I wanted to use some of my backyard for a purpose, "usable" space instead of just grass that needed watering and mowing. Have had chickens all these 11 years, started with a coop that I made (it was very dysfunctional), then got a pro coop about 8 years ago, what a difference a metal roof makes...
What kind of roosts are they? I have always used 2x4, mounted on the "flat" side - was told some years ago that chickens aren't like raptors, they don't "grip" and prefer a flatter surface. Has always worked for me, but I will say I have resorted to Roost Training a couple of times with younger...
AND, may I add, don't build or buy a coop with a flat roof! You have a mud mess in no time. Slanted or peaked only way to go (yes, speaking from experience).
I have had broody hens before, but nothing like this and nothing this young. She is barely five months old and boy is she mean! She's been broody almost a week now, have tried golf balls, spritzing with water, removing her several times a day (I have to wrap her in a towel to pick her up off the...
I have 2 bros, half aussie, half border. For the first few months after we got them as puppies, no problem, then some issues began. At the vet clinic, happened to be a retired sheep dog trainer, he took a liking to the boys and offered to come over and train me to train them. Best two hours I...
I have an Overholt (pix attached, when it was brand new) but I have modified it in several ways. Chicken wire is worthless (my opinion), so I have a layer of welding wire, then vinyl lattice on all, including door. Plus, the whole thing is in my back yard, 8' high fence and two dogs that won't...
I have always depended on the weather esp. at night. If temperatures are still in the high 30s or even low 40s, I keep them in until night temps are hovering at about 45-50. I also don't depend on age as much as size, to make sure that they can get in and out of the hen house with a ramp. Some...
Thank you! I have had checkered luck with my new groups, so to speak, seems like about 80% of them I get a roo or two despite assurances...and they are very difficult to rehome (and stressful!).
Hi, all, haven't posted in a long time, but I always depend on the "rooster experts" among you since I'm not the best at ID'ing them. Here is a pix of three of my new ones, about 12 weeks old. Any roos here?
I just lowered my roosts, as my girls have got older they're having a hard time getting up - and down was quite brutal. They are now about 20 inches above the floor and they seem to be quite happy. (was almost 40 inches) I think the bigger breeds like your Astros - better to be low than high.
I have three staggered but for some reason they all want the highest one, which is about 3' above the floor. When I started with chickens, a friend who've had them for many years advised me to use 2x4s, but lay them flat so they are standing on the 4" wide surface - chickens are not like...
Yes, if the plastic (which I think is actually fiberglass?), is in direct sunlight it gets hot, it warps really bad, and can crack and break easily. Works much better if you have shade from trees.