Poultry Flock Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens By Liz Wolfe, NTP By Harvey Ussery By Gail Damerow Discover Paleo, An All-Natural 3rd Edition Fight Food Lies, Approach to Raising and Reclaim Chickens and Other Care, Feeding, Your Health Fowl for Home and Facilities Market Growers 288 pages, $26.95 Hardcover 394 pages, $39.95 438 pages, $19.95

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By Adam Danforth Storey’s Guide to Raising Poultry By Christine Heinrichs The Comprehensive By Glenn Drowns Everything Photographic Guide to 4th Edition Humane Slaughtering You Need And Butchering Of to Know Chickens, Turkeys, Poultry, Rabbit, Lamb, Ducks, Geese, Guineas, Game Birds Goat, & Pork 176 pages, $19.99 446 pages, $24.95 464 pages, $19.95

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To request a bookstore catalog, call 1-800-551-5691 or write to: Bookstore Catalog Request, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or for a complete list of books visit www.CountrysideNetwork.com.

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 37 For the Love of Poultry The Chicken Health Handbook A Backyard Poultry 2006 Anthology By Gail Damerow

If you missed the first year of Backyard Poultry here’s Quick Access your second chance. The complete collection of articles and To Treatments photos from 2006 is now a book! Containing more than 30 & Remedies writers, including renowned poultry expert and author Gail 344 pages, $19.95 Damerow, homesteading guru Harvey Ussery, and Univer- sity of Wisconsin’s top poultry specialist, Ron Kean. Enjoy reading as they share their knowledge, and be entertained by stories like Chickens in the city; Pampered poultry; Championing rare and historic breeds; The world’s smallest chicken; The trained chicken “Eggzibit” and much, The Backyard much more! 307 pages, $19.95 Homestead Guide To Raising Farm Animals

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Hatching & Brooding Chicken And Egg Chickens From Scratch Your Own Chicks By Gail Damerow By JaniCe Cole By Janet Garman Hatch Healthy A Memoir of Raising Your Own Baby Chickens, Suburban Chickens From Ducklings, Goslings, Homesteading Hatch To Egg Turkey Poults, and with 125 Recipes Laying and Beyond Guinea Keets 256 pages, 80 pages, $13.95 239 pages, $24.95 $24.95

“Have You Hugged Your CHICKEN Today?” Backyard Poultry Baseball Caps

SEE FORM ON NEXT PAGE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER!

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38 Backyard Poultry Anyone Can Build A Tub-Style How To Build Chicken Coops Mechanical Chicken Plucker Animal Housing By Judy Pangman By Herrick Kimball By Carol Ekarius Plucks Turkeys, 60 Plans For 45 Building Plans Geese and Coops, Hutches, For Housing Your Ducks Too! Barns, Sheds, Pens, Flock Nestboxes, Feeders, Stanchions, & More 68 pages, $19.95 166 pages, $19.95 166 pages, $19.95

Anyone Can Build A My Pet Chicken Handbook The Book of Geese By Lissa Lucas & Traci Torres, Whizbang Chicken Scalder The Experts at My Pet Chicken By Dave Holderread By Herrick Kimball Sensible Advice The Ultimate A Complete Guide and Savvy Answers for Homemade to Raising the Home Flock Raising Chicken Scalder Backyard Chickens 209 pages, $18.95 246 pages, 68 pages, $23.95 $17.99

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June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 39 health

pam freeman ron kean Forums Coordinator Extension Poultry Specialist BackyardPoultrymag.com University of Wisconsin-Madison Poultry Talk You Ask Expert Poultry Questions, We Give Expert Poultry Answers

Sex-Reversal Reversal? Hi Doreen, say you have to worm chickens yearly, I’m so glad I read your article on It sounds like you’ve experienced but we use a natural approach to keeping “Spontaneous Sex Reversal” (December exactly what we wrote about in that worms at bay. We share this belief with 2014-January 2015, Backyard Poultry). issue. When a hen’s left ovary fails and our Healthy Feeds writer, Lisa Steele, and Otherwise, I never would have known sufficient testosterone levels are reached honestly find our chickens to be happy what was going on with Beyoncé, my in her body, the hen’s dormant right-side and healthy. Plus we don’t ever have to favorite Jersey Giant Hen, then 2-and-a- gonad becomes activated. When the worry about not using their eggs because half years old. dormant, right-side gonad is switched of chemical wormers. After reading the article, we both on, it develops into a sex organ called Below are a few quotes from Lisa that thought, “That must be freaky,” never an ovotestis, which has both testicular you may find helpful: expecting to ever see such a thing. About and ovarian aspects. Scientists have found “I have never wormed my chickens six months after re-homing our rooster that an ovotestis can produce sperm. A with any kind of commercial worm- (he was too small for our Giant girls to sexually reversed hen with a “turned- er. Many experts recommend ‘proactive’ breed effectively, and a Giant rooster on” ovotestis will actually try to mate worming with a wormer twice a year, was way too big for our smaller girls), with the other hens in the flock. There but I don’t believe in administering any Beyoncé started mounting other hens is conflicting information as to whether medications unless absolutely necessary. and making ungodly sounding attempts a hen that has undergone a spontaneous Instead I rely on holistic preventatives. I at crowing. As winter set, the very sex reversal and developed an ovotestis have never had any trouble with worms embarrassing behavior slowed down. can sire offspring, but hey, anything’s in my flock, and have had our vet take She even sat occasionally in the nesting possible in nature, right? fecal samples and no sign of worms have boxes, for nothing of course, but at least Roosters can also go through gender ever been found. she remembered. So I thought she had reversals as well, so it’s possible that your “I use pumpkin and squash seeds changed back. hen-turned-rooster could turn back into a (fall), nasturtium (spring/summer), wa- Fast forward to spring 2016. Just hen again. But again, it’s pretty rare and termelon and cucumbers (summer) and the other morning, I heard that ungodly takes some biological changes to happen. garlic and diatomaceous earth (year attempt at crowing again. And she’s also Keep us informed. We’re interested in round) to combat worms because all are back to mountain again. She must be so hearing more about Beyoncé. perfectly healthy and natural, with no confused inside. I know the other girls Thanks for writing, and best of luck withdrawal period during which you can’t are confused, period! with your flock. eat the eggs. I’m wondering, will she ever change “Diatomaceous works as a de-wormer back? I only have one full Jersey, a daugh- Worming and Mating Questions by preventing larvae from maturing into ter of hers, and two full Jersey nieces. If I I would like to worm my chickens. Do I adults. If your chickens have worms, it got another rooster, would that help? Or need to throw away the eggs the next day? can take up to two months to get rid of would he try to drive her off or kill her? Also, how do chickens mate? them and to break the worm lifecycle. This may sound too far-fetched, but my Linda Champlin Regularly add DE to your chicken’s diet other rooster did just that. I caught him to prevent internal worms. The ratio is 2 literally trying to tear her apart. I don’t Hi Linda, percent of the feed you give them.” want that again. Or should I re-home her? We have to be honest. We never worm As for chickens mating, the process Doreen Juliano our chickens. We know a lot of people is very interesting. Roosters do not have

If you have health-related poultry questions, send them to us at Backyard Poultry, Attn: Answer Man, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or email to [email protected]. All submissions will be included in our online forums and will also be considered for print publication. Please include your name and hometown with your questions, which should be as detailed as possible. Pictures help us answer questions, so please include those too!

40 Backyard Poultry external sex organs. So a rooster will first Hi Linda, try to entice a hen by puffing his decorative In all honesty, our dogs do the same feathers and “dancing” in front of her. If thing. Apparently chicken poop is a the hen is receptive then she will squat. delicacy to a dog. Yuck! We have to say The rooster climbs on the hen’s back though, our dogs have never tested posi- while holding onto her neck or head with tive for worms and we have them tested CEILINGS his beak and balancing his feet on her back. regularly. The only sure way we know Sticky Traps SUPPORT BEAMS The rooster sweeps his tail to move her to prevent your dog from eating chicken • Flies rest up high • Contrasting colors entice tail feathers to the side. And the actual act poop is to keep her out of the chicken flies to land of mating is just the touching of cloaca to yard. But you may want to talk to your HIGH-LEVEL• Hang in livestock areas above their reach cloaca. At this time, the female inverts her vet. He/she may have a worm preventative cloaca to receive his sperm. that can keep your dog healthy. Odor & Pheromone WALLS Traps WINDOW LEDGES • Pheromones and feeding Dogs and Poo No Eggs! stimulants lure flies to traps Do you have any suggestions on how My black and chocolate Orpingtons are • Hang along alleyways or to keep my 9-month-old Golden Retriever 10 months old and have not produced any MID-LEVEL open areas to attract flies away from livestock from eating the chicken poo? I love to have eggs. They appear to be on good health. my girls roam, but now they have to stay Any ideas? FLOORS Baits and Strips in their fenced area. The poo has given her Jack Cunningham ALLEYWAYS • Flies feed at low levels nasty worms. • Sugar based with Linda Stevenson attractants encourage flies to feed

LOW-LEVEL • Scatter on the ground or hang outside of livestock reach

To learn more, contact your local representative, Are They True Button Quail? visit starbarproducts.com or call 1.800.347.8272

Always read and follow label directions. Captivator, Lure Fly, EZ Trap, Fly Stik, FlyRelief, Trap ‘n Toss and the red to yellow color gradation are trademarks of Farnam Companies, Inc. Golden Malrin, I enjoyed seeing the article on Pyronyl, Starbar with design and QuikStrike are trademarks of Wellmark International. ©2015 Wellmark International. Button Quail (Backyard Poultry, April-May 2016), which I raised in the bottom of Australian Grass Parakeets cages while living in Arizona. I’ve one correction/exception/ques- tion though. Button quail are not true quail. They are Turnicidae, and related to the rail rather than Phasianidae, and Heavy Duty related to the quail. Chinese Painted Automatic Chicken Quail, on the other hand, are then Coop Door referred to differently. The photos you published of both Button and Chinese Painted are identical.Any clarification? “Button quail in the U.S. are true Always enjoy receiving your mag- quail but they are not true Button quail. azine. “The true Button quail, as he in- Sue Torre dicates, are in the family Turnicidae and they are not even quail, but they Hi Sue, are also not kept and bred in captivity We consulted our Button quail ex- other than by a very few zoos. perts, and this is what they had to say: “Those birds in the picture are “In a nutshell, Button quail in the U.S indeed known in the U.S. as “Button are Chinese Painted quail. The true quail” and are proudly kept by thou- Button quail are not quail at all; nor sands of people. Do not confuse U.S. are they available; nor are they kept in “Button quail” with true Button quail, - Keeps Predators Out - All Weather Materials aviculture in the U.S. Aviculturists in as they are totally different birds. Unfor- - No Assembly Required the United States have always referred tunately, the name Button quail is here - Electric W/Battery Backup to the Chinese Painted quail as the to stay in the United States, regardless - Digital LCD Display ‘Button Quail.” In other countries such of how you might view it. It is our SALE: $245.00 as Australia, this same bird is called common names for the Chinese Painted the ‘King quail’. Quail, like it or not.” Call 1-800-624-4493

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 41 Hi Jack, The rooster is quite large now and are in pain. It has been so wet this year that A lack of eggs is definitely frustrating. crowing all and every day. Her hens are the they could not properly dust. They are con- There can be many causes for this, ranging same age as the rooster, but their eggs are fined in a yard about 50-feet by 50-feet, but from environmental to feed to predators to still very small even though the hens are not roost in a 8-foot by 8-foot house. How can noises to lighting to disease, not to mention small like bantams. I treat the chickens, the coop and the yard? broodiness and molting. We would start by This might make my little grey Naked Bobbie Holliday looking through all the basics and seeing Neck happy. Please advise. what you find might have changed recently Sylvia White Hi Bobbie, in one of those categories, resetting it, and Scaly leg mites are a small insect that seeing if your hens don’t start to lay again. Hi Sylvia, lives underneath the scales on a chicken’s Good luck! Roosters become sexually mature legs and feet. They can lead to severe, even around 5 to 6 months or so of age. You can lifelong problems if not treated. Once one Note: Jack wrote us back to update definitely put fertile eggs under a broody chicken in a flock has scaly leg mites, then us with good news: “I figured it out. They hen. We would mark the shell with the date the coop needs to be thoroughly cleaned needed more sunlight so I folded back the the eggs were laid. That way you know and all the chickens watched for any signs tarp, which was over the run since they were when to expect chicks and which eggs of mites. living in sort of a cave with all the shade. I should not be under her. There are many methods for treating am now getting eggs every day. I thought It takes 21 days for eggs to hatch, but scaly leg mites. The most common is to soak I was protecting them from direct sun and don’t get discouraged if the eggs don’t hatch the chicken’s legs and feet in warm water, rain. Why it took me so long to figure it out, on the 21st day. That’s just a generality and then gently dry the legs while removing I’ll never know. I hope this helps others with and not a hard and fast rule. Do remember any dead scales. Generously slather Vase- this problem. Thanks for getting back to me.” that you don’t know the sex of chicks from line on the feet and legs. You can also douse hatching eggs and there’s a more than 50 the chicken’s legs with white vinegar, garlic Is My Rooster Ready? percent chance they will be roosters. juice or Neem oil. Then scrub the legs with How old does a rooster have to be to We hope this is helpful! a toothbrush and slather with Vaseline, co- fertilize eggs? My daughter has a rooster conut oil or Green Goo. Whatever method now, and I’m thinking it might be wise to put Mighty Mites you use, please know that it can take a few two or three of her fertilized eggs under my Several of my bantams have leg mites, tries to get these mites under control. always broody Transylvanian Naked Neck. which cause them to hobble around as if they Good luck with your flock.

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I recommend it highly ” URBAN COOP COMPANY ROUND-TOP CHICKEN COOPS™ ~ Susie M., Liberty, MO ~ Katherin T., Chino Valley, AZ With all galvanized extra-heavy-duty welded wire, metal hardware and all-weather advanced joinery methods, Urban Coop Company coops are ruggedly built to protect from predators. © 2016 ChickenWaterer.com, LLC www.ChickenWaterer.com Visit: urbancoopcompany.com for more information a flock block and even giving them a bale adults’ run to the chicks’ brooder starting the Stopping Egg Eaters of straw to pick and distribute around the day they arrive. That way they develop a Is there a way to cure the egg eaters coop. We would also collect the eggs early slow and natural immunity. What is the best from eating eggs? I used to let my egg-eater and often so nothing’s left to eat. direction to go? We don’t want to lose our group free roam until our neighbor dog got The problem with egg eating is that new little additions. a hold of one of the hens. He didn’t cause the others will catch on and start the habit Dawn and Steve Klotz any harm other then bruising the hen and too. At that point, it’s almost impossible to plucking a lot of feathers from her. When stop and you’re left with few options other Hi Dawn and Steve, they where allowed to free roam, I noticed than culling. We are sorry to hear about your coc- they would stop eating their eggs, but when We hope this is helpful! cidiosis problems last year and we are glad locked up, they eat the eggs. Do you have you were able to get things under control any suggestions for getting my egg eaters Medicated Feed or No? and minimize losses. to stop eating eggs while penned up? I don’t We have a flock of 45 hens. Due to Your question about your chicks is a trust having them free roam anymore. numerous predators in our area they cannot good one and brings up an area of some Marsha Martin free range. They have ample space, but after disagreement in the chicken-keeping last year’s record rainfall in spring and sum- community. Chicks are most susceptible to Hi Marsha, mer, we had an outbreak of coccidiosis. We coccidiosis because their immune systems Egg eating is a nasty habit. It sounds actually lost three girls. We understand once are not fully developed. Adult chickens like your girls are doing it because they’re chickens contract cocci, they more or less usually develop immunities to coccidiosis, bored. That’s why they stop when they’re develop an immunity to it. but there are several strains and adults can allowed to get out and free range. We have six chicks arriving later this get sick too. (As you’ve found out.) It can If you’re able to give them a fenced spring, which will be added to the main flock be caused by wet, damp bedding and also free-range situation, that would be the best after brooding. Here is our question: Do we passed on by wild birds. solution. Maybe a compromise could be feed the chicks medicated feed until integra- Medicated chick feeds usually contain giving them a bigger secure coop and run tion? (They will not be vaccinated for it as the Amprolium, which is a coccidiostat that area. At a minimum, we would suggest hatchery does not offer it.) It was suggested reduces the growth of the coccidia oocysts. giving them lots of boredom busters like to us by a breeder to not feed medicated, but This lets the chicks get past a vulnerable hanging a cabbage for them to peck, adding instead add small amounts of soil from the time and keeps the coccidia oocysts from

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44 Backyard Poultry overwhelming them as they grow into adults and develop their immunities. Some folks are strongly against giving any type of medicine to their chicks. They prefer a natural approach and many say to use the technique you’ve suggested by adding soil from the run to the brooder. Many say that if you keep the brooder clean, there’s no need to worry. Others say RED-KOTE A non-drying, soothing, and softening skin treatment that stimulates no need to use preventative measures, but new, healthy skin growth while discouraging scar tissue formation. treat for the problem if it arises. In our personal chicken-keeping, we fall somewhere in the middle. We try to For animal use: keep medications at a minimum but recog- • Treats dry scales, leg mites and scaly leg in chickens nize the need to keep our flock healthy. We • Treats bumblefoot, fowl pox; wire cuts love the idea of adding soil for the chicks • Useful against proud flesh in horses to pick around in and dust bathe. We are • Helps to prevent white hair in healing wounds a strong proponent of a clean brooder, but we usually do buy a medicated and a non-medicated chick feed and mix them Developed during WWII under the name “Wound Heel,” together. After that all runs out, then we Dr. Naylor’s Red-Kote has a new title but remains switch to non-medicated feed. Our chick- a staple among farmers, equestrians and pet ens free range, and we haven’t had any owners. For fast, safe healing of lac- problems with coccidiosis so far. (Knock erations, wire cuts, scratches, burns, on wood!) chafes and other superficial wounds, But your situation is different. You thoroughly clean the wound area, and know coccidiosis has been a problem in apply Red-Kote once or twice daily. your existing flock. We would not add soil Red-Kote is non-drying, soothing, and from that run until our chicks were much softening, and stimulates new, healthy skin older. And, if it were us, we would feed growth while discouraging scar tissue formation. our chicks medicated feed exclusively. Available in 4oz dauber bottle or 128g aerosol spray. Our vote is not to borrow trouble that you already know you have. We hope this helps and gives you some food for thought.

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar? H.W. NayloR CompaNy I have 14 bantam chickens. How much Bragg’s vinegar should I put in a gallon of www.drnaylor.com water? I heard it was good for them. I love your magazine. Sharon and Don Ramberg

Hi Sharon and Don, Apple cider vinegar should be given at 1 tablespoon per gallon of water about once a week. It’s great for killing the slime that can build up in chicken waterers. This is important because that slime is like a petri dish for germs. Since you mentioned Bragg’s, then you’re likely using the apple cider vinegar with the “mother” in the bottle. Using this type of apple cider vinegar can increase a chicken’s immune system and helps with digestive health. So, all around, apple cider vinegar is great to use in your coop!

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 45 Healthy Feed By Lisa Steele

Lisa Steele is the author of Fresh Eggs Daily: Raising Happy, Healthy Chickens…Naturally (St. Lynn’s Press, 2013). She lives on a small hobby farm in Maine with her husband and their flock of chickens and ducks, two dogs and a barn cat. She is a fifth-generation chicken keeper and writes about her experiences on her award-winning blog at www.fresheggsdaily.com. In her free time, she loves to garden, bake, knit and sip homebrewed herbal teas.

GINGER, for Better OVERALL Health When most of us think of ginger, we the good bacteria. It can be beneficial if Ginger is a wonderful aid to circu- likely think of ginger ale as a digestive offered to a hen suffering from diarrhea to lation, which not only will help your aid or to quell nausea. And that seems to help get her through a rough bout. chickens stay warm in the winter, but be the main way that most use ginger, but A powerful anti-inflammatory, gin- can also help to prevent frostbite as well this delicious, slightly spicy herb has a ger also works to reduce swelling in the as alleviate some of the pain that can ac- lot more benefits for us as well as for our throat or sinuses, especially when taken company it — and help the affected comb chickens. I first discovered that my chick- in a liquid form, as when ginger root is or wattles heal. ens loved ginger after tossing them some steeped in boiling water. Ginger is also But the most interesting property of peels along with other kitchen scraps after an antiviral, which makes it wonderful ginger for us chicken keepers involves a making dinner. After that, I always made for treating congestion. It helps keep the 2011 study that was published in Poultry it a point to save the peels and discarded mucus membranes healthy and stimulates Science: adding powdered ginger to your ends for them. the immune system. laying hens’ feed (in a .1 percent ratio) Knowing some of the health benefits Applied externally, it can also help can actually result in increased egg pro- of ginger to humans, I logically reasoned with arthritis, or to soothe a chicken in ductivity, specifically laying of larger eggs that adding some ginger to my chickens’ pain due to swelling of an injured leg or containing more antioxidants. However, diets would also be beneficial to them: a sprained toe. Steep slices of the root in like anything, remember that moderation ingesting ginger, whether fresh, powdered hot water and then press them onto the is best and your chickens should be of- or dried, can help with digestion and inflamed area for a few minutes several fered a wide variety of healthy foods and works to soothe the gastrointestinal tract, times a day, or wrap them in gauze and treats always free choice (let them decide eliminate harmful bacteria and support secure them to the leg or toe with Vetrap. how much is enough).

Steep ginger slices in hot water, Add powdered ginger at a Giving chickens small pieces and then apply them to areas of .1 percent ration to the feed of raw ginger will help them swelling with gauze. to boost egg productivity. with digestion. (Moderation is best). GINGER, 3 WAYS GINGER,

46 Backyard Poultry

Coop Inspiration Do you have a fun story behind your chicken coop, or just some really cool design ideas? We’d love to share them with our readers. Email us at [email protected] with a few pictures and a story about your coop!

IS YOUR COOP THE COOLEST?

Visit www.countrysidenetwork.com/ to view our 2016 Coolest Coops Contest. Winners will be announced this summer, and stay tuned to upcoming issues for photos from the coolest coops of them all.

48 Backyard Poultry Photos courtesy of Sarah Burgun A National Coop By Sarah Burgun Macedonia, Ohio

A year ago, I caught the chicken bug and wouldn’t stop talking of the roof, size of the main door, size and mechanism for the pop about getting a backyard chicken coop. After a lot of research door, external nesting box for easy egg collection, large back door into my city’s ordinances and convincing of my husband, Dale, I and vinyl floor in coop for easy cleaning, ceiling height enough concluded that we could have chickens — with a few guidelines. to stand in, roof ventilation, electricity, insulation, heat, ergonom- We checked into what kind of chickens would be a good ically friendly perches made from trees, windows with screens for combination of the friendly personality I wanted and the good egg ventilation, a fully enclosed run for year round and safe outside production my husband wanted. Soon after, we visited our local access, an additional fenced in paddock area and many, many more Tractor Supply a few times to gather more information, price things features I’m too excited to remember. out and check out the chicks! My husband built a wooden brooder Best of all, 100 percent of the wood, except for the six pieces box from material we already had and cleared a spot in our dining of treated lumber that would touch the ground and the T11 siding, room for the girls. We brought six lovely pullets home and spent was reclaimed lumber from where my husband works. They get ma- the first few weeks getting to know them and handling them to terials and products in large wood shipping crates, often with rigid encourage imprinting. We named them Linda the lap chicken, insulation inside. He dismantled in excess of 12 crates to reuse the Jessie, Flo (aka Floppy), Alice, Pat and Betty. The story of how wood and insulation for the coop. Much of the hardware, including Flo became Floppy is for another time. latches, nails and screws, we already had. We found 100 feet of Meanwhile, we started to scour the internet for ideas, videos, fencing on clearance that we used in combination with hardware commentary and design elements perfect for our coop. My husband cloth to enclose the entire coop. There was even enough material is a very handy guy with a lot of tools, so he started to sketch out left over to build a matching picnic table, and we finished it off with and lay dimensions to his plans. He considered things like pitch just the perfect color scheme inspired by the national park look!

Wide, rounded bars that don’t hurt the chicken’s feet provide good roosting space. Also, photos showing construction and a hanging feeder.

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 49 From Nutrena Helping Chickens Keep Their Cool

By Tiffany Towne Nutrena Poultry Expert

ome people love a summer heat wave, or for that matter, sweating it out in a sauna. Not chickens. ForS our feathered friends, steamy sum- mer days — which are increasing, due to climate change — can mean trouble. But the right care can help your girls keep their cool and stay productive throughout the season.

Why the Fuss? Chickens cannot sweat, making them much more susceptible to overheating. Chickens normally lose heat as warm blood flows through the comb, wattles and limbs, cools, and is returned to the body’s interior. Problems occur in extreme heat, when the chicken’s temperature (on aver- age 102°F to 103°F) cannot be reduced by Hot Weather Care Tips tend to stay inside, away from cooling this method. Without relief, heat stroke, There are ample ways to protect your breezes. If you have darker birds, they’ll low egg productivity or death can happen birds and keep your flock happy. Here are need more shade to stay cool and reduce some basic tips: fading, since they don’t reflect sunlight Heat Stroke Symptoms Water like light birds. Conversely, white birds Just like humans, chickens can tell us may take on a “brassy” appearance from a lot through body language. Some symp- A hydrated bird is able to regulate its having their feathers exposed to too much toms of an uncomfortable or overheated temperature more efficiently — and keep sun. Also, keep in mind that in hot, dry chicken include: its egg production up. An egg is almost 75 climates, strong sun, combined with high • Panting; percent water — so keeping this nutrient heat and low humidity, dries out feathers. • Wings spread to its sides to release available is essential for egg production. They become brittle and susceptible to extra heat; A fresh supply of cool, clean water is a breakage. • Loss of appetite; necessity year-round, but especially in Ventilation • Lethargic/less active; and the heat of summer. Have more than one • Diarrhea from increased water intake. source of water, so chickens don’t have Proper ventilation is a must. It provides The biggest concern about eating less to move far or fight to get it. comfort by removing moisture, ammonia feed is ingesting fewer nutrients than are Shade and other gases, and provides an ex- required for healthy, productive birds. change of air. Mesh-covered windows let At a minimum, this causes weight loss, Coops and runs should be partially shad- air in and keep predators out. A wire mesh a drop in egg production, or eggs with ed if possible, even if it’s just a simple screen doors helps keep the coop cooler poor shell quality. Worst case, it leads to tarp or piece of cardboard. But keep it at night. Increase circulation with a fan. an unhealthy bird that’s more susceptible big enough so that birds aren’t huddling Also, installing a reliable thermometer to to disease. in a small space. Chickens without shade monitor heat conditions is a great idea.

50 Backyard Poultry Coop Design Who doesn’t like a breeze on a hot day? If possible, the windows on your coop organic eggs. should be south facing. This will help with warmth in the winter and dryness happy fairy princess. (and less rot) during the rest of the year. Also, paint your coop a lighter color, so it reflects, rather than retains, heat. Dust Baths THE HEALTHIEST CHICKENS Chickens love taking dust baths and LAY THE TASTIEST EGGS. working the cool dirt particles into their YOU AND YOUR KIDS WILL NOTICE feathers. Most chickens will simply roll around in a dusty spot in a garden bed or THE DIFFERENCE. raw dirt patch. Soil, mulch and sand will also work. If your chickens are confined, you can make a great dust bath for them Get your organic on by filling a shallow container (like a kitty at newcountryorganics.com litter box) with your chosen material. Your chickens will be happier and cleaner if you provide a good dust bathing area for them. Treats Provide chilled or frozen summer treats. Create your own giant Popsicle by float- SOY-FREE, CERTIFIED ORGANIC, ing fruit in a bowl of water and freezing. LAYER FEED • MORE GREAT STUFF Chickens also love fresh fruits and veg- 888-699-7088 • M-F 8-6, SAT 9-1, ET gies from the garden (who doesn’t?). As with all treats, don’t overdo it. Feed no more than 10 percent of the total diet in treats, and make sure a complete com- mercial ration is the main source of food. Chicken This way, your birds will still get the much needed vitamins, minerals, energy and protein that the layer ration provides, Available but with the added bonus of a cool sum- in 2 styles! Aprons mertime treat! Avoid high starch grains, such as corn, which heat up a chicken’s body temperature during digestion. Low Stress Only Keep stress levels down and avoid getting your birds all worked up. Give them plen- $24.99 ty of room to stay calm, cool and quiet. each No one wants to “play chase” or be held plus S&H on a scorching day.

With the right cool-down care, your flock — and you — can have an enjoy- able summer. Have fun! Egg Collecting Apron

Find a Nutrena dealer near you at Full Size Apron www.NutrenaPoultryFeed.com, sub- scribe to the Nutrena poultry blog at ScoopFromTheCoop.com, and sign up ORDER YOURS TODAY! for Flock Minder at www.FlockMinder. com to receive timely tips delivered di- rectly to your inbox. Visit www.countrysidenetwork.comApron Order Form

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Guides Magazines My Library Shop Feature Cats + Chickens = Toxoplasmosis?

By Gail Damerow

f you have cats and raise chickens for meat, be aware of protozoal parasite, which, in contrast to Eimeria, can infect any the potential dangers of this protozoal parasite. warm-blooded animal, including chickens and humans. Much Anyone who has had chickens for more than a few the same as the disease coccidiosis is referred to as cocci, toxo- minutesI becomes aware of the devastating protozoal disease plasmosis is typically shortened to toxo. coccidiosis, which happens wherever chickens are. It is caused The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that in the by one of the best-known and most widely studied coccidial United States, 22.5 percent of the human population 12 years parasite, Eimeria, which comes in many species that, as a group, and older is infected with toxo. Yet toxo in humans is not well can infect nearly every kind of livestock. But each Eimeria spe- understood, and in chickens is even less well understood, pri- cies is highly host specific, meaning the species that parasitize marily because the condition rarely produces readily observable chickens do not affect any other animal, including humans. symptoms in humans or signs in chickens. A lesser-known coccidial protozoa that is rapidly gaining The CDC has reported that, “Chicken, other fowl, and eggs notoriety is Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the natural host for this almost never contain this parasite.” Yet their toxoplasmosis pre-

54 Backyard Poultry Control of toxoplasmosis in chickens includes keeping cats out of the chicken yard, not feeding raw or undercooked chicken meat (or any kind of undercooked meat) to cats, and controlling filth flies, cockroaches, rodents and wild birds.

Dubey, PhD, an expert on toxoplasmosis The shed oocysts are spread around in both animals and humans. the environment through the soil and are carried on the feet of rodents, wild birds, Life Cycle flies, cockroaches, dung beetles and sim- Protozoa are single-cell animal-like ilar creatures. Or they might be blown creatures that live in damp habitats. They by wind. After leaving the cat, oocysts in are the simplest members of the ani- the environment multiply by subdivid- mal kingdom and also the smallest, too ing (asexual reproduction) and become small to see without a microscope. Many infective to any animal that inhales them species of protozoa are harmless, but others from contaminated dust or ingests them — such as those causing cocci and toxo — from contaminated soil, plants, water, feed, can be serious parasites. or by eating a creature carrying an infective The complex life cycle of T. gondii oocyst on or in its body. begins when a member of the cat family To show you how sneaky this parasite — which includes bobcats and cougars, as is, it can cause an infected rodent to lose its well as domestic cats — ingests a rodent fear of cats. In fact, it can cause a rodent to or other animal that has been infected with become attracted to a cat’s odor. The cat is T. gondii and therefore harbors the parasite rewarded with a ready meal, and if it isn’t within tissue cysts. Enzymes in the cat’s already infected by T. gondii, it soon will be. stomach and small intestine dissolve the In the environment, infective oocysts cyst and release the infectious protozoa. The can survive for 18 months in water or warm, A good farm parasites lodge in the cat’s intestinal lining, damp soil but they do not survive well in cat can hang where they rapidly multiply through an orgy extreme cold or in hot, dry conditions. Toxo out with the of sexual reproduction. is therefore more common in northeastern chickens, but The cat is the only known animal in states than in western states, and more cats are also a natural host which this parasite infects the intestinal common yet in tropical climates. for Toxoplasma lining and multiplies through sexual repro- Contamination of soil by these micro- gondii, which can duction. However, rarely does a cat become scopic parasites is difficult to determine by infect any warm- visibly ill. It wouldn’t do for this parasite to direct examination of the soil. Chickens, it blooded animal. endanger the lives of cats, because cats are turns out, are one of the best indicators of the natural hosts that give life to its future soil contamination, because they feed from iStock photo generations. the ground. The presence of this parasite in Fertilized T. gondii eggs are encased in suspect soil is confirmed if the chickens test egg cysts, called oocysts, which burst from positive for Toxplasma antibodies. the cat’s intestine wall and are excreted vention page (cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplas- in the cat’s feces. An infected cat sheds Toxo in Chickens mosis/prevent.html) includes guidelines these oocysts for only about two weeks, Aside from cats, infected animals — for safely cooking chicken meat. Why but during that time can release millions of including chickens and humans — are the discrepancy? them. Meanwhile, the cat’s immune system secondary hosts in which the parasites do Well, the first statement refers to is producing antibodies that eventually not achieve sexual maturity. Inside a sec- commercial poultry products sold in most encase the organisms in cysts and cause ondary host, the parasites multiply through retail grocery stores, which are largely pro- them to go dormant. The encysted parasites, asexual reproduction and travel through duced in isolated indoor environments that however, remain in muscle and nerve tissue the host’s lymph and blood to invade any exclude cats, wild birds and rodents. The throughout the cat’s body for the rest of the part of its body. prevalence of toxo in free range chickens, cat’s life. At this point, the cat usually stops Within about three weeks, multiplica- on the other hand, is estimated to be “very shedding oocysts and becomes immune to tion slows, the parasites become encased high” according to microbiologist J. P. future infections. in cysts within muscle and nerve tissue,

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 55 natural host OBSERVATIONS ON secondary host TOXO IN CHICKENS In his report “Toxoplasma gondii Infection secondary host in Chickens” for the journal Zoonoses and Public Health, microbiologist J. P. Dubey, PhD, observed that: • Chickens are resistant to clinical toxoplasmosis (meaning they rarely show signs when infected), and worldwide only acutely a few reports have confirmed clinical infective oocysts disease in chickens, including two reports infected from the United States. chick • A high prevalence of the parasite was found in chickens raised in backyards (up to 100 percent) and free-range secondary undercooked organic establishments (30 to 50 percent). hosts infective chicken • Free range chickens play an important carriers role in the occurrence, distribution, and control of T. gondii in the rural environment, perhaps more than rodents, natural because they are clinically resistant to the host parasite and they live longer than rodents. • Raw chicken eggs are unlikely to be a natural host source of infection for humans (although secondary host Dr. Dubey cautions against eating raw eggs to avoid the possibility of infection from either toxo or Salmonella.) infective oocysts • The prevalence of viable T. gondii in infective oocysts chickens from commercial indoor farms was low and the ingestion of meat from The life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii. Artwork by Bethany Caskey, these chickens is considered a low76288 risk previously published in The Chicken Health Handbook. of transmission to humans.

Animals speak louder than words. And hens fed with Layena® Plus Omega-3 poultry feed have eggs with 250mg of Omega-3. Store-bought eggs only have 50mg*. Turns out one egg can say more than others. FPO Your local Purina retailer can tell you more than this ad ever could. Or visit purinamills.com/chicken-feed

© 2016 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved. Layena is a registered trademark of Purina Animal Nutrition. *When fed a diet of Layena® Plus Omega-3 exclusively for at least 3 weeks. Based on large egg (56 g). Results may vary with factors such as total diet and hen health. A typical store bought egg contains 50 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per large Egg (USDA: National Nutrient Base)

56 Backyard Poultry

2391A0024_7x4.875_Flcok_Omega_3_BackPoultry_REV_2.indd Cyan Magenta Yellow Black and they go dormant. Each tissue cyst the meat of an infected chicken. Although contains as many as 2,000 organisms, a cat is most likely to get toxo by eating which remain dormant for the life of the infected rodents or wild birds, the cat (like infected chicken. But they will reactivate if a human) can become infected after being the infected chicken is eaten by an animal fed the raw or undercooked meat of an that hasn’t previously been infected. infected chicken. The Toxoplasma’s life cycle begins Most healthy humans — like healthy again when a cat that isn’t already immune chickens, cats, and other animals — show becomes infected. A kitten may be born no signs of being infected. Some humans, infected if its mother becomes infected however, may have temporary, mild flu- while pregnant. A cat can become infected like symptoms that include sore throat, by eating an infective oocyst from the envi- headache, muscle pain, low fever, fatigue, ronment (such as while chewing on a blade diarrhea and swollen lymph nodes that may of grass); eating an infected bird, rodent, or last from two to four weeks. The most seri- other intermediate host; or being fed raw or ous effects occur in people with immuno- undercooked meat from an infected animal, deficiency disorders and in unborn children such as a chicken. A chicken can become whose mothers are infected while pregnant. infected not only by ingesting egg cysts A woman infected during pregnancy can from the environment, but by picking at pass the infection to her unborn child. the flesh of an infected animal, including Most people who have been infected by some other hapless chicken. this parasite develop antibodies against fu- While most chickens show no outward ture infection. The disease is self-limiting, signs of having been infected, a chick under and any symptoms that develop typically the age of about 8 weeks, with its undevel- go away on their own. The parasite, how- oped immune system, or an older bird that’s ever, remains in an infected person’s body experiencing unusual stress, can develop for the person’s life and can cause such an acute infection. Such an infection may things as eye disease and reduced reaction affect the central nervous system, giving the time, resulting in an increased incidence of appearance of Marek’s disease or any sim- traffic accidents. The parasite has also been ilar disease that involves the nerves. Signs implicated in such behavioral disorders in acutely affected chickens include a drop as anxiety, schizophrenia and a tendency in egg production and feed consumption, toward suicide. Grind Away ANY emaciation, white diarrhea, neck spasms, Toxoplasmas are common, spread fairly Size Stump FAST! twisted neck, paralysis, blindness and easily, and are not readily killed by the LOWEST sudden death. No effective cure is known. usual disinfectants. Although drugs may PRICE Control of toxoplasmosis in chickens be used to treat an overt infection, no drug EVER! includes keeping cats out of the chicken or vaccine has been developed to prevent yard, not feeding raw or undercooked or treat the dormant, or chronic, stage of chicken meat (or any kind of undercooked this disease. meat) to cats, and controlling filth flies, The easiest way to avoid getting this cockroaches, rodents and wild birds. Since parasite from your homegrown chickens T. gondii thrives in moist environments, raised for meat is to wash your hands, The DR® STUMP GRINDER uses carbide- avoid puddles in the poultry yard and cutting boards, countertops and utensils tipped cutting teeth (taking 360 “bites” per second) to reduce any stump to a pile of maintain dry litter inside the coop. after butchering chickens or handling their woodchips. Grinds stumps below ground meat. Freezing the meat at 12°F for at least level so they are gone forever! Toxo in Humans 24 hours destroys any parasites that might • Quickly eliminate any stump As more people keep backyard chick- be present, as does cooking the chicken. without digging, burning, ens along with house cats, more people According to Dr. Dubey, cooking meat or chemicals. • New, more powerful and have the potential to become infected to an internal temperature of 150°F kills lower-priced models. with toxoplasmosis. Although humans T. gondii. • Now towable with can acquire this parasite in many different your riding mower or ATV. ways — most commonly by eating either Gail Damerow is the author of the 92184X © 2016 unwashed fruits and vegetables or under- new revised and completely updated The FREE SHIPPING 6 MONTH TRIAL cooked infected meat, particularly pork or Chicken Health Handbook, 2nd edition, SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY lamb — the ways that do involve chickens which includes a wealth of information Call for FREE DVD and Catalog! include eating undercooked meat from an on how to protect yourself from illnesses TOLL-FREE infected chicken, and failing to use proper that may be acquired from chickens. The sanitation (such as washing hands, cutting Chicken Health Handbook is available 877-201-6996 DRstumpgrinder.com boards, and other utensils) when handling from our bookstore on page 36.

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 57 Feature

Class Action The coop A few lucky students in Wisconsin are raising chickens in school as is deployed part of the core curriculum on the south lawn.

story and photos By Dennis Carlson

t all came about in the usual way. The fifth- We decided to form a “company” to hatch and sixth grade teacher at Beautiful Savior Lutheran raise chickens and sell eggs. At the first meeting School, Glory Jansen, asked me, “Do you know with the students, two names were suggested: Coop anythingI about incubators? I need one fixed if I can City, meaning a coop with residents; and City Coop, find it.” meaning city jail. City Coop won unanimously, and I said, “No, but I can fix it.” the chicken of choice was the Barred Rock with its Turned out, she didn’t have one at all, so I vol- black and white striped inmate garb! unteered to make one and set about finding out how The student body was divided into four depart- to raise chicks. Glory then told me she was planning ments: Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing and to give them away. I got an idea, and volunteered Finance. An “IPO” of “Chicken Stock” was sold to to build a coop if the fifth- and sixth-grade students help with financing. Investors would get two dozen would help and research how. eggs. We were off and running!

58 Backyard Poultry From Scratch The “electrical room” is above the nest- We wanted the incubator to embody ing boxes and spans the width of the coop, the best practices for hatching. A digital with access by sliding the roof forward about temperature controller was incorporated a foot. It contained the PLC, lead-acid solar to provide precise temperature control, battery, battery charger, 12V DC to 120V We have forced air was used to uniformly mix the AC inverter for the camera, a heater control air, humidity was monitored constantly, and for the brooder, and relays for reversing the found that the the eggs were turned hourly about the long door direction. axis, making one-and-one-half turns using Chicken pellets were to be supplied chickens put a method similar to billiard balls turning inside and out using a single reservoir. in a rack. The roosts are two horizontal 2-by-4s, out about 30 The coop was to incorporate the best spanning the inside width of the coop just practices for raising chickens and would in front of and behind the side windows. watts of heat do double-duty as a brooder. The primary Double-hung widows were installed back- each. When the objective was to make the coop mobile to wards on each side of the coop to provide a be able to “free range” on the south lawn view outside and let in sunshine and fresh chickens are and be as self-sufficient as possible, so the air. Home heating vents with adjustable chickens could be left to themselves for a louvers were used to provide ventilation. in the coop it couple of days. All of the parts were designed to fit And We’re Off … is about 5°F to within a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of 23/32-inch The best-laid plans of mice and men oft plywood, and fit through a double door so go awry. The incubator was set up in the 6˚F warmer in that it could be built inside our gym storage fifth-sixth grade classroom to allow students room and rolled outside. The chicken pop- to constantly monitor the temperature, hu- the coop than ulation would be limited to eight, providing midity and egg turning. A heat lamp was outside. four square feet per chicken. hung from a frame the students built over Regulated heat was required to do dou- the cardboard classroom brooder to provide ble duty as a brooder. The coop would be 100°F on the brooder floor. enclosed within dog-run fence (the court- The fertilized Barred Rock eggs arrived yard) that could be moved with the coop and each student was given an egg to hatch THE PROJECT OUTLINE to allow “free ranging.” The door opening and name. A webcam was put in place to and closing would be automated using a monitor the operation and share the event In January of 2015, City programmable logic controller (PLC) to with the world. The eggs were candled on Coop began as a fifth- and sixth-grade class project at eliminate the need to be there. The PLC Day 8 and all looked well. Beautiful Savior Lutheran would be used to turn the camera and lights However, only egg one and two hatched School in Waukesha, on and off to conserve power. A manual (Chica and Pollo). Unfortunately, Pollo Wisconsin, and has been chicken door was included to provide for had a deformity called cross-beak and expanded to become the the unlikely event that the automatic door died after two weeks. The students made a core emphasis of their did not work. headstone and buried Pollo. Post mortem STEM (Science, Technology, Activity in and around the coop would analysis showed that in the 3-by-4 matrix Engineering and Math) be monitored and shared with the public us- position, egg one developed completely program. It is continuing to ing a webcam. Solar panels would be used to and diagonally across the matrix and egg develop. The goal is to provide power the PLC and chicken door since there 12 developed for only about one day. The practical life experiences is no power available on the south lawn. level of development increased from egg planning, building, and When water heaters would be required, the 12 to egg one, which indicated that the sup- doing. Beautiful Savior is a coop would be relocated next to the school posedly uniform temperature was extremely parochial school with about building and plugged into 110V AC power. non-uniform. 60 students. Access to inside the coop is provided After a quick trip to a hatchery, we were with a removable roof, vertical sliding at nine chicks — one for each of our stu- Check out their coop’s rear door, two vertical sliding windows, dents, who promptly gave them names. The webcam by going to www. two chicken doors and the nesting box chickens have names and can be identified bslc-lsmc.org and clicking on City Coop at the bottom of lid. Three nesting boxes were provided. by the band(s) on their leg. the first page. Chicken watering nipples provided clean The students were divided into Mar- water inside and outside of the coop using keting, Engineering, Manufacturing and a single reservoir. Finance. Each department elected a vice

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 59 president, who was responsible for provid- ing updates at periodic stockholder meet- ings, which were 10-minute presentations to the congregation. Marketing made publicity posters and a logo. Engineering calculated the amount of paint needed, the volume of shavings needed for bedding, the feed and water tube calibration in ounces, and solar panel angles. Manufacturing fed and watered the chickens as well as monitored the amount of feed and water used, and Finance kept track of the stock sold, deposited the money and updated stockholders via email.

On Display When the chicks outgrew the cardboard brooder in the classroom, the students trans- ferred their chicks to the heated coop next to the school. A schedule for feeding and watering was set up. Summer eventually came and the system was deployed on the “south lawn” in all its glory. The whole school would come out to see the chickens during recess and parents stopped by with fruits and vegetables. The chicken’s favorite was watermelon.The coop was moved about every four weeks to a new spot of grass, after the current spot started looking kind of ratty. The coop was even taken on tour to participate in the City of Waukesha July 4 parade, minus the chickens, because the parade officials would not allow animals in photos clockwise the parade. It was a bittersweet event in that from top left: Colby, even though everyone enjoyed the parade, Dominic, Kaden and it meant that the chickens were left without Isaac building the coop the protection of the coop for one night. That base; Justin checking night a raccoon took one of the chickens out the incubator; through the fence and injured two others. Kaitlyn and Leona painting the coop; The two injured chickens survived, but Colby, Kaden, and Isaac it made us keenly aware that even in the city helping the chickens we were not free of predators. Several weeks out of the coop; Austin, later, a hawk was seen bouncing off of the Dominic, Jessica, and dog-run fence. Later we added ½-inch wire Justin mobilizing the cloth to the bottom of the fence to keep the coop; Kaden setting up chickens from stretching their neck through the classroom brooder. the fence to snatch up morsels of food, which put them in precarious positions. We now have six chickens. Some of the students volunteered to help take care of the chickens over the summer. Research brought up the need for the chickens to take dust baths, so we made a concoction of equal parts of garden dirt, sand and ashes and put it in a shallow 2-foot by 3-foot plastic box. They loved it! We now enjoy the comedy of watching them wallow in the dirt to get as dirty as possible and then get out and

60 Backyard Poultry shake themselves like a wet dog, creating a massive cloud of dust. We have since built a cover for the dust box so it wouldn’t turn to mud when it rains. The dustbox has become CITY COOP STUDENTS SAY … their favorite hangout. In addition to raising free-range. We built the better. I hope you have chickens for eggs, the coop with just wood and the same love for animals Full Circle students also decided the incubator with wood as I do.” On the first day of school in the fall, the to help out the chickens’ and a heater. We are “Hi, my name is Emily. chickens presented us with our first egg. The cousin, the wren, by starting to turn a light on I am in the Finance full circle of life, from egg to egg. What a building and selling wren at 12:30 for 16 hours of department with Spencer. houses. A simple design sunlight. We are updating miracle! The chickens are now presenting I used to be in a group was found that required our incubator to hatch us with five eggs a day. called Manufacturing. We only cross-cutting and new chickens. We will be Our eggs are personalized by writing the work with money and we drilling a 1-1/8” hole. expanding the coop for lay date and collector initials on the egg. The tally up all of the receipts The cedar houses did six to seven chickens.” chickens now enjoy daily fresh lettuce, corn, and figure out how much not require painting, but “My name is Justin, and I money we have in the carrots and green beans from school lunch Marketing decided to try work in Manufacturing. I bank. I love dealing with when there are leftovers. They love lettuce, using the lower cost pine go outside with Isaac and money because I love corn and green beans and don’t like carrots, and painting. Ten wren Maddie every day and math. We love having our but will eat them. houses were hand sawn check on the chickens. We chickens.” The lettuce comes in serving-size plastic using a miter box. In the check their food, water, bags that we just open up and let the chick- end, 12 cedar and 12 pine “My name is Konner. I body count, temperature houses were pre-cut and work for City Coop as the ens peck out the lettuce. In addition to some of the coop, and voltage. assembled. president, and am also in scratch, one of the grandparents brings cases We also built and painted the Engineering group. of unsalted mixed nuts that we ration out to “My name is Alivia. In wren houses. Surprisingly As the president of City the chickens. City Coop, my partner we have had 60 dozen Coop, I go to all of the The coop control has been updated by Ben and I work in the eggs since September. groups like Engineering, programming in the equations for sunrise Marketing department on We will be getting new Manufacturing, Finance flyers for wren houses. We chickens. All of the and sunset, so now the door automatically and Marketing. I make also work on stockholder chickens lay their eggs opens at sunrise and closes an hour after sun- sure that everyone is on presentations for updates in a nesting box, which set when we know they will be in roosting. task and doing their work for all the departments is two small boxes filled The same programming is used to turn properly. We made about like Finance.” with straw. When we the inside light on so that the chickens get 16 30 wren houses and will get our new chickens we “My name is Kaden and I stop production until they hours of daylight to keep up egg production. are going to update our work in the Engineering are all sold.” The coop now has an infrared webcam on incubator.” department. Engineering the inside so we can watch what they do “This is an awesome is building the needed “My name is Spencer when they are roosting in the middle of the activity because it items for our company. and I work in the Finance night as well as a webcam on the outside. helps with science, We have built wren department. I help City We have found that the chickens abso- math, engineering and houses, a coop, incubator, Coop by counting and constructing. We will be lutely hate fresh fallen snow and will stay in and a dust bath cover. We managing money. My expanding the coop and the coop all day until it is gone. In the same are constantly updating partner Emily and I count will be getting 12 eggs. breath, they love to be outside even in zero to make our chickens money, make deposits We are updating the degree weather despite the fact that it is 5°F happy. We helped build and see how much money incubator. We would love warmer in the coop. the fence around the we have to spend to make to show you around if you We have found that the chickens put coop for the chickens to City Coop bigger and come!” out about 30 watts of heat each. When the chickens are in the coop it is about 5°F to 6˚F warmer in the coop than outside. When the chicken water feeding nipple froze, we put a 200-watt water heater in the coop that raised the temperature another 5°F to 6˚F, indicating that the six chickens also put out 200 watts of heat. Therefore, we must have 30-watt chickens. Each of the students is given a job within City Coop and chores are assigned according to what department they are in. Jobs are rotated each trimester and the stu- dents apply for the position they want and are interviewed.

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 61 Even rural areas have been impacted by pollution from heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium.

62 Backyard Poultry Feature Why You Need to Test Your Soil It’s Better to Know What Metals and Minerals Your Flock is Digesting

By Lori Fontanes

t first, we thought maybe our duck had hurt her leg when we weren’t looking. Eight months old and full of energy, Puff, an adorable Buff Or- pington,A never seemed to mind when my middle-schooler carried her around or plopped her into the coop. That must have been when it happened, I told the vet, but the doctor thought we should run tests anyway. Just in case. It’s true our hen hadn’t been her usual perky self for a few weeks. Her feathers looked bedraggled and her eyes not quite as bright. A newbie duck owner at the time, I didn’t have much basis for comparison but, new or not, I had raised this bird from 2 days old and she really did seem off. No reason to call a vet, though, until she started limping. The lab ran a panel of blood work for the usual signs of infection. We figured it might be a bug or even a vitamin deficiency. We were wrong. It was lead poisoning.

Welcome to Post-Industrial America Sadly, we’re all familiar with the impacts of heavy metal pollution on cities like Flint, Michigan, and Boyle Heights, California, but, in reality, any inhabited area of the United States probably contains at least trace levels of these and other contaminants. For centuries, the world has produced many millions of pounds of synthetic chemicals, causing significant noxious impacts on our air, water and topsoil. Of the tens of thousands of compounds marketed since World War II, those with heavy metals have been particularly pervasive and have caused some of the most troubling effects. The Natural Resources Defense Council’s On Earth magazine reports that an estimated seven million tons of lead were burned in gasoline in the 20th century before its ban in 1996. Added to that toxic burden, leaded paints were used for more than a century before sales stopped in 1978. Since it took many years for existing stockpiles to be depleted, buildings constructed before the mid-80s or even later are likely to have legacy pollution, inside and out. If you have an older home or one sited where an older structure used to stand, you

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 63 may have residual lead in the nearby soil. This goes for ground near heavily traveled roadways as well. Is this true even in the countryside? The short answer is, it depends. While agricultural land is usually far from the largest sources of point pollution, if a barn or coop once had lead-paint (or if something lead-painted stood on that site), there may still be particles and chips in the surrounding soil. A story in the New York Times cited a study on lead in chicken eggs from a small flock in Iowa. In this particular case, the poultry had ingested paint chips from a farm structure and the animals were then taken to Iowa State University at Ames for analysis. After examining blood, egg and tissue samples, the researchers concluded that chickens and their eggs with “significant” amounts of lead are “a potential human health hazard, espe- cially to young children.” And the problem goes beyond paint and gasoline. The Iowa study also men- tions other potential sources of heavy metals including such everyday products Growing vegetables as fishing sinkers, car batteries and even in planters is one drapery weights. Pesticides like some way to avoid taking cadmium-based fungicides formerly up contaminants in used on golf courses and lawns, as well their roots. as sprays made of lead arsenate once

HOW TO GET but wouldn’t tell us how plant and egg testing, (Co), copper (Cu), zinc In addition, if you to test for contaminants. I’ve learned a lot about (Zn) and mercury (Hg) know something about YOUR SOIL Eventually, an organic what, how and where to • Major and minor your property’s history TESTED landscaper told me get samples tested. nutrients • Particle that suggests there may to try the soil-testing analysis be legacy residues, you WHAT TO TEST FOR may want to specifically When we first decided center at Brooklyn WHERE TO GET YOUR Soil testing is a bit test for those as well. to grow food on our College. This facility SOIL TESTED wonky but even if you Please note that testing property, I knew I provides affordable and Many local extension haven’t looked at a for chemical compounds wanted to test the user-friendly services offices will handle periodic table since high is more expensive soil but I had lots of for residential and heavy metal testing school, don’t despair! and can be difficult to questions. What should community gardeners in or can refer you to a Each lab has its own obtain. we test for? Where and the New York City area. lab that can. If not, try submission procedure how should we test? After that first round, I your state department HOW TO READ THE with a list of tests such Where do we take the began a long-term study of environmental RESULTS as these: samples? of lead contamination conservation for Depending on the I started looking in suburban soils with • pH • Soil class • a referral. A local facility, you may get around and discovered Dr. Joshua Cheng, chair Soluble salts • Organic or state facility will slightly different that many labs are of the Department of content • NPK • Basic probably have the best interpretation set up for institutional Earth and Environmental lead (Pb) test • Heavy understanding of the guidelines, but results and commercial Science, a partner metals — lead (Pb), region’s soil (i.e., some should come with a testing only. Our local organization of the NYC chromium (Cr), arsenic areas have higher levels guide and resource. extension office offered Urban Soils Institute. (As), cadmium (Cd), of naturally-occurring Either way, it’s a good nutritional evaluation In four years of soil, nickel (Ni), cobalt elements than others). question to ask the

64 Backyard Poultry used in orchards or sodium arsenate on potatoes, could also pose potential long-term risks. Many of these products were delisted decades ago, so why are we still concerned in 2016?

The Once and Future Risk Many of us may assume that by exposing these ubiquitous products to water, air or sunlight that, over time, they’ll eventually be rendered harm- less. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some synthetic compounds break down into even more persistent or dangerous metabolites, and heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic and cad- mium, can’t break down further since they’re already in their elemental form. Although they do occur naturally, most of these metals came to our backyards in various chemical combinations. Those compounds can break down, sometimes releasing toxic residues into the environment. Lead, in particular, poses daunting health challenges to both people and livestock. As I can attest from my own experience with waterfowl, the metal is dangerous to poultry, and as the Iowa State researchers describe, can be found not just in a bird’s eggs but also in her blood, meat and bones. BURN SAFELY testing center before you submit your with the soil samples. Here are a few other good places to start: Stainless Steel New York State Department of Health/ Portable Cornell University ™ “Understanding Your Test Results: Metals BurnCage in Garden Soils and Vegetables” www.cwmi.css.cornell.edu/Under standingTestResultsMetalsSoilsVeg.pdf Brooklyn College/NYC Urban Soils PERFECT FOR: Institute • Sensitive fi nancial documents “How to Read the Numbers: Heavy • All burnable household waste* Metals in Garden Soils” • Old leaves and branches www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/aca_ STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION is lightweight, durable, and centers_esac/110901_Soil_HeavyMetal portable (it folds for easy storage). No more and PERFORATED LID and sidewalls maximize airfl ow and trap embers. UNSAFE Interpretations_March10.pdf UNSIGHTLY 1600° TEMPERATURES mean more thorough burning with less ash. rusty barrel! University of Vermont Extension * Always check local ordinances before burning. 2 SIZES! 92182X © 2016 “Interpreting the Results of Soil Tests for Call Today for FREE Information Kit, Heavy Metals” Pricing and Factory Direct Coupon! www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/ TOLL interpreting_heavy_metals_soil_tests.pdf FREE 877-201-6996 BurnCage.com

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 65 UNDERSTANDING LEAD LEVELS IN SOIL The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension’s interpretation guidelines explain that “No federal standard for soil lead has been determined for soils where vegetables will be grown.” Without this standard, guidelines differ among states and institutions on what actions you should take. The chart below incorporates recommendations from the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension* and the Environmental Free-range poultry Sciences Analytical Center at can be exposed to toxic Brooklyn College. materials hidden in urban, suburban and even rural soils.

Ducks love to dig in the ground for LEAD IN PPM (parts per million) SUGGESTED ACTION worms and bugs, which can put them at higher risk for lead contamination. Under 63 Okay to raise plants and livestock.*

100 or under Typical background levels. No precautions necessary when growing plants.

101-299 Elevated. Follow best management practices. **

300-400 Significant contamination. Do not grow green leafy vegetables or root crops. Children should not play on bare soil.

Over 400 Above EPA level of concern. This soil should not be used for growing food plants. Children should not play in this soil.

*Per New York State Department of Environmental Conservation guideline for “no restrictions on use.” According to Brooklyn College, this value is “most conservatively protective of human health.” **University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension recommends testing blood lead levels in children age 6 and under when lead in soil is more than 100 ppm.

66 Backyard Poultry Birds are often attracted to shiny objects, which they sometimes ingest Since 1944 as they forage. If those objects contain Hatching America’s lead and if they lodge in the internal or- Best Baby Chicks! gans, the element can leach and wreak systemic havoc. Of course, soils often contain far less visible pieces that are no less problematic despite their size. These tiny particles can be taken up into • White/Brown Egg Layers the roots of plants, including some that • Jumbo Cornish Cross Broilers we grow for food. • Red Rangers • Rainbows The Secret Soil Life of Plants • Waterfowl As in many things toxicity-related, • Pheasants there’s a lot of variation in how indi- • Guineas vidual living organisms are affected, • Bantams plants included. With agents such as • Chick Equipment & Medications herbicides, which are designed to harm, FREE it’s easy to see the toxic effect. But Brochure! heavy metals do not always reveal their New Breeds Available 2/16/16 presence in obvious ways. Lead, like cadmium, can be phytotoxic (poison- Call or E-mail for Friendly Service! ous to plants) but the degree of uptake 800-247-7014, Fax 641-395-2208 depends on factors such as the overall [email protected] amount of the element, soil pH, and lev- els of phosphorus and organic matter, www.hoovershatchery.com all of which can impact the bioavail- See us on Facebook! ability of the contaminant. The Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities guidelines from the New York State Department of Health and Cornell University point out that some “metals may not harm the health or growth of the plant, even thought they may be a concern for hu- man health.” This means the presence of a heavy metal in a growing medium is not always visually detectable in the plant. A hearty plant, therefore, can give false assurance to a grower who might expect to see symptoms from their tainted crops. Last year, for example, I grew orna- mental squash in a test plot made from a section of former lawn. The previous season I’d begun preparing the site by tossing vegetable compost on the prepared ground. Some of the compost included excess grape tomatoes and garlic from our kitchen garden, which then became vigorous volunteers the following summer. There were no signs of phytotoxicity in the tomatoes, garlic or squash but mindful of the possible presence of lead, we didn’t eat any of the produce. Later, I took a soil sample under the bed and found a hot spot where lead readings were high, lower than what’s found in urban areas but

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 67 still over recommended values. To make to transfer lead into edible parts of the WHAT ARE BEST it even more complicated, a sample taken plant. This group includes tree fruit but five feet away measured under New York also plants such as tomatoes and peppers. PRACTICES? State median levels. A previously tested To add to the complexity, the uptake spot 15 feet in the other direction and profile of plants with other metals can Here are some best management under a raised bed showed no lead at all. be different than those with lead. For practices when dealing with It is, perhaps, this heterogeneity that example, according to a study published challenged soils: makes soil testing so challenging. I de- last year in Water, Air & Soil Pollution, scribe the process as thinking about your lettuce “had the strongest ability to ac- • Use raised beds or other garden or farm as a whodunit where the cumulate As [arsenic],” even more than containers. Make sure you farmer must play the detective. She or he lead. Factors such as the source of the fill them with clean soil and must attempt to figure out what happened metal (pesticides vs. mining), pH and clay amendments from trusted and where, usually with no reliable wit- levels appear to play a role. sources. nesses to interrogate. As I said, it’s very If the property’s complicated. • Avoid planting in pressure- former owner had Be aware, too, treated or previously washed lead-cov- that even if you’ve painted wood, railroad ties, ered paintbrushes in isolated your crop by telephone poles or tires since Birds are often the lawn or if they using containers or these materials can transfer had a few apple trees raised beds, soil par- contaminants into the soil. attracted to shiny sprayed with heavy ticles can splash on metal pesticide, there objects, which plants in heavy rains • Site your growing area away may be no outward or transfer in dust from roadways and buildings indication of these they sometimes from foot traffic or that may have deteriorating hazards. If you test wind. You should still painted surfaces. your soil and get good ingest as they remove outer leaves, results, great. If you wash thoroughly • Maintain healthy soil forage. If those don’t test, though, and peel root vege- with proper nutrients, with you may never know tables. Also, mulch appropriate phosphorus levels objects contain what’s really going or otherwise cover and pH between 6.5 & 7. on inside your plants, lead and if they all bare soil, includ- your animals and pos- ing pathways. These • Minimize access to bare sibly yourself. As Cor- lodge in the strategies are called soil. Cover planting soil with nell University’s Jon- “Best Management mulches to protect from splash athan Russell-Anel- internal organs, Practices” or simply, and wind. Keep walkways li recently said at a “best practices” (see covered, too. NOFA workshop on the element can sidebar) and have managing urban soils, been developed by • Wash hands well and consider leach and wreak “The assumption is scientists and public using gloves. Be careful not that it’s contaminated, health institutions as to bring soil into the house on systemic havoc. not that it’s clean.” guidelines for dealing tools, clothing and shoes. Even in suburban with challenged soils. and rural areas, this is Experts, in fact, • Wash plants well, remove not bad advice. often emphasize that outer leaves and peel root it’s the soil itself vegetables. Good Plants, Bad Places that’s the concern, even more than the In addition to variable concentrations plant uptake. Presuming you choose • Watch children carefully while in soil, there are also differences in lead the right crops and grow them in the in the garden. uptake depending on the type of plant. right places, you still need to avoid Leafy greens and root vegetables such as ingesting or inhaling tainted particles carrots, beets and potatoes are most often when working in the soil. A factsheet Sources: Environmental cited as crops to avoid in compromised from Brooklyn College’s Environmental Sciences Analytical Center at soils. Furthermore, a 2014 study in En- Sciences Analytical Center emphasizes Brooklyn College, New York vironmental Pollution showed that herbs that it’s “what you do with the soil” that State Department of Health/ had the highest concentration of lead, “determines the risk.” Avoid bringing Cornell University, University of more than the other greens or root crops it into the house on your clothing and Connecticut Cooperative Extension, that were tested. In contrast, fruiting shoes and wash your hands thoroughly, University of Vermont Extension. plants have been shown to be less likely especially under your nails.

68 Backyard Poultry Despite these precautions, there are limits. Some soil is regarded as just too contaminated for growing even fruit- ing vegetables. Guidance values vary but I follow recommendations from Brooklyn College and the University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, which indicate, for exam- ple, that soil with high levels of lead (over 400 ppm) should not be used for growing food plants at all.

Back at the Homestead Making good choices with plant selection and following best practices can minimize your family’s exposure to heavy metals but it’s not that easy when you’re also raising livestock. In one of those ironies of 21st century ag life, free-range poultry can be more susceptible to toxic exposures than caged birds. This is not an endorsement of battery systems but a wake-up call to those of us who let our ducks and chickens roam. If the soil is tainted, birds can take up contamination when they dig or dust bathe or consume smaller organisms that live in it. For the sake of our waterfowl, we try our best to manage the soil, but it’s impossible to stop the girls from doing what nature programmed The “ChickenSafe” them to do. You can control plants (mostly), ducks (somewhat) but when it Walk-in Chicken Run comes to worms and arthropods, not at all. The living creatures that ingest lead and travel through the subsoil simply Model Shown can’t be contained. 13 ft x 13 ft And so, it’s been quite an education. Today, Puff and her flock mates are regularly blood tested, and when necessary, given chelation therapy for lead exposure. Although their eggs generally test within safe ranges, I’m hesitant to eat any because it’s difficult to know the exact levels in any given egg, on any given day. Luckily, we Variety Of Sizes Available Online don’t count on our hens for meat. Like an unwanted guest, lead can leave the * Fully Galvanized Steel Framework * Strong 17gauge Galvanized Welded Mesh blood but stick around in an animal’s * All Joints Bolted * 1” Square Mesh Holes tissues and bones. And that, I think we * Treated Timber Door & Frame can all agree, is hardly the best recipe * Mesh Ground Skirt All Round for a good dinner. * Door 5’ 11” x 2’ 6” * Anchor Pegs Supplied * Galvanized Hinges & Bolt * Optional PVC Part Cover Lori Fontanes is a freelance writer who lives in New York. She regularly Visit us at: contributes a humor column to Backyard www.ChickenSafe.com Poultry. E-mail: [email protected]; Call: 662-385-5888

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 69 eese are low maintenance, know your geese well and have raised hardy birds who will outlive them from goslings, aggression should feature many other farmyard fowl not be a serious issue. A calm manner andG are comfortable in a wide range of and deliberate movements should quell environments. any issues with angry geese. You can keep geese in a large flock, Hand-raised geese often form an or have as few as a single goose. A male imprinted bond with their humans. These Feed and goose, or gander, will mate and bond for geese regard their people as a part of life with one or more females. If you their flock and will follow them around, have more than one gander, a ratio of lavishing them with attention throughout Care for three geese to a gander keeps the flock their lives. Geese who have been raised harmonious. In a flock with only one by other geese tend to be shyer, but gender, one goose will express dom- neither method seems to have as much Geese inance and assume the “gander” role. effect on aggression as does breeding Ganders are typically more aggressive and individual personality. than geese, but both sexes can be temper- Before obtaining goslings, prepare By Kirsten Lie-Nielsen amental in the spring breeding season. a brooder with at least one square foot Manie Geese have the reputation of being per bird. Geese should be kept at 90˚F irate, hostile birds, but most can be easily for their first week of life, and the tem- managed by keeping in tune with their perature should be reduced by 10˚F each farmyard needs. They attack with more week until they are three to four weeks vengeance if they feel threatened, so old and no longer require heating. The approaching them with a weapon such as best heat is provided by a heat lamp in the a broom only increases their fury. If you brooder. Goslings are much hardier than

70 Backyard Poultry Incubators, Brooders, Cages & Supplies

Quality, Utility, and Performance at a Reasonable Price GQF MANUFACTURING CO. PO BOX 1552 SAVANNAH, GA 31402 USA visit GQFmfg.com One well- covered acre can feed up to 40 White geese ® like these. The EASY DR Way other domesticated birds, but when raised to TRIM and MOW! by humans do not have waterproofing or The DR® TRIMMER MOWER protective oils until they are three to four NEW Gives You 5X the power and weeks old. They should not be allowed LOW NONE of the backstrain of swimming water until at least this age, PRICE! handheld trimmers! but access to drinking water should be TRIMS & MOWS thick grass and weeds without provided. Geese need water to swallow bogging down—the only trimmer guaranteed their food and keep their nasal passage not to wrap! clean, and goslings’ food should be kept ROLLS LIGHT AS A FEATHER on big, easy- rolling wheels! saturated and soupy for them to be able THICKEST, LONGEST-LASTING cutting cord to consume it. Older geese can eat dry (up to 225 mil) takes seconds to change. pellets or crumble, but still need con- stant access to drinking water to prevent choking. Geese do not require swimming water, but are very happy if it is provided. Regular bathing keeps their feathers in good, healthy condition. The only trimmer Once goslings have reached 6 weeks GUARANTEED of age, they are quite capable of foraging not to wrap! NEW TOW-BEHIND MODELS FOR TRACTORS, ATVS & RIDING MOWERS! 92183X © 2016 for themselves. Given free-range access to grass and clover, an adult goose needs FREE SHIPPING Call for FREE DVD and Catalog! only a scoop of waterfowl feed at night TOLL 6 MONTH TRIAL FREE 877-201-6996 to maintain a healthy weight. During SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY winter months more feeding is required Call or go online for details. DRtrimmers.com

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 71 AmericAn Poultry AssociAtion

DEDICATED TO PROMOTING AND PROTECTING STANDARD-BRED POULTRY Geese need water Benefits include: Quarterly Newsletter-Annual Yearbook to swallow their Officially Sanctioned Shows and Judges food and keep their nasal passage clean,

JOIN TODAY-Dues: $20 per year or $50 for 3 years and goslings’ food Junior members $15 per year or $40 for 3 years should be kept American Poultry Association PO Box 306, Burgettstown, Pa. 15021 saturated and soupy Phone: 724-729-3459 - Email: [email protected] for them to be able Website: amerpoultryassn.com to consume it.

and grass can be replaced with regular access to fresh timothy. An acre of field can keep up to 40 geese well fed. Depending on your location you may want to consider fencing for your geese. Geese are happy free-ranging during the day, but tend to wander several acres if they have access. A wire or wooden Everything You Need to Know About fence at least four feet high should deter them, and help to keep them protected from predators. Adult geese can free- How to Raise Poultry range full time but to protect them from potential predators, they will need a Updated & Revised shelter at night. At temperatures below By Christine Heinrichs freezing (or if you are planning to hatch Christine Heinrichs offers her seasoned advice in eggs), geese require housing. At least raising 14 different poultry species: chickens, three square feet per goose is required for ducks, emus, geese, swans, turkeys, guinea fowl, them to be comfortable. Geese are robust peacocks, pheasants, quail, partridge, pigeons, birds but at very cold temperatures can get frostbite and would benefit from a ostriches, and rheas. From feeding and heat lamp in their shelter. housing to husbandry and health, from showing and With minimal effort geese will make marketing to legal concerns, Heinrichs clearly details a delightful addition to your livestock A the differing requirements of each kind of poultry. well cared for goose can live for more 175 pages, $19.99 + S&H than 20 years, making them a great companion for your farm or backyard. To get your copy visit: www.CountrysideNetwork.com Or call: 1-800-551-5691 Kirsten Lie-Nielsen is a freelance writer and small scale farmer from Woolwich, Maine. When not cultivating a growing garden and tending to her geese and other animals, she maintains Day’s Ferry Organics (daysferryorgan- ics.com), hoping to help others learn about self-reliance and simple living.

72 Backyard Poultry

breeDs from arounD the worlD

Hamburg silver pencilled hen type 1900.

Hamburg male gold 1911 type.

Continental Birds by stuart sutton englanD

ur series on the Preserved Breeds of Lille Mu- At its peak, the Hamburg was renowned as a very good seum, part 3, concentrates on a few Continental layer. Today, however, some would say it has become more birds. They are: of an exhibition bird. Its egg size, and in some strains, its egg O numbers, have coincidentally reduced. Hamburg In their favor is the fact that they remain light eaters and The origin of the Hamburg, is like many other Breeds, are inexpensive to keep. They are also alert, bold and graceful very cloudy. It is, however, widely known that spangled with fine bold eyes and have an elegant rose comb. The exhi- poultry were bred in Yorkshire and Lancashire, possibly bition Silver Penciled hen shows similar markings to today’s up to 300 years ago, when they were called Pheasants animals, although the male Gold Spangled shown does not and Mooneys. exhibit well-defined and distinct markings or spangles.

74 Backyard Poultry Naturally protective

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The natural enzymes in Poultry Protector® clean away these pesky bugs safely, without the use of harsh chemicals found in so many other insect treatment products. Ridding the coop of these pests helps reduce stress and makes your birds more comfortable so they can do what they do best: grow, flourish and lay beautiful eggs.

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Herve The Herve is one of the oldest and certainly one of the rarest breeds in Belgium. It is believed to be related to the Ardenner and Gaulouise, and is sometimes thought to be an Ardenner without pig- mentation although this is not the case. A normal Herve has a more rounded form than the Ardenner; however, the specimen shown seems to be svelte. In the Herve, the back is also much less sloping and the tail is carried more open. The face, wattles and comb are always bright red. They are also thought to provide a good amount of delicious meat. CHICCHICKK LAYER In Belgium these are also known as “Mauheid” and “Cotte de Fer.” According to the latest research DAYSDAYS DAYS TEST YOUR POULTRY IQ AND WIN! by the Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRAW), there are less than 30 breeders in Belgium, and apparently it is a breed also being supported by Friends of the Earth. Go to scoopfromthecoop.com

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76 Backyard Poultry

16133_NT_LayerDays_Promo-BackyardPoultry-8.25x10.875.indd 1 4/20/16 2:20 PM Feeding your girls is as easy as ONE, TWO, THREE!

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16133_NT_LayerDays_Promo-BackyardPoultry-8.25x10.875.indd 1 4/20/16 2:20 PM The Ardenner is classed as a light breed. They, like their miniature version, are good looking and svelte with attractive feathering.

Ardenner male black red type 1907.

Ardenner hen black red type 1907.

Ardenner Large fowl Ardenners have existed for centuries, and are considered to be Belgium’s oldest breed of poultry. As is often the case with ancient breeds, very little is known regarding its exact origin, although it is thought to have descended directly from the ancient Gallic breed, the Gauloise. The Ardenner is classed as a light breed. They, like their miniature version, are good looking and svelte with attractive feathering. A strong dark pigmentation is present on the face, the head and skin, but its intensity does depend on the color variety of the bird. The pigmentation ranges from very dark in silver or gold/black to red in silver/duckwing. Some hens, like from the strain developed by top Belgian breeder Frans Smets lay 2-ounce eggs. They are a “doer” breed and are certainly worth keeping. The breed is rare, even in parts of Belgium.

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Campine A Belgian breed sharing a close history with the Brakel, with some eminent poultry experts observing the two breeds only dif- fer due to climatic conditions in the Flanders region of Belgium and northern France. They are an elegant bird with gold or silver barring; however, this is unfortunately somewhat lacking in the 1901 exhibit.

Stuart Sutton is long-time contributor to Backyard Poultry. He is a writer and photographer based in England.

80 Backyard Poultry

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82 Backyard Poultry Birds Eggs Supplies Experience

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The Magical Chickens of Martin Silverudd

by paul braDshaw

very nation seems to have its share of backyard scientists who are compelled to tinker with the chicken genome in order to create a superior breed of birds. Most fail, but a few lucky ones createE fantastic chickens of enduring value.

Britain’s history is rife with examples including William Cook, who created the Orpington in 1886, and Sir John Saunders Sebright, who created a beautiful bantam by the same name. Across the ocean, in 1896 Nettie Metcalf became the only American woman to create a breed — the Buckeye — that was later adopted into APA’s Standard of Perfection. Despite these remarkable achievements, few if anyone can match the creative results of Martin Silverudd, a little-known Swedish monk who in the mid-20th Century and brought to life almost a half-dozen chicken breeds that exist today. Father Silverudd deserves recognition for being perhaps the most prolific creator of new chicken breeds in the history of poultry. During his most productive years in the 1950s and 60s, Silverudd often stated twin goals of creating auto-sexing chicken breeds that laid a high volume of unusually colored eggs. Less plainly stated, but clearly evident in the results of Silverudd’s work, was the desire to create visually stunning chickens in all colors and patterns. To a remarkable degree, Silverudd achieved these goals. The result is nothing less than a magical mix of traits in a handful of fascinating breeds.

84 Backyard Poultry The breeder Martin Silverudd; an olive green Isbar egg; and a pair of Queen Silvia chickens.

Silverudd had a fixation on the autosexing function in chicken ge- netics. Autosexing chicken breeds are ones that display obviously different color patterns between male and female day-old chicks. single-comb green-egg-laying chicken Usually the female chicks have well breed in the world. defined “chipmunk stripes” in the down Working in his native Sweden, the on their backs, and males have a silvery first breed created by Silverudd was the sheen on their feathers and a blonde dot Fifty-Five Flowery Hen, so named be- on the backs of their heads. These cues cause he produced the first ones in 1955 make it easy for even an amateur to and the hens are covered with a complex identify the gender of the chicks as soon and beautiful mottled pattern on their as they hatch. Autosexing chickens are feathers. This breed, based in large part different than sex-linked chickens be- on Leghorn crosses, is clearly auto-sex- cause sex-linked chicks are produced as ing at hatching, and adult examples are the cross of two different chicken breeds, strikingly different in appearance based while autosexing chicks are produced on gender. The roosters are almost solid from a single breed that produces more white and the hens are predominantly autosexing chicks with each generation. gray or gold depending on the color va- Until recently, there were very few if any riety. Fifty-Fives are true to their Leghorn autosexing chicken breeds in America. origins and are prolific egg layers. The palette of egg colors Silverudd Perhaps the most spectacular breed envisioned is equally intriguing, and created by Father Silverudd is the Isbar he ultimately created breeds that laid (pronounced “Ice Bar”), a breed that eggs that are green, deep brown, white, originated in about 1960. or cream-colored. In fact, Silverudd The Isbar enjoys the unique distinc- was successful in creating the only tion of being the only single-combed

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 85 The Fifty-Five Flowery Hen, above, bred by Silverudd, is based largely on crossing Leghorns. They are generous layers. Opposite page, below: A Blue Isbar rooster. ELECTRIC Above: Smaaland chickens.

NETTING chicken breed in the world that lays green and gold variety and in temperament are eggs, and it lays them in great numbers active and flighty — and also prolific and often throughout the winter. The egg layers — like Leghorns. However, eggs vary in color from a deep mossy to Leghorns are only part of the genetic a light sea-glass green, and often there blend that created the Queen Silvia, and are speckles on the eggs that make them it’s likely that Silverudd injected into even more beautiful. Couple the egg the mix the Norwegian Jaerhon when color with the stunning blue feathers of formulating this breed. these chickens and you have one of the The two least-known Silverudd • Superior protection from predators most appealing poultry breeds anyone breeds are the Smaaland and the Molilja. • Lightweight, portable design for can own. While the autosexing function Smaalands are clearly autosexing and are easy installation is usually absent in this breed, the other quite striking, particularly the hen with • Available in green, orange, and white positive traits more than make up for it. its red breast that probably come in part • Choose from 82’ and 164’ lengths Isbars were recently imported into the from Rhode Island Reds or New Hamp- • Free shipping on all electric netting United States, and they have proven to shires. The Molilja is a yellow-brown Starting be excellent free-rangers. bird that produces a cream-colored egg. at $110.50 Another interesting Silverudd breed Although all of the Silverudd breeds recently introduced to North America remain rare even in their native Sweden, is the Queen Silvia, a chicken named they survived their creator who passed after Swedish royalty. Queen Silvias are away in 1986. In fact, some of the breeds autosexing and despite their light col- are experiencing a bit of a renaissance Call now for your free fence guide & catalog oration and white earlobes lay a brown with their recent importation to North

www.kencove.com 1-800-KENCOVE egg. Queen Silvias come in both a silver America, including the Isbar, Queen

86 Backyard Poultry

FORGET TO CLOSE THE COOP AGAIN? WHEN WILL YOUR LUCK RUN OUT?  
                 ­€‚ •      
 •      •        •       •           • Battery   •    • Charging options: ­       • €              ‚    • ƒ„ †     • Many       • Three sizes available For the first time, Silvia, Fifty-Five Flowery Hen, and most • Starting at $180 + options recently, the Smaaland. For the first time, North American North American poultry hobbyists can experience firsthand the living legacy poultry hobbyists can of Father Martin Silverudd and carry experience firsthand forward the fruits of his genius into a new century. the living legacy of Paul Bradshaw owns Greenfire Father Martin Silverudd Farms in Havana, Florida, where he and carry forward the keeps a number of Silverudd chicken breeds. He wishes to thank fellow chicken fruits of his genius into enthusiast Ulf Duell for assisting in gath-  a new century. ering information on Martin Silverudd and translating Swedish texts.   

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 87 Recipes A Golden Find oose eggs are precious. It turns them — at any time and at any cost — out that finding goose eggs can they’re that good! Goose Eggs are Big, Rich almost be as hard as finding a Goose eggs are a big deal. Not only goldenG egg. The reason? Geese lay eggs are they larger than duck eggs, they are and Hard to Locate seasonally starting about March (de- at least three times larger than chicken pending on where you live) and running eggs. For comparison, one large chicken through June. That’s it. Their eggs are egg weighs about two ounces, while one photos and story laid strictly for reproduction. goose egg weighs six to eight ounces By Janice Cole Most farmers I talked to in my area or more! The egg yolk of a goose egg were not interested in selling their goose measures in at about 1/3 cup and the Minnesota eggs for cooking. They were keeping white about six tablespoons, making the the eggs for incubation as the profit in total volume of the goose egg about 2/3 raising geese turns out to be in meat, not cup compared to three tablespoons total eggs. However, if the farmers can’t find volume of a chicken egg. Goose eggs are buyers interested in incubation they will not only larger in size, but also in flavor. sell their excess eggs for cooking. And Think of the difference between goose if you find them, my advice is to grab and chicken meat and you’ll have an

88 Backyard Poultry Goose eggs are a big deal. Not only are they larger than duck eggs, are highly prized for craft projects. If that egg casserole dishes, custards (see the interests you, preserve the shell intact pie recipe) and pasta. In fact, I’ve never they are at least by making a hole in the top and bottom tasted homemade pasta as good as the one of the egg, carefully blow out the egg I made using goose eggs. I think it’s the three times contents for cooking and save the shell richness and flavor of the egg that gives for decorating purposes. the pasta its body and deep flavor. I have larger than Goose eggs can be prepared the same yet to try goose eggs in moist cakes or way you would a chicken egg, keeping bars (such as brownies or pound cake), chicken eggs. in mind the difference in size. Because but I believe they will work well and I’m of their thick shells, don’t try cracking anxious to keep on testing. goose eggs on the rim of your bowl. They Goose eggs are high in nutrition, es- don’t crack well and you risk splintering pecially protein. One egg has 20 grams of the shell into your dish. Instead, carefully protein; however, it also has 266 calories crack them on the counter a couple of and 19 grams of fat. It’s important to keep times and you’ll be able to insert your in mind, however, that a goose egg is also thumbs and pry them apart. A hard- at least three times larger than a chicken cooked goose egg will take at least 15 to egg and is a good source of iron, potassi- 18 minutes to cook and frying should be um, vitamin E, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. done covered, over low heat to keep the Goose eggs may not be as good as goose egg from becoming tough. One gold, but they are definitely a treasure to goose egg will make a large omelet that be enjoyed! can be easily shared between two people. While I enjoy goose eggs cooked simply, I’ve also found they are spectacular in One goose egg equals three chicken eggs.

appreciation for the difference between goose eggs and chicken eggs. Goose eggs just have a larger personality with a richer, more vibrant flavor. Interestingly, their vibrant personality is hidden behind a plain exterior. Goose eggs do not exhibit the range of color or pattern that you get with chicken eggs or quail eggs. Their outer shells are simple: shades of bright pure white to warm creamy white with the slightest blush of pink on the inside of the shells. They are well protected with a thick shell and a heavy inside membrane. This means goose eggs can be kept fresh in the re- frigerator for at least six weeks or longer. This thick shell also means goose eggs

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 89 Berry Lemon 2 tablespoons lemon juice Custard Pie 1 tablespoon vanilla extract This is a spectacular way to Freshly grated nutmeg showcase your goose eggs. The Fresh raspberries, blue- creamy lemon custard shines with berries and strawberries springtime flavor and its delicate for serving texture is reminiscent of a light and airy cheesecake. Served topped with Directions: seasonal berries, it’s an eye-catching, To prepare crust: mouth-watering treat. combine flour, sugar, nutmeg and salt in me- Crust: dium bowl; cut in butter 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose until butter is the size of flour blueberries. Using fork, stir in 2 ta- combined. Beat in lemon zest, lemon 1 tablespoon sugar blespoons ice water adding additional juice and vanilla. Carefully pour into 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg water until mixture is moistened. Form pie shell (it will come up to the top). 1/8 teaspoon salt into flat disk; cover and refrigerate 1 Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg. 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut up hour or until chilled. Bake 40 minutes. Gently tent pie 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water On lightly floured surface, roll with foil to keep from overbrowning. dough to 13-inch round. Place in 10- Continue baking an additional 15 to 20 Filling: inch deep-dish pie plate; crimp edges. minutes or until pie is golden brown 2 cups sugar Refrigerate until ready to fill. and puffed. Center will still wobble 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Heat oven to 350ºF. To prepare like liquid but will set after cooling. 1/3 cup all-purpose flour filling: beat sugar and butter at medium Cool completely on wire rack. Serve 1/4 teaspoon salt speed 2 to 3 minutes or until creamy. At with fresh berries. Cover and store in 3 goose eggs (almost 2 cups) low speed, beat in flour and salt. Slow- the refrigerator. 1 cup buttermilk ly beat in goose eggs, one at a time, 1 cup heavy cream beating well after each addition. Beat 12 Servings 2 tablespoons lemon zest in buttermilk and heavy cream until Copyright Janice Cole, 2016

90 Backyard Poultry • Chicks • Broilers • Turkeys • Goslings • Ducklings • Gamebirds

1-800-323-3825 RidgwayHatchery.com Fresh Goose Egg Pasta Goose eggs are known for making extraordinary pasta.

Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 goose egg 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Free Catalog Directions: Combine flour and salt in food processor; pulse until combined. Add egg and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Pulse until dough begins to form. If dough is dry, add additional oil. If dough is moist, lightly add additional flour. Knead dough until smooth. Divide into 4 portions; flatten and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight for best results. (Dough can be rolled after 1 hour of refrigeration is necessary.) Roll out dough using pasta machine according to directions, gradually rolling into thinner settings. Cut using desired settings. Or, roll by hand on lightly floured surface to desired thick- ness. Cut to desired shapes; place on lightly floured cloth-lined pan. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Or, spread out in thin layer on parch- ment-lined large sheet pan and freeze. When frozen, store in resealable freezer bags for up to 3 months. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water 1 to 3 minutes, depending on thickness of dough. Dough should be just tender. Drain. Serve with desired sauce or use the recipe below.

Makes 1 pound of pasta Copyright Janice Cole, 2016

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 91 1 cup half-and-half or milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz.)

Directions: Heat oven to 375ºF. Coat 8-cup casserole with nonstick cooking spray. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add hash browns and fry 10 to 12 minutes or until browned, stirring often and adjusting heat if necessary. Place in bottom of casserole dish. Top with ham and green onions. Summer Greens Pasta This simple dish comes together in the time it takes to bring the pasta water to a boil. The simple sauce of fresh herbs, tomatoes and greens are the perfect combo for the rich Goose Egg Pasta (page 91).

Ingredients: 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs (dill, basil, chives, tarragon, and/or mint) 2 large garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 8 oz. Fresh Goose Egg Pasta (recipe above), cut into fettuccine 2 cups slightly packed chopped fresh Ham and Swiss Goose Directions: greens (Swiss chard, beet leaves and/ Egg Casserole Beat goose eggs with half-and- or spinach) half, salt, black pepper and red pepper You may never go back to using 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reg- flakes in large bowl until blended; chicken eggs in your egg bakes after giano cheese pour over ham mixture. Sprinkle with tasting the savory rich flavor that cheese. (Casserole can be prepared goose eggs add to the ever-popular Directions: up to 12 hours ahead; cover and brunch dish. Serve it with salad Combine tomatoes, herbs, garlic, refrigerate. Uncover before baking.) greens topped with oranges and oil, salt and pepper in large bowl. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until seasonal fruit. Cook pasta according to directions golden brown, puffed on edges and above, adding greens during the last 1 knife inserted in center comes out Ingredients: minute. Drain well; toss with tomato moist but clean. Let stand 10 minutes 1/4 cup oil mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. before serving. 4 cups frozen hash browns O’Brien (with peppers and onions) Serves 4 8 servings 1 cup diced ham Copyright Janice Cole, 2016 Copyright Janice Cole, 2016 1/2 cup sliced green onions 3 goose eggs, beaten

92 Backyard Poultry Here’s “almost everything you ever wanted to know” about RAISING POULTRY!

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The Joy of Raising Chickens in the Rockies A Birds-Eye View into the Life of Judi Casey

By Linda White-Francis

ohn Denver and Mike Taylor got it right way back in 1972 when they collaborated on a “John Denver had nothing to do with catchy folk tune, Rocky Mountain High, which Denver, who lived in Aspen, eventually my move to Colorado, but I listened to him sang and recorded-kicking-off his historical musical career. for years, and I was a member of a small JIn fact, the hit is one of two official Colorado state songs, and registered as one of the folk music group in high school and we greatest Western songs of all time. Rocky Mountain High is just as fresh and harmonious as sang a lot of his songs,” Casey said. “A few Denver sang it 44 years ago. Like a painting, Denver brought-to-life a vision of words, inspired years ago, the local PBS station ran his last by the old west he so loved. He then set it all to music, making it a real place where many live concert as a fundraiser, and I wept as listeners may never step foot, or ever hope to breathe the pristine mountain air, experience the I listened to some of the songs. I loved his euphoria of a magnificent mountain scape, nor grasp the bounty of a perfect climate. Denver lyrics and his music!” died in a plane crash in 1997. Ironically, this was the same year Judi Casey moved to Colorado. Casey sang as well in a 12-member One might ask, “What does John Denver, Judi Casey and chickens have in common?” vocal group known as “The Singing Well there are a few correlations along the way. First, backyard chicken owner, Judi Casey, Saints,” from which one member became loves the Rocky Mountains as much as Denver did. In that respect, Casey and Denver have the famous opera star — Rene Fleming. much in common. “She and I vied each year for the fe-

94 Backyard Poultry Judi Casey’s home and backyard in Colorado. male lead in the annual Churchville-Chili built the chickens some pretty wonderful and high school musical,” Casey said. At State secure coops. “Bob’s a remarkable chicken University College at Geneseo, she studied keeper for someone who doesn’t really like Applied Vocal Music. While there, Casey “In this arid climate, chickens. I couldn’t do without him. He has sang in a 40-member select choir, The been helpful in more ways than I can count, Chamber Singers. So clearly Casey, as occasionally and has learned so much about poultry just by much as Denver, had a great love for music. observation. It boggles the mind!” Casey said In fact, Casey plays the flute and oboe. referred to as the proudly of her mate. Casey has one grown It is evident for Casey: it doesn’t take a Alpine Desert, it son, Bill, 24, who lives in Denver. village to raise a bunch of chickens; it only takes one good husband. Casey calls her means hatching The Life husband “The Accidental Poultry Man,” Casey and her husband Bob’s day begin because he has been a bit ambivalent about eggs in an incubator and end with chickens. her hobby. “We rise at about 3:30 a.m., have coffee “Bob says, if he liked chickens, it would can be a little more and feed the cats, and then I tend to my be the Silkies,” Casey giggled. “He has a birds and eggs,” she says. “I check the in- soft spot for one particular Rhode Island time consuming cubator and add water if needed. I clean the Red named Little Red too, who shows him brooders in the house and give the chicks lots of attention.” And, without fanfare than say hatching fresh food and water. Once I am dressed, or prodding, twice a week the Accidental them in Florida.” I go outside and open the coops, and then Poultry Man even makes a nutritious yogurt off to work I go.” mixture for all the birds to snack on. — judi casey Casey is senior operations specialist for “No complaints there either,” Casey a waste management company. remarked. Casey’s caring mate, who’s a “When I get home from work, I refill the natural in the engineering department, has feeders and waterers, give a bit of scratch,

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 95 and collect snack dishes to wash and disinfect favorite. “Keeping poultry here has benefits one cannot find other places. The arid climate, for the next day,” she said. while problematic when hatching, helps us avoid ailments which keepers in more humid For Casey, at one time, being a poultry areas must be ever vigilant against, especially fowl pox and coccidiosis.” owner wasn’t even a glint in her eye. Another benefit Casey shared is that dogs and cats never have fleas unless they have a “I was introduced to chickens by a friend wet spring such as happened this past year (2015). Another important benefit: 300 days of I showed dogs with, and I have loved them sunshine annually enables the hens to produce more eggs too! At Casey’s elevation, they ever since,” she said. do have snow, but it never lasts very long, and the ground seldom freezes. Casey no longer raises the Chinese Crest- “That’s another big plus for the chickens especially because they will not have to endure ed dogs she once took such pride in showing. extremely harsh winters,” Casey noted. In fact, she doesn’t even own a dog anymore, As before mentioned, living in the Colorado mountain region at 5,400 feet above sea but does have seven house cats and 65 back- level can raise some tricky questions for one who is planning to hatch a batch of fertile eggs. yard chickens, chicks and juveniles, and one “In this arid climate, occasionally referred to as the Alpine Desert, it means hatching Silkie house pet with a cross-beak disability. eggs in an incubator can be a little more time consuming than say hatching them in Flori- Her birds consist of Silkies, Cochins, Rhode da,” Casey explained. “Some folks in Colorado live as much as 9,000 feet or more above Island Reds and Orpingtons. Silkies are her sea level. Oxygen is at a premium, and must be balanced with the need to maintain proper

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96 Backyard Poultry humidity for hatching. Many of us keep humidifiers running 24/7 in the room with our incubators-to keep ambient humidity elevated.” Additional problems may arise when fertile eggs or chicks are shipped into the high, arid elevation. “There can be some significant loss- es, but for those chicks, and fertile eggs that do survive the trip, and our extreme elements, they will grow-up and do just fine in the mountains,” she said. Casey has been happily raising chickens for five years. “There is something deeply sat- isfying about keeping chickens. Just watching young males instinctively call the girls over to a delectable treat; broody hens hatching and raising chicks; a favorite hen making a beeline the moment she hears the sound of my husband’s voice calling ‘come get some apple’; the way they chase a grasshopper as if nothing else mattered in the whole world. There is something so instructive in all of this. It soothes my soul in a way NON GMO I have not felt in any other endeavor. I have noticed in general that chicken people are happier people because we are passionate about what we do. Chickens as pets are highly underrated. Indiana They are lots of fun, and the rewards Largest Annual‛s th are many!” Poultry Show! A serious chicken breeder, Casey’ s 10 main goal is finding that perfect combi- Annual nation which results in an exceptionally healthy, robust, and beautiful chicken, which will achieve and depict the Stan- dard of Perfection’s high expectations. “My position is not that I should keep all the best, but to keep the best of which I can properly care for and use in the breeding program,” she said. “I try my best to place my chicks with Lebanon people who have the same goals. Every Judges: Jr. Show Judges: breeder will do something different with Bud Blankenship, TBA a chicken in a breeding program, and Jeff Halbach, maybe someone else can accomplish Matt Lhamon and more with my chicks than I can, just by Mike Sayre making a different genetic match. That should be everyone’s goal: to make each th breed they are working with better.” October 15 , 2016 Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds, Lebanon, Indiana Linda White-Francis is a writ- Located along I-65 at exit 138 er and photographer who lives in Information - Ron Patterson, 765-676-6192 [email protected] Holiday, Florida, and is a frequent Doug Akers - [email protected] contributor to the magazine. For more information, Go to Facebook: Central Indiana Poultry Show Produced in cooperation with the Boone County Convention & Visitors Bureau

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 97 Just For Fun Every Bird Out of the Pool Apparently, My Ducks Can’t Stand to be Apart

By Lori Fontanes Quack Me Up

ost of the time our pampered But even the most carefully crafted made incredible sense at the time — was flock spends days in a fully system can spring a leak. Last year, for to split the group into old ducks and fenced backyard and nights example, I discovered that keeping five new ducks. The Buff Orpington former Min a reinforced pen that’s a veritable Fort ducks in a large pool meant pounds and ducklings would go into one pool and the Knox for the feathered set. Raccoons pounds of wet, heavy wood shavings Cayuga, Welsh Harlequin and original can’t touch it. Raptors glide right by. that are incredibly difficult to manage. Buff in the other. They would rest side- Even a random coyote would think twice We tried shoveling. (Backbreaking.) We by-side in similar plastic splendor. before launching a raid on this galvanized tried hauling and dumping. (Ditto.) Last What could go wrong? edifice. spring, I came up with what I thought At first, it seemed to be working fine. And then there’s Mother Nature. would be the perfect solution for the I started by carrying each duck into the Just when we think we’ve got the next round of bad weather: a smaller garage and depositing her into what we housing protection settled, Ma Earth de- pool. Smaller pool plus fewer shavings will call Pool One. I did this six times cides to send one of those nasty weather equals no back surgery. Easy-peasy, until all the hens were in the same pool. events that only a meteorologist could doncha think? As predicted, definitely a squeeze. love. (Weather Channel, I’m talking to Uh, no. I went away to start dinner then came you.) On days or nights like those, it’s Everything went swimmingly until I back to initiate Phase Two: The Split. simply foolish to stay outside, even in finally got around to actually counting the The girls quacked their displeasure as I formidable digs. Hardware cloth and ducks. Holy moley, we’ve got six ducks grabbed each of the older hens and placed zip-ties are simply no match for gale this year, six full-grown light- and medi- her in Pool Two. By the time I got to the force winds and baseball-sized hail. um-weight class ducks. That, I can assure third transfer, the younger ducks were In hazardous conditions like these, it’s you, is a lotta fluffy butt. Which led me majorly freaking. Please understand, time for Plan G: The Garage. Move out to Plan EP: Extra Pool. Which I went out they were only six inches of poolness the cars and move in the ducks. I mean, and bought. Which, well, lemme explain. away from each other but to the separated doesn’t everyone keep their flock stashed Since we had recently increased our Buffs, it must have felt like parsecs. in a kiddie pool between the holiday deco flock by three now-grown hatchlings of At that point, I got the less-than- and the lawnmower? the same breed, my strategy — which bright idea of erecting a cardboard barrier

98 Backyard Poultry Have You Hugged between the pools, under the ridiculous notion that if they couldn’t see each other, maybe they would stop trying to reunite. Your CHICKEN Today? Ha! And, of course, that didn’t work be- cause, uh, quacking? Duh. Before I could do anything dumber, the three youngsters took charge and launched themselves over the flimsy barrier, wing-slapping me in the face as they did, and joyfully rejoined the rest of the flock. Surveying the six hens in the now equally crowded second pool, I con- cluded that I’d had enough duck follies for one day and retreated to the interior Tell the world how you really feel...with a High-Quality, of the house. No sooner had I settled at Backyard Poultry the kitchen table, however, when I heard T-shirt. a loud crash and a chorus of waterfowl Available in blue, red, or pink, and two styles. alarm cries. I ran to the garage and found ducks scattered everywhere, a few back ORDER YOURS TODAY! in Pool One, the Buffs flapping amid the sporting goods and, still in Pool Two, one frantic duck and an unexpected Backyard Poultry T-Shirt Order Form companion — a life-size Great Horned All T-shirts are $14.00 each. Please specify size(s) and color(s). Owl decoy. Youth size 14-16 (Red or Blue) Color______Quantity _____ $ Apparently, I hadn’t prepared the ga- Adult size medium (Red or Blue) Color______Quantity _____ $ rage as carefully as I had thought. Some- Adult size large (Red or Blue) Color______Quantity _____ $ how, I’d overlooked how precariously Adult size XL (Red or Blue) Color______Quantity _____ $ close to the pools this scary replica had Adult size 2XL (Red or Blue) Color______Quantity _____ $ been perching. I’ll never know exactly Adult size 3XL (Red or Blue) Color______Quantity _____ $ Women’s cut size medium how they managed to dislodge it from a (Red, Blue or Pink) Color______Quantity _____ $ nearby shelf, but I can well imagine their Women’s cut size large dismay when the realistic copy of a feared (Red, Blue or Pink) Color______Quantity _____ $ nemesis suddenly descended on them in Women’s cut size XL the previously snug safety of their garage (Red, Blue or Pink) Color______Quantity _____ $ Women’s cut size 2XL second home. (Red, Blue or Pink) Color______Quantity _____ $ Oops, my bad! As you can see, even best laid plans of Order total $______poultry owners can go sideways. I quickly S&H $4 first item, $1 each add’l item $______tucked the distressing decoy out of sight Only $14 each Subtotal $______and all six ducks went back to where they WI residents add 5.5% sales tax $______started, you guessed it: Pool One. They Total enclosed $______were a little crowded, but better crowded than divided. And I learned an important Name: ______lesson. As it turns out, ducks are a lot like Address: ______musketeers. When it comes to the flock, City:______State:______Zip:______they share the same motto: all for one and one for all. m Check Enclosed m Charge my credit card: Touché! Visa/MC/AmEx/Disc No.:______Exp.:______Signature:______Phone:______Lori Fontanes is a humor writer based in New York. She writes about her Mail to: Backyard Poultry flock at www.whattheducks.com, and also 145 Industrial Drive, Medford, WI 54451 wrote a piece in this issue documenting or call Toll-Free: 800-551-5691 or Fax: 715-785-7414 her experiences with soil testing. www.backyardpoultrymag.comwww.CountrysideNetwork.com

June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 99 Youth: Summer Flockbusters Hello HelloPoultry Pals, Poultry Pals! I can’t wait for the final school bell to ring and Now Showing for summer to officially start. The longer days give us more time to fill the crop and keep the nesting box Summer is a terrific time to cool off supplied with fresh eggs. Gabby will be graduating from watching a big action flick, or lay in a hammock and kindercoop and the new flock are growing out of their dream of these poultry-fied versions! down and into their pin feathers. Knock on wood, the avian flu hasn’t been an issue like it was last year and with any luck, our best birds will be able to strut their CAPTAIN AMERICANA: CIVIL WAR Captain Americana leads the newly formed team of Aviangers in their continued efforts to safeguard all stuff at a poultry show soon. Here’s to making happy poultrydom. Political interference in the Aviangers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain summer memories with your flock! Americana and Iron Cluck. The coop divides into opposing forces pitting clean leggeds against feather-footed. THE CURSE OF SLEEPING BROODY The familiar fairy tale is re-hatched in this updated version about a narcoleptic hen searching for true love. Keep your beak clean, Gertrude McCluck, CIC TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURKEYS: The Turkeys return to save the farm from evil Dr. Drake, who ducks them at every turn as his nefarious OUT OF THE FRYER plans include a deep fryer and assorted seasonings. FINDING DORKING The friendly-but-forgetful blue feathered hen searches for the nest of her loved ones, laying the groundwork for everyone to learn the about what it means to be part of a flock. GOOSEBUSTERS Follow a team of bumbling chickens as they track down the gaggle of geese who are wreaking havoc on Minute Mystery anyone who dares to cross the yard. LICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE One chick’s epic pursuit of an elusive parasite catapults him outside of the brooder box, where he Siss-boom-baaaaah.” accidentally sets off a series of events that transform and threaten the coop. “ Sheep erupted in a chorus of bleating laughter after every explosion. Jokes…Get the Yolk? I stretched on the grass, watching as fireworks lit the sky in red, blue and gold. Q: Why did the chicken cross the MINUTE MYSTERY ANSWER: The whole flock (except for Pratchett, who’d beach? Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons gone to bed two hours earlier) had turned out A: To get to the other tide! Baack Talk lay brown eggs and Leghorns lay white.

to cool off a bit and watch the celebration. When the WhatWhat is thisis Of the three birds, the white egg had to last starburst faded, the flock stretched and headed to the Q: What do you get if you feed ? belong to Lydia. Gertrude fussed at her thisduck chicken saying roosting bars. As the Chicken In Charge, I made a final check of the area. A clean gunpowder to a chicken? thinking? until Lydia hopped off the roosting bar coop is a safe coop (and if I happened to discover dropped scratch, even better). A: An eggs-plosion! and rolled it out of harm’s way under the “Would the owner of this egg please roll it to the nesting boxes? It could get nesting boxes. stepped on here.” Q: What do you call a duck No answer. shooting off explosives on I waddled to the trio of hens who’d sat there earlier. I turned to Ruby, the Rhode Independence Day? Island Red, “Did you leave an egg in the doorway?” A: A fire quacker! “It’s not mine.” I poked Lydia, the Leghorn. “Is that your egg?” “I’m trying to sleep, Gertrude.” I tugged the wing of my fellow Buff Orpington. “Hey Rose, is that – “ “For heaven’s sakes, Gertrude, no.” She tucked her beak into her wing. Fun Facts I walked to the doorway and pulled out my trusty spy glass, searching for a • A fresh egg will sink in water while an clue, something I’d missed the first time. The moonlight bounced off the white egg, older egg will stand up. As the egg gets looking like a mini-moon shining in the bedding. older, the air space in the egg increases Then it hit me like a screaming pop bottle rocket. I knew whose egg this was. causing it to float. E-MAIL your caption idea by June 10 along with your name and state to Do you? • An egg white and yolk separate best [email protected] OR MAIL to Baack Talk, 159 Hall Dr. S, ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE when cold. Egg whites will beat to a Montgomery, TX 77316. Selection for publication in a future issue will be better volume if they’re allowed to stand at the discretion of Backyard Poultry. Name and state will be printed with at room temperature for 20-30 minutes response unless otherwise requested. before beating. A few favorites from April/May 2016 Issue: • The stringy piece of material in the • “There, there dear, it will be all right.”—Clyde Schmidt, Wisconsin Gertrude McCluck, Chicken in Charge egg is not an embryo, but rather a spe- • “Hey, you warm enough, sweetie?”—Aislinn Korb, New York is assisted by chicken wrangler Cyndi Gernhart. Find out more cial protein called chalazae, which acts • “I told you he would break your heart!”—Jill Schmidt, Wisconsin about Gertrude and her book series for children and as a shock absorber for the yolk so it doesn’t break. • “It’s okay, honey. Take a deep breath, push and it’ll be over before you know other fun activities at: www.GertrudeMcCluck.com it!”—Amy Patterson, Texas • “Hey, I’m a Leo. What’s your sign?”—Jackie Hill, California 2 www.CountrysideNetwork.com 3 100 BackyardBackyard Poultry Poultry June/July 2016

June/July 2016

3 www.CountrysideNetwork.com

“Hey, I’m a Leo. What’s your sign?” • —Jackie Hill, California

it!” —Amy Patterson, Texas

“It’s okay, oney. Take a deep breath, push and it’ll be over before you know h •

“I told you he would break your heart!” • —Jill schmidt, wisconsin

“Hey, you warm enough, Sweetie?” • —Aislinn Korb, new York

“There, there dear, it will be all right.” • —Clyde schmidt, wisconsin

A few favorites from April/May 2016 Issue:

response unless otherwise requested.

at the discretion of Backyard Poultry. Name and state will be printed with

Montgomery, TX 77316. Selection for publication in a future issue will be

[email protected] OR MAIL to Baack Talk, 159 Hall Dr. S,

E-MAIL your caption idea by June 10 along with your name and state to

nesting boxes.

& rolled it out of harm’s way under the

thinking?

until Lydia hopped off the roosting bar

duck saying

this chicken

belong to Lydia. Gertrude fussed at her ?

What is this

What is

Of the three birds, the white egg had to

lay brown eggs and Leghorns lay white. Baack Talk

Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons

MINuTE MySTERy ANSWER:

accidentally sets off a series of events that transform and threaten the coop.

liCe age: COlliSiOn COurSe One chick’s epic pursuit of an elusive parasite catapults him outside of the brooder box, where he

anyone who dares to cross the yard.

gOOSeBuSterS

Follow a team of bumbling chickens as they track down the gaggle of geese who are wreaking havoc on

for everyone to learn the about what it means to be part of a flock.

Finding dOrking

The friendly-but-forgetful blue feathered hen searches for the nest of her loved ones, laying the groundwork

Out OF the Fryer

plans include a deep fryer and assorted seasonings.

teenage mutant ninja turkeyS: The Turkeys return to save the farm from evil Dr. Drake, who ducks them at every turn as his nefarious

the CurSe OF Sleeping BrOOdy The familiar fairy tale is re-hatched in this updated version about a narcoleptic hen searching for true love.

Americana and Iron Cluck. The coop divides into opposing forces pitting clean leggeds against feather-footed.

poultrydom. Political interference in the Aviangers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain

Captain ameriCana: Civil War

Captain Americana leads the newly formed team of Aviangers in their continued efforts to safeguard all

dream of these poultry-fied versions!

watching a big action flick, or lay in a hammock and

Summer is a terrific time to cool off

Now Showing Summer Flockbusters

Youth: Summer Flockbusters Hello HelloPoultry Pals, Poultry Pals! I can’t wait for the final school bell to ring and Now Showing for summer to officially start. The longer days give us more time to fill the crop and keep the nesting box Summer is a terrific time to cool off supplied with fresh eggs. Gabby will be graduating from watching a big action flick, or lay in a hammock and kindercoop and the new flock are growing out of their dream of these poultry-fied versions! down and into their pin feathers. Knock on wood, the avian flu hasn’t been an issue like it was last year and with any luck, our best birds will be able to strut their CAPTAIN AMERICANA: CIVIL WAR Captain Americana leads the newly formed team of Aviangers in their continued efforts to safeguard all stuff at a poultry show soon. Here’s to making happy poultrydom. Political interference in the Aviangers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain summer memories with your flock! Americana and Iron Cluck. The coop divides into opposing forces pitting clean leggeds against feather-footed. THE CURSE OF SLEEPING BROODY The familiar fairy tale is re-hatched in this updated version about a narcoleptic hen searching for true love. Keep your beak clean, Gertrude McCluck, CIC TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURKEYS: The Turkeys return to save the farm from evil Dr. Drake, who ducks them at every turn as his nefarious OUT OF THE FRYER plans include a deep fryer and assorted seasonings. FINDING DORKING The friendly-but-forgetful blue feathered hen searches for the nest of her loved ones, laying the groundwork for everyone to learn the about what it means to be part of a flock. GOOSEBUSTERS Follow a team of bumbling chickens as they track down the gaggle of geese who are wreaking havoc on Minute Mystery anyone who dares to cross the yard. LICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE One chick’s epic pursuit of an elusive parasite catapults him outside of the brooder box, where he Siss-boom-baaaaah.” accidentally sets off a series of events that transform and threaten the coop. “ Sheep erupted in a chorus of bleating laughter after every explosion. Jokes…Get the Yolk? I stretched on the grass, watching as fireworks lit the sky in red, blue and gold. Q: Why did the chicken cross the MINUTE MYSTERY ANSWER: The whole flock (except for Pratchett, who’d beach? Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons gone to bed two hours earlier) had turned out A: To get to the other tide! Baack Talk lay brown eggs and Leghorns lay white. to cool off a bit and watch the celebration. When the WhatWhat is thisis Of the three birds, the white egg had to last starburst faded, the flock stretched and headed to the Q: What do you get if you feed ? belong to Lydia. Gertrude fussed at her thisduck chicken saying roosting bars. As the Chicken In Charge, I made a final check of the area. A clean gunpowder to a chicken? thinking? until Lydia hopped off the roosting bar coop is a safe coop (and if I happened to discover dropped scratch, even better). A: An eggs-plosion! and rolled it out of harm’s way under the “Would the owner of this egg please roll it to the nesting boxes? It could get nesting boxes. stepped on here.” Q: What do you call a duck No answer. shooting off explosives on I waddled to the trio of hens who’d sat there earlier. I turned to Ruby, the Rhode Independence Day? Island Red, “Did you leave an egg in the doorway?” A: A fire quacker! “It’s not mine.” I poked Lydia, the Leghorn. “Is that your egg?” “I’m trying to sleep, Gertrude.” I tugged the wing of my fellow Buff Orpington. “Hey Rose, is that – “ “For heaven’s sakes, Gertrude, no.” She tucked her beak into her wing. Fun Facts I walked to the doorway and pulled out my trusty spy glass, searching for a • A fresh egg will sink in water while an clue, something I’d missed the first time. The moonlight bounced off the white egg, older egg will stand up. As the egg gets looking like a mini-moon shining in the bedding. older, the air space in the egg increases Then it hit me like a screaming pop bottle rocket. I knew whose egg this was. causing it to float. E-MAIL your caption idea by June 10 along with your name and state to Do you? • An egg white and yolk separate best [email protected] OR MAIL to Baack Talk, 159 Hall Dr. S, ANSWER ON NEXT PAGE when cold. Egg whites will beat to a Montgomery, TX 77316. Selection for publication in a future issue will be better volume if they’re allowed to stand at the discretion of Backyard Poultry. Name and state will be printed with at room temperature for 20-30 minutes response unless otherwise requested. before beating. A few favorites from April/May 2016 Issue: • The stringy piece of material in the • “There, there dear, it will be all right.”—Clyde Schmidt, Wisconsin Gertrude McCluck, Chicken in Charge egg is not an embryo, but rather a spe- • “Hey, you warm enough, sweetie?”—Aislinn Korb, New York is assisted by chicken wrangler Cyndi Gernhart. Find out more cial protein called chalazae, which acts • “I told you he would break your heart!”—Jill Schmidt, Wisconsin about Gertrude and her book series for children and as a shock absorber for the yolk so it doesn’t break. • “It’s okay, honey. Take a deep breath, push and it’ll be over before you know other fun activities at: www.GertrudeMcCluck.com it!”—Amy Patterson, Texas • “Hey, I’m a Leo. What’s your sign?”—Jackie Hill, California 2 www.CountrysideNetwork.com 3 Backyard Poultry June/JulyJune/July 2016 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 101 Revolutionary A Piece Of The fArm Hand-crafted ornaments and jewelry with country charm! arketplaCe

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hft_backyardpoultry_0616_M-REG79376.indd 1 4/8/16 12:01 PM

Backyard Poultry Breeders Directory

Have birds for sale? Advertise in the Backyard Poultry Breeders Directory for less than $4.50 a month. Your ad will be seen by more than 100,000 poultry enthusiasts. Call 800-551-5691 to get your advertisement in!

Day-old Temminck Tragopans, Brown Eared & Blue Eared. Associations heritage breed chicks shipped. Pick-up or delivery NO CATALOG AVAILABLE. Give me a call and we’ll in central and northern California. NPIP#CA409. talk about the birds! AMERAUCANA ALLIANCE. Membership includes SPNUSA Flock#25. quarterly Ameraucana Newsletters and registration Minnesota on the Ameraucana Forum. Members are eligible for North Carolina OAKWOOD GAME FARM, INC., PO Box club awards & exhibitor points. Yearly dues are $10 SONBURST FARM, LLC, Weaver, Salisbury, North 274, Princeton, MN 55371. 800-328-6647. (Newsletters Emailed) or $15 (Newsletters mailed). Carolina. 704-638-6533. Pheasant & Chukar John W Blehm, Secretary/ net> Day old chicks shipped. Chicks, Laying hens, Partridge chicks & eggs available. Treasurer, 4599 Lange Road, Birch Run MI 48415. Pullets, Cockerels–local pickup. Texas AMERICAN BRAHMA CLUB, Kendra Aldrich, Virginia John, 101 Forest St., Whitsett, TX 78075. Sec./Treas.,12948 Ring Rd., Saint Charles, MI WILLOW SPRING FARM, Rural Retreat, Virginia. 830-480-2372. Stewart, Hulsey, Hatch Crosses, 48655. 989-865-6702. 276-782-0499. We Sell Day Old Chicks (local pickup Claret, Whitehackle, Brown Red , Yellow and Green Promoting the only) & Hatching Eggs. Legged. Eggs for sale. Majestic Ones! USA & Canada Membership dues: $20/year or $50 for 3 year membership, $10/year Wisconsin Junior membership. Buff Orpington PURELY POULTRY, PO Box 466, Fremont, WI CHANTECLER FANCIERS INTERNATIONAL, Alambama 54940. 800-216-9917. Mike Gilbert, Secretary, W5171 Baker Rd., VALLEY FARMS HATCHERY, 4270 Ricks Ln, Indian Red Junglefowl, Holmen, WI 54636. 608-857-3386 (Call Leighton, AL 35646. 256-324-9078. com/chicksatvalleyfarmshatchery> Rhode Island Red Whistling Ducks, Wood Ducks, Mallard Ducks. Swans: White Mute, Australian Black, Trumpeter, Whooper, and Buff Orpington. We are NPIP Certified. Chicks are hatched and shipped weekly. Black Necked. Quail: Northern Bobwhite, Jumbo WISCONSIN BIRD AND GAME BREEDERS, Jim Bobwhite, Texas A & M, Valley, Gambel, Blue Scale, Bleuer, President, 1756 E. Scott St., Omro, WI 54963. Mountain, Mearns. Partridge: Chukar, Hungarian. 920-379-6188. Annual Fall Show & Columbian Plymouth Rock Ringneck Pheasants: Chinese, Jumbo, Kansas, Man- Swap at Fond du lac County Fairgrounds Expo Center. churian Cross, Melantistic Mutant. Ornamental Pheas- Illinois 2016 Fall=Sat., October 22, 6:30am-1:30pm. ants: Red Golden, Yellow Golden, Blue Eared, Brown COLUMBIAN ROCK BANTAMS, Gary Under- Eared, Lady Amherst, Silver, Timminicks Tragopans. WYANDOTTE BREEDERS OF AMERICA, Dr. Don- wood, 2404 S. Simmons Rd., Stockton, IL 61085. Wild Turkeys: Eastern and Merriams. ald Monke, Sec./Treas., 7481 Plain City Georges- 815-947-2359. ville Rd., Plain City, OH 43064. 614-873-8106. Cream Legbar Jersey Giants Indiana Wisconsin QUALITY GENTLE JERSEY GIANTS SINCE 1977. Ameraucana WICK PLACE FARM, 1907 43rd St., Caledonia, WI Nicely laced blues/black/splash colors. Producers 53108. 414-708-4057. Michigan of large brown eggs/meat/4-H-APA winners/shipping. Cream Legbars. Black No catalog available. Maria Hall. Texting 502-548-1075, Fowl Stuff, FowlStuff.com, John W Blehm, Birch Copper Marans, Easter Eggers Barred Rocks. NPIP www.mariasjerseygiants.com. Run, Michigan. Large fowl chickens: buff & partridge certified. Chantecler. Also, buff, lavender, silver & black Am- eraucana. Bantam chickens: buff, lavender & silver Large Fowl Ameraucana. Dominique Tennessee Georgia CHICK N STUFF FARM– in Crump, Tennessee. Ayam Cemani BOB’S BIDDIES, LLC, Bob & Diane Berry, 2155 (Mail: PO Box 87, Adamsville, TN 38310) Weaver Dr., Ray City, GA 31645. 229-455-6437 or Virginia 901-490-0022, 731-607-7324. Large Fowl Breeds: 229-375-1991. Day old chicks from vintage brown Orpington, Jubilee & Mottled English Orpington, White Martinsville, Virgina, 24112, 276-957-4048, egg breeds available Jan-June. New! Unique Red or & Exchequer Leghorn, Cream Legbar & Salmon Breeding one of the white Pasutre Broilers. Fast growing, minimal feed Faverolle. Also Heritage Bronze & Narragansett rarest and most exotic birds, the Ayam Cemani. Call required, available year round. New! Exceptional Turkey. NPIP/APA. Experienced egg shipper. See for details and availability. Brown Egg Layer, ALG-Jumbo eggs, very gentle, NPIP us on Facebook. certified, Non-GMO/No soy feed for all natural chicks. Bantam Shipping available on all birds. Call 229-375-1991 or visit bobsbiddies.com. Malay Arkansas Connecticut HILLBILLY HATCHERY, Jeff Barnett, 718 Tug- Freedom Ranger MALAY–Large Fowl. Also Silver-Spangled gle Ln, Malvern, AR 72104. 501-317-9680. Hamburg Bantams. Show Stock. Connecticut. Pennsylvania Marie Gebert. 860-779-2844. Pick-up, local shows Various breeds FREEDOM RANGER HATCHERY, Kendall & or shipping. Ginger Fox, 190 N. Blainsport Rd., Reinholds, Barred Rock PA 17569. 717-336-4878, Fax:717-336-3711. Pigeons North Carolina Arkansas BILLY PLACE FARM, Cynthia Glasscoe, East Bend, Freedom Ranger chickens. LIVE BIRD SHIPPING BOXES /USPS Approved. North Carolina. 336-699-2677. com> Barred Plymouth Rocks, Red Dorkings. Chicks. 501-329-2377. Rare Pigeons. NPIP# 55-1077. Game Birds Indiana South Carolina Buckeye WOODSIDE AVIARY, James Kotterman, Peru, In- HT AUSTIN, 1766 Homestead Rd., Bowman, diana. 765-985-2805. PHEASANT ENTHUSIASTS SC 29018. 803-308-1203. Show quality California check this out! Displaying full color the Golden fancy pigeons–Jacobins, Fantails, and CENTRAL VALLEY BUCKEYES, Atwater, CA. 831- Pheasant, Ghigi Golden, Lady Amherst, Silvers, German Owls. Doves–Diamond and assorted 212-0173. Swinhoe, Elliots, Melantistic Mutant, Impeyans, Ringnecks. 110 Backyard Poultry 104 Backyard Poultry Welsummers, Blue Ameraucana, Black Ameraucana, bantams, ducks, geese, turkeys, guineas, peafowl, Quail Rumpless Araucana, Olive Egger. swans, pheasants, ornamental pheasants, chukars and quail. Massachusetts Indiana HIDDEN CREEK FARM, Matt John, Columbus, In- SUNNYSIDE HATCHERY, Beaver Dam, Wis- ANTONIO R. FERREIRA, JR., 49 Chestnut St., consin. 920-887-2122. Shipping to North Central Seekonk, MA 02771. 401-465-1662. Northern diana. 812-603-7722. Several varieties of Exhibition and U.S. only. Jumbo broilers, Leghorns, Blacks, Bobwhite Quail. Eggs: $11.75/12, $23.50/24, Browns, dual purpose Sagitta, turkeys & ducklings. $49/50. Postpaid. Heirloom poultry as well as Bantams and Waterfowl. Chicks will be available beginning in January. North Carolina Iowa GEORGE PARKER, 768 Moores Ln., Lumberton, Waterfowl COUNTY LINE HATCHERY, 2977 Linn Buch- NC 28358. 910-374-8176. Quail Eggs: Bobwhite, California Tennesse Red. Extra large Coturnix Quail eggs. anan Rd., Coggon, IA 52218. 319-350-9130. METZER FARMS, 26000K Old Stage Rd., Gon- Will ship small quantities of eggs. Send self addressed Rare and fancy zales, CA 93926. Year-round hatching. Nation- stamped envelope for price list. peafowl, guineas, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, bantams and more. Featuring Showgirls & Silkies. wide shipping. Free catalog now, 800-424-7755. Most economical and diverse poultry assortment Ducklings: Pekin, Rouen, Rhode Island Reds available. Khaki Campbell, Golden 300 Egg Layer, White Layer, Blue Swedish, Buff, Cayuga, Mallard, Welsh Harlequin, Illinois WELP HATCHERY, Box 77, Bancroft, IA 50517. 800- White Crested & Runners (Black, Chocolate, Blue, Fawn HUTCHINSON FARM, Rollie Hutchinson, 15793 458-4473. Specializing in & White) Goslings: Embden, White Chinese, Brown Chi- 500th St., Orion, IL 61273. 309-749-8277. Cornish Rock broilers. Also offering baby chicks, duck- nese, Toulouse, Dewlap Toulouse, African, Buff Toulouse, Rhode Island lings, goslings, bantams, exotics, turkeys, guineas, Buff, Tufted Buff, Sebastopol, Pilgrim, Roman Tufted. Reds–100 year heritage flock. 100% Underwood pheasants. Free catalog. MC/Visa/Discover. Ringneck pheasants, French Pearl guineas. bloodlines. Maryland Minnesota Sebrights WHITMORE FARM, Emmitsburg, Maryland. Shipping JOHNSON’S WATERFOWL, 36882 160th Ave. NE, day-old chicks March thru October. Show quality lines, Middle River, MN 56737. 218-222-3556. Buff & White African geese. and Blue Ameraucana, Delaware, Black Copper and Rouen, Silver Appleyard, Pekin, White & Black Crest- BLACKBURN’S QUALITY BANTAMS, Wayne Black- Blue Copper Marans, Welsummer. Photographs, ed, Saxony, Black & Blue Magpies, Penciled, White, burn, PO Box 736, Anthony, FL 32617. 352-236-0359. pricing and online ordering at . Email Runners, White, Grey, Snowy, Black, Blue Bibbed & Laced & Golden Laced. Pastel Call ducklings. Free brochure. Minnesota Oregon Turkeys SUNNY CREEK FARMS, Don Schirrick, 15378 160th St. SW., Red Lake Falls, MN 56750. 218-253-2291. HOLDERREAD WATERFOWL FARM & Ohio Free catalog. All breeds, waterfowl, chicks, PO Box 492, Corvallis OR 97339. 541-929-5338. Silver Appleyard; Saxony; Welsh Harlequin; Missouri Golden Cascade; Dutch Hook Bills; Rare colors of Calls; Silkie Ducks. Embden; Brown, Buff Africans; CACKLE HATCHERY®, PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO Dewlap Toulouse; American Blue; American Laven- Adults, eggs, feathers, poults, Narrangansett, 65536. 417-532-4581. 78 years Chocolate, mixed. of hatching and shipping baby chicks. FREE COLOR Wisconsin CATALOG, 193 varieties. BASIL’S DUCKS, Todd Prutz, 4751 Coolidge Ave., Various CHICKENS FOR BACKYARDS, PO Box 635, Phil- Plover, WI 54467. 715-295-4048. Wood Duck, Mandarin, Colorado lipsburg, MO 65722. 888-412-6715. Order As Low As 3 Chicks, Heritage chicken breeds, Ducks, Guinea and Green Wing Teal, Blue Wing Teal, Falcated Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Baikal Teal, Garganey Teal, Pintail, Waltz’s Ark Ranch, Delta, CO Turkey. Rare & Heritage Poultry, NPIP & AI clear. Sussex: RedHead, White Redhead, Silver Redhead, Gold- Light, Buff, Coronation, Red, Speckled, Silver. English Pennsylvania eneyes, Hooded Merganser, Ring Teal, Mallards, Orpington: Black, Blue Splash, Gold Laced, Jubilee, Smews, Tufted, Greater Scaup, Ring Neck, Ruddy, HORSTMAN’S POULTRY, Dick Horstman, 5 Red, Lavender, Chocolate. Swedish Flower Hen, Canvasback, Common Merganser, Red Breasted S Kings Creek Rd., Burgettstown, Pa 15021. Marans, Breda, Augsburger, Isbar, Sultan, Sicilian Geese, Emperor Geese. 724-729-3701. Buttercup, Ayam Cemani, Sweetgrass Turkeys, & Eggs – chicks – adults. more. No Catalog, Online Only! Large fowl: White & Silver Penciled Rocks, Single Florida Comb & Rose Comb Rhode Island Reds, White Crested Black Polish, Red & Silver Gray Dorkings Mini Farming GREENFIRE FARMS, www.greenfirefarms.com. and Single Comb Black Minorcas. Bantams: Barred Ultra-rare imported breeds: Ayam Cemani, Cream ~ Saving, Selecting, & Buying Seeds ~ & White Rocks, Dark Brahma, Bearded Silver, Non Legbar, Swedish Flower Hens, Bielefelder, Marans, bearded White Crested Black and White Crested Blue ~ Maintaining & Improving Soil ~ Isbar, Barbezieux, Bresse, Sulmtaler, Spitzhauben, Polish, Dark Cornish and Spangled Russian Orloff. Olandsk Dwarf, Orust, Barnevelder, Merlerault, ~ Using Organic Methods ~ Niederrheiner, Marsh Daisy, Altsteirer, East Frisian Virginia ~ Canning, Freezing, & Dehydrating ~ Gull, Lyonaisse, Malines, Pavlovskaya, Queen Silvia, Stonehaus Farms Aviary, 59 Forsythia Dr, Mar- Swedish Black Hen, Sussex, Twentse, Lavender tinsville, Virgina, 24112, Ph 276-957-4048, Wyandotte, Yamato Gunkei. Breeding one of the Illinois rarest and most exotic birds, the Ayam Cemani. Also Self-Sufficiency breeding Blue Andalusian, Silkies, and White Crested ANDY ANDERSON, 17496 E. 1000 Rd., Mt. Carmel, Polish. Call for details and availability. on 1/4 Acre IL 62863. 618-262-8389. Call after 6 PM. Hatching eggs–$17 per dozen freight paid. Wyandotte bantams: Washington 227 pages; Partridge, Buff, Blue Laced, Black, Golden Laced, BAXTER BARN, 31929 SE 44th St., Fall City, WA Columbian. Buff Orpington. Old English: Brown Red, $18.95 + S&H 98024. 425-765-7883. (Tues. thru Sat. 10AM-5PM Spangled, Wheaten, Mille Fleur. by appointment.) CHICKEN SCRATCH POULTRY, Larry & Angela All breeds of poultry. Chicks & hens. McEwen, RR3 Box 44, McLeansboro, IL 62859. Pickup only. Email for list. 618-643-5602. Coronation 1-800-551-5691 or visit: Sussex, Light Sussex, Lavender Orpington, Chocolate PURELY POULTRY, PO Box 466, Fremont, WI Orpington, Jubilee Orpington, Black Copper Marans, 54940. 800-216-9917. www.CountrysideNetwork.com Blue Copper Marans, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte, 300 varieties: chickens,

June/July 2016 www.CountrysideNetwork.com 111 June/July 2016 www.countrysidenetwork.com 105 Backyard setup. Chicks, gamebirds, waterfowl, guineas, Poultry rabbits. Sunny Creek Farms, 218-253-2291. Classifieds Clothes For Chickens mealworms. or 888-400-9018. Seeds Crocheted or knitted chicken sweat- ers and hats. All sizes. 1-812-360-2050 or Quail & Gamebird Supply–Incubators, www.etsy.com/shop/bagsandmorebypam Flight Pen Netting, Nipple Waterers, Game- bird Coops, Predator Control, and more. Do It Yourself or 888-633-9309. Prevent posts from rotting. Quick–Easy–Effective– WELP HATCHERY. Specializing in Cornish Rock Broilers. Also offering baby Low-Cost. Get info 1-888-519-5746. chicks, ducklings, goslings, bantams, Fencing exotics, turkeys, guineas, pheas- ants. Free Catalog. MC/Visa/Discover. Mighty FREE FENCE GUIDE & CATALOG – Electric net- 800-458-4473. Box 77, Bancroft, IA 50517. Shipping Always ting, solar supplies, woven wire, high-tensile wire, Under $350! Affordable and rotational grazing supplies. 1-800-KENCOVE. www.kencove.com. Poultry Supplies Seeds & Shipping Don’t Mealworms Have to Cost So Much! Chubby Mealworms are the #1 supplier of dried mealworms in the US. We only supply the best qual- FREE SPRING 2017 CATALOG ity dried mealworms sold in the quantity you need and with Free Shipping. Over 50% Protein these www.seedsnsuch.com are a 100% natural healthy treat for your chickens! Seeds ‘n Such, PO Box 1, Dept 2, Graniteville, SC 29829 www.chubbymealworms.com (855)-473-6592. Call (803) 663-1501 (leave name and address) Pigeons Pigeons - White Doves for Dove release. Racing Hom- Waterers ers, Rollers, Tipplers. Foy’s catalog. 724-843-6889. www.foyspigeonsupplies.com Poultry

Egg Carton Source–America’s best source for Egg Cartons. Free Shipping. or 888-902-2272. Free Catalog: Egg Washers, Incubators-Brooders Mealworms by the Pound–Bluebirds, Chick- new/used! Nationwide Locations! Repairs, ens, Turkeys, & Ducks all love our dried and live manuals, supplies. Complete processing

Backyard Poultry Advertising Form • Next Deadline: June 14, 2016

Liner Breeders Directory: Liner Classified: Classification: Your Name: Your Farm Name: Your Name: Address: Address: City, State, Zip: City, State, Zip: Classification: Phone Number: E-mail: E-mail: Ad: Website: Breed(s): Number of words _____ x $3.00 = $______Additional Words: Words in all CAPITALS _____x 25¢ = $______Words in bold _____x 25¢ = $______Directory listing (6 issues): $50.00 X No. of issues you want your ad to run: _____ = $______Additional words ($1.50 each): Payment enclosed (U.S. funds): $______Total Amount Enclosed (US):

• Call for multiple issue discounts • Feel free to use a separate sheet of paper Please type or print legibly and indicate the words you would like in bold or capital letters. • Don’t forget to count your name, address, phone number and e-mail if it is part of your ad. • 10 word minimum. Ads under 10 words will be charged $30.

Use pictures, Display Breeders/Classified (1" & 2" sizes): 1x - 2x=$110 per inch, per issue For a color ad, logo and color! 3x - 5x=$105 per inch, per issue add $25 per insertion FREE Ad Design! 6x=$100 per inch, per issue

Mail to: Backyard Poultry Breeders/Classifieds, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or E-mail: [email protected] • www.CountrysideNetwork.comOr Visit www.countrysidemag.com • 1-800-551-5691 • Fax: 1-715-785-7414

106112 Backyard Poultry Protect your flock…

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