This month, I'm again going to toss together several unrelated items that I've seen. None of these items warrants a whole article, but each offers some value.
Keeping the Flies Under Control
I built a room for the chickens in the barn, but most prefer to roost in the
rafters - so much for parking my truck in the barn. But they rarely roost
right over the goats. I sweep up their "offerings" each morning, so I'm not
tromping thru the crap daily. Its a bit of a pain, but a lot less so than
having a zillion flies. I might add that since I got the chickens, I have
not been stung by yellowjackets while mowing. These are ground-dwelling
wasps that are absolutely ferocious when riled. Before I got the chickens,
I'd run over a nest at least twice a season. The chickens apparently clean
out the nests, because I've not seen one nest since my little eating
machines arrived.
Treating Snakebite
You can use Dexamethasone Solution (1cc. per 10lb) to treat snakebite. You have to get this medication from your veterinarian. It can also be used on humans (check with your doctor first, tho).
Kidding Tips
Get a Bulb Ear Syringe for babies ( Fisher Price makes a nice purple one
with a clean out in the bottom) for sucking out kids noses and throats at
birth.
Use a blow dryer to dry the kids off (Pawn shops sometimes have them for
$1.00 or so).
A dog choke chain with a medium size link and 24-26 inches long makes a
great snare to keep those kids who insist on tucking their heads down or
two the side in position. Sanitize the chain in Betadine solution and
place over your hand and insert into the doe. Place the chain around the
kids head and front legs and apply traction with your other hand and
guide the feet out. The weight of the chain helps hold it in position as
you work and it is much less awkward than the commercial snares. (this
tip comes from a sheep vet with a 1000 ewe flock of her own).
Online Veterinary Manual
Merck and Merial jointly launched the online version of The Merck Veterinary Manual, the world's best selling and most trusted veterinary reference. The manual is now available online at www.merckvetmanual.com. A comprehensive reference on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of animal disease, the online Merck Veterinary
Manual is free of charge, accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. First introduced in 1955, the reference book is published by Merck Publishing Group, in cooperation with Merial. (company press release).
