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Add animal care docs for alpacas, horses, and poultry

Browse source 
New animals/ section with mobile-first emergency page (vet contacts,
symptom-to-action table, first aid steps), per-animal daily care for
alpacas (Onu/Sapphi/Phil), horses, and chickens/ducks. Capture hay
quality rules, alpaca cleaning schedule (11 AM, 8 PM), enterotoxemia
schedule, shearer contact, and Sapphi's wound protocol from group
discussions. Add natural/preventative care guide reflecting our
natural-first philosophy with clear escalation criteria. Document
the VetSet first aid kit, chore schedule, and the team-delegated
process for taking on animal-care roles.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
This commit is contained in:
Padreug 2026-05-08 09:17:02 +02:00
commit 1a7568b301
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---
title: Alpacas
description: Daily care, feeding, and health watching for our 3 alpacas
tags:
- animals
- alpacas
---
# Alpacas
We have **3 alpacas**: **Onu**, **Sapphi**, and **Phil**.
> [!warning] Alpacas hide illness
> They're prey animals — they mask symptoms until critical. **If something seems even slightly off, monitor it closely.** See [[emergency|Animal Emergency]].
## Daily Routine
### Cleaning Times: 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM
Twice daily — pen cleaning, water refresh, hay check.
### Feeding
#### Hay (the main food)
- **Quality:** Light **greenish** hay from **inside the bale**. Should smell **sweet and grassy**, never dusty or moldy.
- **Outer shell** of the bale is degraded — safe as bedding but not food.
- **Moisture:** 12-16% for large bales, up to 18% for smaller bales.
- **Storage:** Covered, off the ground (or at least off the grass). Damp = worse than dusty.
- **Portions:** Frequent **small bundles** from inside the bale. Don't put out too much at once — anything exposed degrades faster than it'll be eaten.
- **Behavior check:** They should be curious and accepting of hay offers, not ravenous or aggressively competitive.
#### Grain
- 1 bag should last roughly **6 months** (per Jean Louis).
- Use sparingly as supplement, not main food.
#### Water
- **Always available, fresh.** Camelids need unlimited fresh water.
- Refresh during cleaning rounds (11 AM, 8 PM) at minimum.
### Anyone can feed/water/fluff bedding at any time
The system is flexible. If you notice it, nurture it.
## Health Signs
### ✅ Good signs
- Staying with the herd
- **Cud chewing** — rhythmic, relaxed, regurgitating partially digested material
- Manure output trending normal (formed pellets)
- Grazing fresh grass, drinking water
- Smooth skin under fiber
### ⚠️ Watch closely
- Reduced manure output — isolate to monitor if needed
- Reduced appetite (>12 hrs)
- Crusty / thick / "elephant" skin → likely **mange / mite infestation** (treatable, ask vet)
- Mild lameness
### 🚨 Emergency — see [[emergency|Animal Emergency]]
- **Self-isolation from herd** (extreme emergency sign for camelids)
- **Colic signs** (see below)
- **Stargazing, head tilt, neck arch, unsteady gait, leg weakness** — neurological emergency
- Stops eating
- No manure
- Tooth grinding (pain, not the same as cud chewing)
### Colic warning signs (call vet immediately)
- Reduced/stopped eating
- Little or no manure output
- Repeatedly lying down and getting up
- Restlessness, can't get comfortable
- Tooth grinding
- Stretched-out or hunched posture
- Kicking at or looking at belly
- Bloated/tight abdomen
- No cud chewing
- Isolation from herd
- Weakness or depression
## Annual / Periodic Care
| Task | When | Notes |
|------|------|-------|
| **Enterotoxemia preventive** | 1×/year, beginning of Spring | 2cc subcutaneous. Last dose: **April 25, 2026** |
| **Sel Vitaminé à l'ail** | Ongoing | Natural prevention against worms & bacterial overgrowth — see [[natural-care|Natural Care]] |
| **Shearing (tonte)** | End June / early July | Contact: **François Meheust — 06 76 63 58 47** |
| **Nail trimming** | White: every 3-4 months. Black: much less often | Often done at shearing. Visually apparent when needed. |
| **Fecal exam** | Every 3-4 months | Targeted deworming based on results, not blanket treatment |
## Notes from the Herd
- **Onu** can be reactive at night — has been known to charge things he thinks are predators (e.g. blanket movement at the foot of the bed) and make a loud screech. Stops as soon as you say it's you.
- Deer in the area can make alpacas nervous → loud warning sounds.
- A camera in the stables is planned for monitoring.
- **Sapphi's leg wound** (~April 26, 2026): was bitten — clean 1-2× per day with vet's protocol for 7-10 days. Watch for flies on fresh wounds.
## Stables Setup
- Idea: attach a hay-feeding bar to a lower spot between boxes.
- Idea: build a 3rd wall on the stables so they can sleep inside in less hyper-alert mode.
- Electric fence: check status before assuming on/off (was unplugged at one point).
## Sleeping in the Stables
If you stay overnight with the herd:
- Bring a **mosquito net** (camping nets work).
- Keep a **good stick** nearby for chasing predators.
- Leave the metal gate open or closed depending on situation — coordinate with whoever else is on duty.
## Related
- [[emergency|🚨 Animal Emergency]]
- [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]]
- [[first-aid-kit|First Aid Kit]]
- [[chores|Chore Schedule]]

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---
title: Animal Chore Schedule
description: Daily and periodic chores for the animals
tags:
- animals
- chores
- schedule
---
# Animal Chore Schedule
> [!important] Roles are delegated by the team
> No one takes on an animal-care role without first talking to the team lead. See [[index#animal-care-roles|Animal Care Roles]] for how this works.
## Daily
| Time | Task | Animals |
|------|------|---------|
| Morning | Open poultry coop | Chickens, ducks |
| Morning | Quick health scan, count | All |
| **11:00 AM** | Cleaning round + water + hay check | [[alpacas\|Alpacas]] |
| Throughout day | Egg collection | Chickens |
| Throughout day | Refresh water as needed | All |
| **8:00 PM** | Cleaning round + water + hay check | [[alpacas\|Alpacas]] |
| Dusk | Close poultry coop | Chickens, ducks |
> [!tip] Karma yoga approach
> If you notice it, nurture it. Anyone can feed alpacas, change water, fluff bedding at any time. The 11 AM and 8 PM cleanings are the structured baseline.
## Weekly
- Deep clean stables / coop
- Check fences, electric fence (verify status)
- Restock feed, hay, supplies
- Note observations / changes in shared chat
## Periodic (per animal)
See:
- [[alpacas#annual--periodic-care|Alpaca periodic care]]
- [[horses#periodic-care|Horse periodic care]]
- Poultry: ongoing dusting/treatment + seasonal coop deep clean
## Coordination
- Share updates in the group chat — who did what, when.
- Flag anything unusual: unusual behavior, missing eggs, predator signs, fence issues.
- If you'll miss a cleaning round, give notice so someone else can cover.
## Related
- [[emergency|🚨 Animal Emergency]]
- [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]]
- [[../getting-started/daily-schedule|General Daily Schedule]]

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---
title: Animal Emergency
description: Emergency procedures and vet contacts for alpacas, horses, chickens, and ducks
tags:
- emergency
- animals
- veterinary
---
# Animal Emergency
> [!important] On duty?
> If you're holding an animal-care shift, you're the calm responder when something needs attention. See [[index#animal-care-roles|Animal Care Roles]] for how shifts are delegated.
> [!tip] Our care philosophy
> We tend toward **natural care first** — herbs, minerals, clean environment, and prevention. Antibiotics, pharmaceutical dewormers, and vaccinations are used only when **absolutely necessary** (e.g. genuine emergency, no natural option working). See [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]] for daily/weekly practices. **In a true emergency this still means: call the vet.** Don't delay over philosophy.
> [!danger] Call a vet immediately for any of these
> - Severe bleeding that won't stop
> - Difficulty breathing / open-mouth breathing
> - Suspected fracture, severe lameness, can't stand
> - Severe colic (rolling, thrashing, kicking belly)
> - Animal isolated from herd + unresponsive
> - Choke (food/object stuck, drooling, distress)
> - Predator attack — even if no visible injury (shock kills)
## Vet Contacts
> [!important] Try in this order
>
> | Vet | Phone | Notes |
> |-----|-------|-------|
> | **Élodie Vétérinaire** | **06 77 74 83 67** | Primary local vet |
> | **Clinique Vétérinaire Saintenac (Varilhes)** | **05 61 67 43 36** | Clinic, regular hours |
> | **Vétérinaire du Chat Perché** (Saint-Girons) | **05 61 66 01 66** | Previous vet (Emilie Gusse) — has all alpaca history |
## When You Call the Vet
Have ready:
- **Which animal** (Onu, Sapphi, etc. — see [[alpacas|alpaca page]])
- **Symptoms** (specific, when they started)
- **Vital signs** if known (heart rate, temperature, gum color)
- **What changed** (new feed, weather, predator activity)
- **The chateau address:** Rue Grand Rue de Bellissen, Bénac, 09000 Foix
## Quick Symptom Reference
> [!warning] Camelids (alpacas) hide illness
> Alpacas are prey animals — they mask symptoms until very serious. **If something seems off, act on it.**
### 🚨 Call vet now
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---------|---------------|
| Not eating 24+ hrs | Colic, severe illness |
| No manure output | Colic, blockage |
| Lying down + getting up repeatedly | Colic |
| Kicking at belly, hunched/stretched posture | Colic |
| Bloated/tight abdomen | Colic, bloat |
| Self-isolating from herd | Severe illness |
| Gums pale, purple, or very red | Shock, circulation issue |
| Heart rate ≥ 60 bpm (horse) and rising | Severe colic |
| Stargazing, head tilt, unsteady gait (alpaca) | Neurological — emergency |
| Open-mouth breathing (poultry) | Severe respiratory distress |
| Comb/wattle blue or purple (chicken) | Oxygen / circulation crisis |
| Limp, cold feet/bill (duck) | Shock |
| Predator attack (any) | Shock — even with no visible wound |
### ⚠️ Watch closely / call if not improving
| Symptom | Action |
|---------|--------|
| Reduced appetite | Monitor 12-24 hrs, call if no change |
| Reduced manure | Isolate to monitor output |
| Mild lameness | Rest, check hoof/leg, call vet if persists |
| Wound (small, clean) | Clean with antiseptic, monitor |
| Ruffled feathers + lethargy | Isolate, monitor, call if worsens |
## First Aid Before the Vet Arrives
### General
1. **Stay calm.** Approach slowly so you don't add stress.
2. **Move others away** if possible — calm herd, secure the patient.
3. **Bleeding** — apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth.
4. **Don't give medication** unless the vet has told you to.
5. **Note the time** symptoms started.
### Colic (alpaca/horse)
- **Remove all food.**
- **Water is OK** unless the vet says otherwise.
- **Short, calm walking** can help with mild gas pain — stop if pain worsens.
- **Do not give Banamine, sedatives, or any drug** without vet approval (masks symptoms).
### Wounds
1. Stop bleeding with direct pressure.
2. Once bleeding controlled, rinse with clean water or saline.
3. Apply antiseptic from the [[first-aid-kit|first aid kit]].
4. Cover lightly with non-stick dressing.
5. Keep flies off — wound spray or covering.
### Predator attack
- Even if no visible injury, animal can die of shock — **call vet**.
- Keep animal warm and quiet, away from predator/threat.
- Do not chase off other herd members — they reduce stress.
### Choke (food/object stuck)
- Remove all food and water.
- Keep the head low if possible (helps drainage).
- Don't try to push obstruction down — call vet.
### Heat / cold stress
- **Heat:** shade, water, hose down legs/belly (not back).
- **Cold:** dry shelter, blankets if soaked, hot water bottles for poultry chicks.
## First Aid Kit
The **VetSet Complete Equine First Aid Kit** is in: *TBD — set location*.
Latex-free gloves are stocked. See [[first-aid-kit|Animal First Aid Kit]] for full contents.
## After Hours
- If your vet doesn't answer, **try the next number on the list**.
- For horses specifically, the **Cleveland-style rule** applies: when in doubt, call. Waiting too long with colic is fatal.
- Document everything — photos and timestamps help the vet enormously.
## Related
- [[alpacas|Alpaca care]]
- [[horses|Horse care]]
- [[poultry|Chicken & duck care]]
- [[first-aid-kit|First Aid Kit]]
- [[../emergency/medical|Human Medical Emergency]]

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---
title: Animal First Aid Kit
description: Contents and location of the animal first aid supplies
tags:
- animals
- first-aid
- emergency
---
# Animal First Aid Kit
> [!important] Location
> **VetSet Complete Equine First Aid Kit:** *TBD — set location and update*
> The kit is sized for horses but contents are usable across alpacas, horses, and (with care) poultry.
## What's in the Kit (Equine First Aid Standard)
A complete equine first aid kit typically contains:
### Wound care
- Antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine / Hibiscrub)
- Saline / sterile rinse
- Wound spray
- Non-stick wound dressings
- Sterile gauze pads
- Cotton wool / cotton roll
### Bandaging
- Self-adhesive bandages (Vetrap / Co-Flex)
- Stretch crepe bandages
- Adhesive medical tape
- Bandage scissors
### Vital signs / diagnostics
- Digital thermometer
- Stethoscope (for heart rate and gut sounds)
- Vital signs reference card
### Tools
- Bandage scissors
- Tweezers / forceps
- Syringes (no needle, for flushing)
- **Latex-free gloves** (kept stocked separately — go-to for many applications)
### Other
- Duct tape (hoof / makeshift bandaging)
- Poultice
- Towel / clean cloths
- Flashlight (with batteries)
- Notebook + pen for recording symptoms
## Natural / Holistic Supplies (kept alongside)
In line with our [[natural-care|natural care approach]]:
- **Apple cider vinegar** (poultry waterer + general)
- **Crushed garlic / garlic powder**
- **Diatomaceous earth** (food grade)
- **Sel Vitaminé à l'ail** (alpaca mineral access)
- **Honey** (raw, for wound dressing — antibacterial)
- **Calendula salve** (skin / minor wounds)
- **Witch hazel** (bruises, irritation)
- **Echinacea / herbal immune blend**
## Resupply
When you use something, **note it** and tell the group. Reorder before stock runs low.
> [!info] Original kit
> Ordered: VetSet Complete Equine First Aid Kit and Box ([Redpost Equestrian](https://www.redpostequestrian.co.uk/horse-care/first-aid-healing/vetset-complete-equine-first-aid-kit-and-box__238903)) — comprehensive, applies to many animals.
## Related
- [[emergency|🚨 Animal Emergency]]
- [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]]

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---
title: Horses
description: Daily care and health watching for our 2 horses
tags:
- animals
- horses
---
# Horses
We have **2 horses**.
> [!danger] Colic kills fast
> If you suspect colic, **call the vet**. See [[emergency|Animal Emergency]] for the protocol.
## Daily Routine
- **Hay:** good quality, off-ground, not dusty/moldy. Same standard as [[alpacas#hay-the-main-food|alpaca hay]].
- **Water:** always available, clean, fresh.
- **Pasture / movement:** horses need movement. If stalled, daily turnout.
- **Hooves:** pick out daily — check for stones, thrush, abscess.
- **General check:** eyes, nostrils, manure, demeanor.
## Health Signs
### ✅ Good signs
- Eating, drinking, pooping normally
- Bright eyes, alert
- Normal gum color (light pink, capillary refill < 2 seconds)
- Hooves cool to touch (not hot — heat = inflammation)
### ⚠️ Watch closely
- Reduced appetite or water intake
- Mild lameness
- Heat in a hoof
- Cough or runny nose
### 🚨 Emergency — see [[emergency|Animal Emergency]]
- **Colic signs** (see below)
- Severe lameness, can't bear weight
- Severe bleeding
- Choke (food stuck — drooling, distress, food/saliva from nose)
- Eye injury
- Can't stand
- Heart rate ≥ 60 bpm and rising
### Colic warning signs (call vet immediately)
- Restlessness, pawing the ground
- Rolling, thrashing
- Looking at or kicking the belly
- Sweating without exertion
- Stretched-out or hunched posture
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced/no manure
- Lying down and getting up repeatedly
- Quiet gut sounds (no rumbling) + bloating
### Before the vet arrives (colic)
1. **Remove all food.**
2. **Water is OK** unless told otherwise.
3. **Calm walking** can help mild gas pain — stop if pain worsens or it's unsafe.
4. **Don't give Banamine, sedatives, or any drug** without vet approval (masks symptoms).
5. Note the time symptoms started.
## Vital Signs (for the vet)
| Vital | Normal range |
|-------|--------------|
| Heart rate | 28-44 bpm at rest |
| Respiration | 8-16 breaths/min at rest |
| Temperature | 37.5-38.5 °C (99.5-101.3 °F) |
| Capillary refill | < 2 seconds |
| Gum color | Light pink |
## Periodic Care
| Task | When | Notes |
|------|------|-------|
| Hoof trim / farrier | Every 6-8 weeks | *TBD: farrier contact* |
| Dental check | Annual | *TBD: vet contact* |
| Fecal exam | Every 3-4 months | Targeted deworming — see [[natural-care|Natural Care]] |
| Vaccinations | As needed | Natural-first; only when necessary |
## Related
- [[emergency|🚨 Animal Emergency]]
- [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]]
- [[first-aid-kit|First Aid Kit]]

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---
title: Animals
description: Care, chores, and emergency procedures for the chateau's animals
tags:
- animals
---
# Animals
We share the land with **3 alpacas**, **2 horses**, **chickens**, and **ducks**. This section covers daily care, watching for issues, and what to do in an emergency.
> [!danger] Emergency?
> Go straight to **[[emergency|Animal Emergency]]** for vet phone numbers and quick symptom-to-action guide.
## Animal Care Roles
> [!important] All animal-care roles are delegated by the team
> **No one takes on an animal role without first consulting the person in charge** — the authority to delegate animal-care tasks rests with team leads. This is how we keep the herd, the flock, and each other safe.
We live in a **safe area with few predators**, and we embody a **safe zone through our composure** — calm handling, attentive routines, and a settled environment that the animals can trust. That calm is the baseline.
On top of that, we **prepare to act**:
- **First-aid training** — animal and human
- **High-stress situational training** — knowing how to stay grounded when something unexpected happens
- **Clear protocols** — see [[emergency|emergency procedures]] and [[first-aid-kit|the first aid kit]]
- **Tight communication** — observations and updates flow through the group, daily
**If you'd like to take on an animal role:**
1. Talk to the team lead. The role is theirs to delegate.
2. Shadow someone first if you're new — that's the normal path.
3. Read [[emergency|the emergency page]] and know where the [[first-aid-kit|first aid kit]] is.
4. **If you have any doubts about your ability to act in a stressful moment, talk to the team.** That conversation is welcome and expected — being honest about capacity protects everyone, you included.
This isn't gatekeeping; it's how we make sure every person on duty has what they need to do well by the animals.
## Our Approach
We tend toward **natural care first** — herbs, minerals, clean environment, prevention. Pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, vaccines, chemical dewormers) only when absolutely necessary. See [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]].
## Animals
- [[alpacas|Alpacas]] — Onu, Sapphi, and Phil
- [[horses|Horses]] — 2 horses
- [[poultry|Chickens & Ducks]]
## Reference
- [[emergency|🚨 Animal Emergency]] — vet contacts, symptom checklist, first aid steps
- [[chores|Daily Chore Schedule]]
- [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]]
- [[first-aid-kit|First Aid Kit]]
## Quick Vet Contacts
| Vet | Phone |
|-----|-------|
| Élodie Vétérinaire (primary) | **06 77 74 83 67** |
| Clinique Vétérinaire Saintenac (Varilhes) | **05 61 67 43 36** |
| Vétérinaire du Chat Perché (Saint-Girons) | **05 61 66 01 66** |

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---
title: Natural & Preventative Care
description: Holistic, herbal, and preventative practices for our animals
tags:
- animals
- natural-care
- prevention
---
# Natural & Preventative Care
> [!important] Our philosophy
> We tend toward **natural care first** — clean environment, good nutrition, herbs, minerals, low stress. We use antibiotics, vaccinations, and pharmaceutical dewormers **only when absolutely necessary**. **Emergencies still mean: call the vet.** See [[emergency|Animal Emergency]].
## Foundational Principles
The most effective preventative is everything we do every day:
- **Clean environment** — pen cleaning 2× daily for alpacas, dry bedding, fresh water
- **Good nutrition** — quality hay, balanced minerals, no moldy feed
- **Low stress** — quiet handling, herd cohesion, predator protection
- **Observation** — daily health scans, watch for the smallest changes
- **Fecal exams every 3-4 months** — target deworming only where actually needed (not blanket pharmaceutical treatment)
## Alpacas
### Sel Vitaminé à l'ail
- **Garlic-vitamin salt** — natural prevention against worms and bacterial overgrowth.
- Provided as part of mineral access.
### Herbal antiparasitic blends
Whole herbs studied for camelid use include: **garlic, wormwood, thyme, oregano, cloves, sage, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne**. Commercial formulations (e.g. Verm-X, WormGuard Plus) combine several.
> [!tip] Lunar timing
> Many holistic herders deworm **just before and during the full moon** to disrupt the parasite egg-laying cycle.
### Mineral balance
When mineral nutrition is in balance, ruminant digestion improves and they develop more resistance to parasites. Salt + trace mineral access (Redmond-style sea salt or equivalent with 50+ trace minerals) is foundational.
### Skin health
- **Crusty / "elephant" skin** is **not normal** — likely active mange/mite infestation. Treatable. Ask the vet — natural treatments include sulfur dips, herbal washes, but veterinary input is important to confirm diagnosis and severity.
## Horses
### Herbal anthelmintics
Common antiparasitic herbs for horses: **cayenne, garlic, olive leaf, oregano, pau d'arco, wormwood, tansy, burdock, flax seed, cloves**. Available in commercial blends (Silver Lining, Earthsong Ranch, McDowells, etc.).
> [!warning] Garlic alone is not a proven dewormer
> Some sources contest garlic's antiparasitic effect on horses. Use **fecal exams** to verify whatever protocol you follow — herbal or pharmaceutical — is actually working.
### Immune support herbs
- **Echinacea** — immune stimulation
- **Spirulina** — beta-carotene, vitamin E, phycocyanin
- **Turmeric** — anti-inflammatory
### Management practices
- **Pasture rotation** breaks parasite cycles better than any dewormer.
- **Pick paddocks** of manure regularly.
- **Cool, dry, well-ventilated** stable reduces respiratory and skin issues.
## Poultry: Holistic Trinity
The classic three for chickens (and ducks):
### 1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
- **Dose:** 1 tablespoon per gallon of drinking water
- **Why:** pH balance, electrolytes, pro-/pre-biotics, vitamins, minerals, enzymes
- **Use:** plastic or glass waterers only — ACV corrodes metal
### 2. Garlic
- **Dose:** crushed clove(s) or powder in feed
- **Why:** boosts white blood cell production, helps prevent worms, makes blood unappealing to mites/ticks
- **Tip:** can infuse garlic in ACV for combined dosing
### 3. Diatomaceous Earth (food grade only)
- **Dose:** light dusting in feed (1-2% of feed) and in dust-bath areas
- **Why:** abrasive to internal/external parasites
- **Caution:** food grade ONLY. Don't inhale the dust — wear a mask when applying.
### Useful herbs
- **Oregano** — natural antibiotic
- **Thyme** — respiratory support
- **Turmeric** — anti-inflammatory (e.g. for bumblefoot swelling)
- **Mint, lavender, calendula** in nesting boxes — pest deterrent + calming
## When Natural Isn't Enough
Natural care **is not the same as no care**. Pharmaceuticals exist for a reason. Escalate to conventional veterinary treatment when:
- Animal is **getting worse** despite natural protocol
- **Acute emergency** (colic, severe wound, shock, neurological signs)
- **Fecal egg count** stays high after herbal treatment
- Vet specifically recommends it for this animal's case
The goal is **optimal animal welfare**, not ideological purity. Document what works and what doesn't so the herd's history informs future decisions.
## Related
- [[emergency|🚨 Animal Emergency]]
- [[alpacas|Alpacas]]
- [[horses|Horses]]
- [[poultry|Chickens & Ducks]]
- [[first-aid-kit|First Aid Kit]]

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---
title: Chickens & Ducks
description: Daily care for the flock
tags:
- animals
- poultry
- chickens
- ducks
---
# Chickens & Ducks
Our flock includes chickens and **4 ducks**: Tango, and 3 others (names TBD — candidates: Polka, Pinto, Skippi, Rio, Silo, Pippi).
## Daily Routine
- **Open coop** in the morning, **close at dusk** (predator protection).
- **Fresh water** every day — ducks need water deep enough to dunk their heads.
- **Feed** — appropriate grain/pellets, plus kitchen scraps (no avocado, chocolate, raw beans, citrus peels, onions).
- **Egg collection** — daily.
- **Quick health scan** — count birds, check for any acting "off."
## Watching for Issues
### ✅ Good signs
- Active, foraging, scratching/pecking
- Bright eyes, alert
- Normal comb/wattle color (chickens) — bright red/pink
- Smooth, glossy feathers
- Eating, drinking, laying
### ⚠️ Watch closely
- Eating or drinking less than normal
- Ruffled feathers + lethargy
- Runny diarrhea
- Discharge from eyes/nose
- Fewer eggs, soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
### 🚨 Emergency — see [[emergency|Animal Emergency]]
**Chickens:**
- **Open-mouth breathing, gasping, tail bobbing** → severe respiratory distress
- **Comb/wattle blue, purple, or very pale** → oxygen / circulation crisis
- Standing isolated, head down, feathers ruffled, eyes partly/fully closed → critically ill
- **Stops eating completely 24+ hrs** → serious problem (digestive, infection, pain)
**Ducks:**
- **Limp, weak, eyes closed, cold feet/bill, shallow breathing** → shock
- **Predator attack** — even no visible wound, shock can kill. Call vet.
## Predator Protection
- Coop **closed every dusk**, opened in the morning.
- Watch for tracks, dug holes, missing birds.
- Big bee/wasp activity around stables/coop → check for nests.
## Natural Daily Health Boosters
The **"Holistic Trinity"** — see [[natural-care#poultry-holistic-trinity|Natural Care: Poultry]] for details.
| Supplement | Dose | What it does |
|------------|------|-------------|
| **Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)** | 1 tbsp / gallon water | pH balance, electrolytes, immune support |
| **Garlic** | Crushed clove or powder in feed | Worm prevention, anti-mite/tick (in blood) |
| **Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)** | Light dusting in feed and dust-bath area | Internal & external parasite control |
Plus useful herbs in feed/water: **oregano, thyme, turmeric**.
## Predator-Attack First Aid
Even if no visible injury, **call vet** — shock kills.
1. Move to quiet, warm, dim space.
2. Wrap in towel if cold/shocked.
3. Dropper of warm sugar water or electrolytes if conscious.
4. Don't force food.
## Related
- [[emergency|🚨 Animal Emergency]]
- [[natural-care|Natural & Preventative Care]]
- [[first-aid-kit|First Aid Kit]]

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@ -49,14 +49,16 @@ tags:
- [[power-outage|Power Outage]]
- [[water-emergency|Water Emergency]]
- [[severe-weather|Severe Weather]]
- [[animals/emergency|🐎 Animal Emergency]] — alpacas, horses, poultry
---
## Property Address
> [!info] Full Address for Emergency Services
> *TBD - Add full property address here*
> **Le Château de Bénac**
> Rue Grand Rue de Bellissen, Bénac, 09000 Foix, France
>
> **GPS Coordinates:** *TBD*
> **GPS Coordinates:** 42.9537, 1.5266
>
> **Landmark directions:** *TBD - Add directions for emergency vehicles*
> **Landmark directions:** *TBD*

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@ -26,6 +26,9 @@ Learn the locations of:
- [[water|Main water shutoff]]
- [[heating-system|Heating system]]
### Animals on the Property
We have alpacas, horses, chickens, and ducks. See [[../animals/index|Animals]] for daily care, chore schedule, and [[../animals/emergency|emergency procedures]].
### 3. WiFi Access
- SSID and password are shown on a printout in the entrance hall
- See [[internet|Internet & Communications]]

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@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ Daily upkeep follows a "karma yoga" approach — if you notice it, nurture it. S
### Daily Tasks
- Collective food prep and lunch clean-up during Karma Yoga block
- Dishes, kitchen tidying, general upkeep
- [[../animals/chores|Animal chores]] — alpaca cleaning at 11 AM and 8 PM, poultry coop open/close
### Weekly Tasks
- [[cleaning-party|Sunday Cleaning Party]] (10:00 AM)