| How to Keep Chickens from Eating Their Own Eggs Posted: 22 Feb 2017 04:00 PM PST Egg-eating amongst chickens usually starts as a mistake--a hen accidentally cracks an egg, and when she investigates, she finds that it's tasty and nutritious and gobbles it down. This behavior can spread quickly amongst the flock and, if left uncorrected, can be difficult to stop. This article will teach you how to provide your hens with an environment and diet that promotes the laying of strong, healthy eggs, and how to work quickly to stop the behavior before it affects the entire flock. EditCreating a Healthy Environment - Reduce egg breakage by preventing overcrowding of the nests. At minimum, you need one 12" x 12" (31cm x 31cm) nest for every four to five hens.[1] Too few nests or small nests can cause eggs to be trampled or squashed and broken, or can stress the birds and lead to more pecking. You want to reduce the chances of a broken egg as much as possible so the chickens never get a taste for them.
- Nests should be at least two feet (61cm) off the ground, and four feet (1.22 m) from roosts.[2]
- Remove any broody hens (hens that insist on sitting on their eggs to hatch them) from the nesting area so they don't occupy valuable nesting space and contribute to higher traffic in the other nests.[3]
- Consider a nest designed to allow the eggs to roll away into a tray after the hens stand up, keeping them safe from pecking and getting stepped on and broken.[4]
- Set up your nesting area in a dark, quiet area. Bright lights will stress out your hens and make them nervous, which increases pecking. Turn the nest box away from the opening of the coop and away from the direct sunlight and don't install bright lights. You may need to cover any skylights or windows to create a more comfortable environment.
- Remove anything that creates loud noises or sudden movements, as this can frighten the hens. If they get scared and run from the nesting box, they may break the eggs.[5]
- Reducing light sources can also help keep the coop at a comfortable temperature--if it becomes too hot, the chickens can get irritable and start pecking more.[6]
- Provide enough nesting material to cushion the eggs once they are laid. Make sure each nest has a few inches of clean, dry nesting material (such as wheat straw) at all times.[7] If you can keep the eggs from accidentally breaking (by knocking into each other in the nest or being laid onto a hard, unpadded surface), your hens will not have the opportunity to learn how tasty eggs can be.
- If an egg breaks in the nest, quickly clean out all the soiled nesting material.[8]
- Don't let your hens get bored. A bored and irritated hen is more likely to start pecking, so make sure they have plenty to do. Hang a cabbage for them to peck at and give them adequate space to walk around and exercise.[9]
- Try to set up an area where they can roam and climb or jump on different obstacles, like tree stumps or roots. If you don't have anything like that in your yard, set up a ladder or a swing for them to climb on.[10]
- Place a pile of hay in the chicken run. The hens will busy themselves scratching and rearranging the hay into an even layer.[11]
EditAddressing Dietary Deficiencies - Provide your chickens with a well-balanced feed that is at least 16% protein and has lots of vitamins and nutrients.[12] Look for a feed that is specifically for egg-laying hens.[13] The feed should be high in vegetable fat and proteins.[14]
- Keep in mind that additional starch (from kitchen scraps or scratch grains) needs to be supplemented with more protein, as it will lower the average protein content of their diet.[15]
- Supplement your chicken feed with calcium. If your chickens have a calcium deficiency, they will be unable to produce strong egg shells. If the shells are weak and crack when a hen sit or step on them, the hen will eat the broken egg. Once she discovers it contains protein and fats, and that the shell provides the calcium she needs, she will begin cracking and eating them intentionally.[16] Other hens will observe her behavior and follow her lead.
- Ground oyster shells or limestone are great sources of calcium for your chickens. Add 2lbs. (1kg) to every 100lbs. (45kg) of feed [17] or provide a side-feeder with these supplements for the chickens to eat.
- Give your hens a dish of fresh whole milk every day for several days to increase their calcium intake.[18]
- Avoid using egg shells as a source of calcium for your chickens, as they may recognize them by sight or smell and begin eating them on their own. If you choose to do this, grind the shells into tiny pieces so the hens can't tell what they are.[19]
- You may notice your eggs have softer shells when it's hot, as chickens don't retain calcium as efficiently in hot weather. Increase your chickens' calcium supplements on warmer days.[20]
- Make sure your hens have plenty of water. Even if they have a balanced, calcium-rich diet, a lack of water can cause your hens to eat the eggs for their liquid content.[21] Hens need more water than most birds, so check to make sure they always have fresh, clean water to drink.
- You can add a vitamin supplement to the water to help your hens absorb calcium.[22]
EditBreaking the Habit - Identify and remove the egg-eating chicken (or chickens) as soon as possible. You may not be able to catch the chicken in the act, but if you watch the flock for a few days, you should be able to identify the chicken who is responsible. The hen will have dried yolk on her beak or the side of her head, or you may see her searching the nests for eggs to eat.[23]
- Isolate the hen from the other so she can no longer eat their eggs and they won't pick up on her bad behavior.[24] Watch the rest of the flock to see if the egg eating stops.
- If eggs continue to be eaten, the behavior may have already spread and you may need to isolate other chickens.[25]
- Isolating the hen may be enough of a disruption to stop her from eating the eggs.[26]
- Collect the eggs as soon as possible. Most hens lay their eggs before 10am, and the faster you remove them, the less chance there is for one of them to break and encourage the hens to eat the eggs.[27]
- Gather eggs at least twice a day or more often if possible.[28]
- Use a dummy egg to trick the hens. Place a golf ball, a rock painted white, or a dummy egg from a feed store in each nest. Gather the real eggs as usual, but leave the dummies. When the hens peck at the "egg," they will find that it is unbreakable and no longer a source of food. They may give up trying to break the real eggs.[29]
- You can also blow out a raw egg by poking a hole on the top and bottom and blowing out the contents with an egg. Then fill it with mustard and replace it in the nest. Chickens do not like mustard and this can teach them very quickly that eggs are not tasty at all.[30]
- Use blinders, debeak, or cull the egg-eating chicken if you cannot break her of this behavior. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to get chickens to stop eating eggs once they have started. If you have tried everything and your hen continues to go on egg-destroying rampages, you may need to go to extreme measures by debeaking (removing the sharp tip of the hen's beak with a hot blade) or killing the chicken.[31]
- If you are not willing to go take those measures, you can buy special blinders that will prevent the hen from seeing things straight on. If she can only see from the side, it will be difficult for her to successfully find and peck an egg.[32]
- You can also permanently isolate the hen or keep her separated from the others until after most of the eggs have been laid and collected. She may continue to destroy her own eggs, but the other eggs will be safe (unless the hens lay more eggs once she rejoins the flock).[33]
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| How to Release Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Massage Therapy Posted: 22 Feb 2017 08:00 AM PST Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compression of the median nerve at the wrist and is associated with numbness, tingling, pain or a dull ache in the fingers, hand or wrist. If left untreated, it can cause severe pain and motor deficits, which can affect your ability to work and even cause temporary disability. Massage therapy can help treat and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by promoting circulation, relieving inflammation, aiding in removal of metabolic residues, and soothing the irritated muscles and tendons.[1] EditMassaging Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Apply light pressure to the muscles in your shoulder, arm, wrist and hand. Start your massage using light strokes and avoiding too much pressure (a technique called effleurage). Start from the shoulder and move down the arm to the small muscles in your wrist and fingers.
- Apply effleurage for at least 30 seconds to each section/muscle between your shoulder and hand. This will prepare the muscles for a deeper massage.[2]
- Use the palm of your hand and your thumb and fingers to apply the massage.
- You can concentrate on the muscles and tendons on the wrist but because carpal tunnel syndrome is rarely strictly a wrist problem, massaging the muscles in the arm and shoulder area may also be beneficial.[3]
- Optionally, you can use massage oil to reduce friction.
- Apply deeper pressure friction massage to the shoulder, arm, wrist and hand. Friction technique accelerates the return flow of lymphatic and venous drainage and relieves edema. It also works in the treatment of scar tissues and adhesions. [4]
- Apply deeper pressure using long, gliding strokes with your thumb.
- Start at the wrist area by pushing into the muscle in the center of the wrist, while gliding up to the elbow at the same time.
- Return back down the upper arm, into the elbow, forearm, and wrist.
- You can use your knuckles to provide more pressure without straining your hand. Apply enough pressure to feel the effect in the deep tissues but not so much that it causes severe pain.
- Also, massage your fingers and the palm of the hand by using light pressure and gentle stretches.
- Do at least 60 seconds of friction massage on each section/muscle, concentrating on the wrist but also working the knots and adhesions in the shoulder, arm and hand.
- Apply kneading massage to the muscles in your shoulder, arm, wrist and hand. The kneading technique, also called petrissage manipulation, causes the metabolic residues that have accumulated in the muscles and under the skin to join back into the circulation. Kneading may also improve the tonus and elasticity of your muscles. [5]
- Use the palm of your hand to apply kneading technique to the muscles in your shoulder and arm, and your thumb and fingers to knead the muscles in your hand and wrist.
- Do at least 30 seconds of kneading to each section/muscle, concentrating on the wrist area.
- Apply shaking manipulation to the muscles in your shoulder, arm, wrist and hand. Shaking manipulation is shown to have a pain-relieving effect, while strengthening your atonic muscles. Extend your fingers and use the side of your hand to gently strike the muscles.[6]
- You can also use the tips of your fingers or the heel to apply the technique.
- Do at least 30 seconds of shaking massage to each section/muscle, again concentrating on the wrist.
- Apply effleurage to finish the massage. The massage should start and end with light massaging (or effleurage). Effleurage technique helps relax muscles and calms the nerves.[7]
- Do at least 30 seconds of effleurage manipulation to each section/muscle to finish the series of massaging techniques.
- After you have completed one hand, repeat the massage to your other shoulder, arm, wrist and hand.
- The number of massaging sessions you need varies depending on the severity of the carpal tunnel syndrome. Sometimes you may see a relief in just one session, but often times you should see improvement between five and 10 sessions.[8]
- If the symptoms persist or become worse, consult a doctor or a physical therapist.
- Apply acupressure to the muscle trigger points. Acupressure spots, or more commonly known as trigger points or muscle knots, can refer pain to the carpal tunnel area. These spots can also be found in the neck and shoulder area. To fully get any benefit, it's important to see a health professional that is trained in trigger point or acupressure treatments.
- Rest your forearm on a table, palm-up. Apply pressure to the muscles near the inside elbow — press down and see if this recreates your carpal tunnel pain. If it does, press gently for up to 30 seconds; the pain should gradually reduce.
- Move down the length of your forearm, testing for spots that recreate the carpal tunnel pain, then applying pressure for 30 seconds.
- Turn your arm so that it is palm-down and perform similar pressure on any tender spots you find between your elbow and wrist.
- Perform this exercise daily.
EditStretching Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Stretch your wrist flexors and forearm. Hold your arm straight out in front of you, palm up, and bend your hand down so that your fingers point to the floor.[9]
- Optionally, you can do this kneeling on the floor by placing the palms of your hands on the floor (fingers pointing toward you). Shift your body backward until you feel the stretch.[10]
- Hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.
- Repeat with the other hand.
- Stretch your wrist extensors and forearm. This is almost identical to the previous stretch except you will extend your arm with your palm downward this time. Bend your hand down so that your fingers point to the floor.[11]
- Hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.
- Repeat with the other hand.
- Perform tendon gliding stretches. This is a series of movements during which your fingers reach five positions: straight, hook, fist, tabletop, and straight fist.[12]
- Start with the straight position by holding your fingers straight up and together.
- Bend your fingertips down to lightly touch the palm (if you can).
- Move your fingers to a partially closed fist.
- Bend your fingers straight forward with your thumb underneath (like forming a birds head).
- Finally, form a fully closed fist with your thumb relaxed on the side.
- Repeat this series of movements a few times with both hands.
- Take a 6-minute massage or stretching break a few times a day to increase circulation and reduce pain.
- Regular hand massage is especially important if your work involves typing on a computer, writing, or other constant use of the fine motor skills of your hands.
- Some women experience transient carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if this causes issues.[13]
- Carpal tunnel syndrome should be treated as soon as first symptoms appear to reduce long-term complications and chronic, cumulative injury to the median nerve.[14]
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to relieve pain in the short term. Always take these according to the product label and never exceed the recommended doses.
- If symptoms persist or become worse, seek medical attention immediately, as further damage may occur to the medial nerve.
- If left untreated, chronic carpal tunnel syndrome may require surgical treatment to relieve pressure on your median nerve.[15]
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| How to Paint Vases Casting Colorful Shadows in Watercolor Posted: 22 Feb 2017 12:00 AM PST Glass is a challenging but fun thing to paint. Since glass is transparent and watercolor is a transparent medium, it is the perfect choice to capture the play of light on glass objects. EditPreparing - Find, at home or at the thrift shop, transparent colored glass vases, jars and drinking glasses of various shapes. Clear colored plastic can work well for this project, too.
- Use drinking glasses from the cupboard at home if you wish. Fill them with water tinted with food coloring.
- Select a piece of 11 x 14 inch, 140# watercolor paper. Place it in either landscape or portrait orientation. Just plan to place the vases high enough in your composition to allow for space to show the cast shadows.
- Gather other supplies. Watercolors in either tubes or pans work fine. Add an assortment of all purpose or watercolor brushes, water, a pencil, eraser, masking fluid/frisket, lined composition paper, scissors and tissues. Place all supplies on the side of your dominant hand to avoid dripping on your painting as you work.
- Arrange a simple still life. Use a few glass vases or jars in varying colors and shapes.
- Observe closely to see the effect light will have on your subject.
- Play with how various lighting will effect your subject. Try various light sources; strong day light coming from behind, light from a lamp placed on one side, or use "artistic license" and make up a dramatic light source by using your imagination.
- Look a hard to see where the most vivid highlights are occurring on each vase. They will most likely be found at the object's edges. These darks and lights will define the shape of your objects.
- Notice that in the middle of the vase, you will see through the glass. Things behind might be distorted.
EditDrawing and Painting - Draw your layout. Be careful to keep each side of the vases even and having the exact curvature. Make perfect agreement your goal and make refinements as needed.
- Simplify things, if you wish, by making templates of the vases. Fold a piece of lined, school paper in half lengthwise and draw one side of the vase. Cut through both layers to create a template of each vase or jar.
- Move the templates around on your paper. Try various compositions.
- Draw around each template in pencil. Remove the templates and refine your drawing. Add thickness at the bottom and mouths of the jars, finish the ellipses at top and bottom, too. If there are swirls or decorations on the vases, draw that, as well.
- Use a small brush loaded with masking fluid. This rubber medium will reserve the white highlights on the edges of the objects. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
- Designate body color of the vases. Paint a transparent, sheer wash of color over each vase. Let the brush skip over the vase to create some lively white shapes on the vase. Let this first layer dry thoroughly. Use a hair dryer if you wish.
- Do a second layer. Mix a darker value of each color and paint the dark highlights. Each pure white highlight must be accented with a very dark highlight. Let your strokes skip and be broken to avoid outlining.
- Draw the table's edge. Use a ruler and have the line go right through the vases. This will help with the illusion of transparency.
- Use the darker color to work on the mouths, feet, swirls, or other details of the vases.
- Paint the background, above the table's edge. Dark gray or even black is a great way to show off the colored vases.
- Do the cast shadows. Mix the same color you used for the vase and touch a brush loaded with that color to the bottom edge of the vase. Run a splashy expanse of plain, clean water in the foreground and allow the wet paint to fill the wet area without helping it. Keep each shadow separate by drying it before attempting to do another. If they overlap slightly as you paint them, they will remain separate, clear shapes if done on dry paper, next to a dry painted area. Dry the piece thoroughly.
EditFinishing Up - Check to see if you need to add anything. Stand up the piece and step away from it to view it with a critical eye.
- Put a line of dark gray to "ground" each vase. Follow that with a swiggle of plain water to create a light shadow.
- Unmask the vases. Remove the masking fluid with a piece of honeycomb, rubber carpet backing, a rubber cement lifter, or your finger.
- Enjoy your work. Try this project again. Possibilities are endless and after your first attempt your confidence will grow and it will show in the painting.
- Doing cast shadows, avoid making them too perfect or they will look like strange appendages to the vases. Sheer, transparent and abstract is the goal.
- Keep the composition simple. Stagger and overlap the objects.
- Try different vantage points, viewing things from slightly above, at or below eye level. Play with the table's edge, make it an angle or place the objects in a corner.
- Alternatives to masking fluid are wax drawn on your paper with a white candle, or white crayon. This will be permanent but the wax will resist wet paint and form lovely white highlights.
- Avoid outlining objects. Skip and vary line weight in your highlights.
- Clean is the hallmark of watercolor. Change water often, wash brushes thoroughly and most importantly, dry a wet area thoroughly before attempting to paint another wash over it.
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