I used cattle panels when I made my coop. Very simple & can even be portable if needed. It can be as big as you need it as well. And if you live in an area where its cold & snowy it still works!
You can click on my avatar and see the link to my coop
I am looking for a few more pullets to add to my current hens. I don't have space for chicks. I need hens only that are feathered out.
I currently have partridge rocks, barred rock & a maran mix. I like any breeds especially Easter Eggers but would like to stay away from the breeds sold in...
I have been fermenting feed for over 5 years & have never had a crop issue with my hens. They are healthy (my oldest are 6 years old & still laying) never ill, and it gives them extra moisture in the summer months. The eggs are the best tasting ever. My friends that buy them say they have never...
I have 2 foot feathered girls. For the most part they are fine in the winter months. The only time I had a problem is when one put her foot in the heated water bowl & got frostbite. It has since healed itself, the toe nail that fell off grew back in & she has had no lasting effects. But...
Welcome !!
I started out with 4 & figured out soon that the more space the better. They grow quick :)
I started the DL in the small coop, about 3 inches, and just added more as needed. After winter the DL was about 6 inches in the coop. That's when I realized they needed a bigger coop.
In...
So I figured I would share a story about one of my Peepers (my youngest hens at 2 yo). She decided to venture into my yard when I opened the gate to feed the hens. Unfortunately for her all 4 of my dogs were out at the time & as soon as they realized she was out they came running. I couldn't...
I use everything that mother nature gives me for free !! I have been using Deep Litter for over 5 years in both my coop & old run (where the hens like to go during the winter) Hay (not straw its hollow & can harbor bugs) grass clippings, leaves, weeds, etc. I get free shavings monthly from...
If you have it use wood ash. I've used it in the past when mine had mites(I forgot to fill their dust bath) & dusted them every day for a week at dusk. Now I just make sure to have a full dust bath container for them & they dust themselves :)
Mine have only had fermented feed. They do get a handful of bird seed, food scraps & some yogurt at times. I think some are just more prone to fluffy bottoms that become poop collectors lol
The only times I had stinky hens was because they needed their feathers trimmed around their vent or the one that had a lac from the dog getting her. I think a soak may be a good way to see what it is. My hens that need the feathers trimmed around their vents can get very stinky if I dont...
I started tapping trees a couple years ago. The amount f sap depends in the size of a tree. And the time of year. I already tapped my trees this year & stopped because the trees budded already. I got about a gallon of sap & ended up with 2 pints of syrup. The 1st year I got as much sap as I...