Gena, I am no expert but I do have a chicken health handbook and for adult birds it says, "In mature birds, the chief sign (coccidiosis) is slow or no egg production. Breeds with yellow shanks and skin may turn pale due to their recuced ability to absorb pigments from feeds." "In young birds, symptoms include slow growth, a change in the droppings (runny, off-color, sometimes tinged w/blood". So from reading the above it doesn't sound like the problem to me (but like I said, I am no expert). Try posting the symptoms here, maybe more experienced folks can be of help? -Sheila Here is a link that might be useful: BYC emergencies

What a timely thread! You know, I've been scaling back my time here on the forum because of my need to lose weight. I used to check in here at least 4 times a day, especially if working. Well, I was isnpired to try many of the recipes on here... some of them not so healthy. Now I check in about once every 3 days or so. It took a lot of self control! Sadly, I did have to curb my passion for baking in an effort to lose weight. I haven't made any sweet treats in about two months... I think... I can't even remember the last time I baked something. I've wanted to several times, but had to resist the temtation. My stand mixer is now growing a layer of dust... he gives me the evil eye every time I walk by, feeling neglected I'm sure. I've also been drinking only water at work and home (maybe an occasional glass of 1 percent milk, but nothing sweet). I've been forcing myself to exercise 3 times a week for 45 minutes (on the Gazelle glider or riding a bike that a co-worker gave me). I've gone from going to fast food restaurants while working 3 times a week to not at all. If I'm at work and didn't have time to pack a lunch, I'll run out to my car and get a granola bar (I keep a stash under the seat). I obviously need to do more because the scale isn't moving. The Jack Daniels sampler platter at TGI Fridays has been calling my name for a while now, but I've been good about resisting lately. I LOVE it, and like to get it once a month. Haven't had it for a month or so now. The last time I got it, I split it up into two meals and only ate half at at time. That's a tip I've learned on this forum and have been using it quite a bit lately. A couple days ago, I was cleaning out some closets and got hungry. I was tired from the physical work, and it was emotionally draining to see the memories of the past as I was cleaning. I wasn't really hungry, but I still wanted to eat. I drove to Long John Silvers to place a big order to take back home and feast on. While I was waiting in line to order, I realized that I was getting this food because I was upset or frustrated and not because I needed it! I scolded myself saying, "Bobby, you just spent 10 minutes sewing a button back on your pants that you've popped off with your gut, and you're in line at Long John Silvers! Something is wrong with that!" I got back in my car without ordering, went home and made a salad with some boneless skinless chicken pieces on top. OK... Most of my response hasn't been about cooking, so let me get on topic for a second! I did try a new thing in the kitchen that helped me with overeating. I deciced I wanted to try to make some homemade peanut sauce and fried tofu. I bought all the ingredients (incluidng peanut oil and rice vinegar which I'd never used before). Well, I don't love tofu so I will never over eat it! The peanut sauce was a little bland, so I added a lot of red pepper and made it really spicy. I'm not big on spicy foods, but I liked the sauce spicy! I just coudn't eat a lot of it. I've also read that spicy foods boots the metabolism, so double bonus. Can't handle a lot of it at a time, and it boost metabolism! It could be a good thing to start a support group here for people who want to lose weight... With the great collection of people here, I'm sure we'd encourage each other.

Thanks everyone! I've been researching CD fridges all day and haven't found one I can live with yet!!! Couple answers to your awesome questions: @grenhaven - you made me giggle!! The mystery appliance is a wine cooler/beverage center. @sjhockeyfan - yes, the island is 112 inches, including 5 inches of overhang on the side. We may just have to lose that. Also, we don't have the option of customizing our cabinetry to extend out the depth of the fridge. :(. We are building a semi-custom home and have several limitations. @tomatofreak - after hours perusing here, I've learned many people happily live with less than what the experts recommend. But, your experience is exactly the type of information I'm looking for. @annkh - Nope, I have the dining room on other side. But, my GC is recessing all the plumbing stuff!! :) Keep all advice coming, love it!! Would love to see pictures too!! Thanks!!

(((Chubby_rat))) Okay...I'm coming public here -- I had lap band surgery 2.5 years ago. I'm about halfway to goal, not a poster child. And I'm now trying to get my butt in gear again. There are additional reasons that weight loss is recommended before lapband surgery -- a lot of fat settles around the liver and stomach area, and a good weight loss directly prior to surgery can make it easier for the surgeon to get in there, and also easier healing for you. After all, with laparoscopy, there's not a whole lot of room to maneuver. Your insurance will come through -- it's your doctor who is taking the cautious path. BTW, there are other doctors who are not as stringent about the pre-surgery weight loss. The nutritional visits are critical since your consumption will be so much less and it will be hard to get all the protein and vegetables in. The best part is that the lap band really, really does curtail hunger. But it's also not a panacea -- bad habits will return unless you're vigilant. And exercise is paramount. Again, I'm no poster child, but I know many bandsters who are. The band can be a PITA due to the saline fills required. Have you asked your doctor about other alternatives -- there are a couple of new ones available -- if the vertical sleeve had been available at the time I might have gotten that instead. If you'd like to email me offline, I'd be happy to share more information about the journey.