I usually purchase a 50# bag about once a month for seven girls. My son built me the PVC feeder, but I don't think it works all that well for me. The girls tend to toss the food around, a lot! This is the first time I've heard of fermenting their feed, I am going to give this a try. I also...
I built (what I thought) were nice nesting boxes, I was so proud of them. However, my girls do not use them! Don't stress over nesting boxes. As long as they have plenty of nesting material they will make their own where ever they see fit. Mine like to nest on a rubbermade shelf I have in...
I gave the girls a couple random flavored suet blocks around their pen. Once they figure out what it is they go crazy for it. I also pick up bags of unseasoned sweet corn from our local Dollar store for them. I run warm water over it and they are in heaven. In the summer I gave it to them...
I live in Kentucky and my run is fairly wet, luckily my girls let me clean their feet and seem to enjoy it. I picked up the last two bags of Sweet PDZ with in 2 counties and plan to pick up some sand today. I have a few pallets I am going to put down then then the Sweet PDZ and sand. I need...
I think about the only thing that would help with all the various sizes you are dealing with would be an electric fence. You could run it around outside the fenced in area. Then you birds wont get zapped, but the predators would.
I just watched a special about one fence that is solar...
Its easier now to bury the wire cloth than go back after an issue. Everything I have read advised to bury the wire cloth 24 inches down. Now sure where you live, but I found a 100 foot roll of wire cloth 4 feet high for $70. If you have a Lowes in your area, check them out. I do not have...
I found this for you---
"When I get a pasty, I take the chick in my left hand holding the whole head and body with the head facing my wrist so that only its butt is exposed out of the circle created by my thumb and index finger. I then turn on the laundry sink faucet to a gentle flow, but not...
I have a white wire shelf over their box and that's how I hang it. I would think bring them in now, if it is getting that hot and they are not eating. You start off with their heat lamp at 85/80 and then lower it 5 degrees each week, you are way above. Better to be safe than sorry---bring...
Everything I've read tells you to separate them, when they are injured. If you have a red heat lamp turn it on, it will help hide any injury areas for the other s to peck at.
I had issues with my chicks knocking their water over and or filling it full of pine shavings. So, I now hang their water, about neck level for them. Seems to be working really well, maybe give that a try. If your temps are getting that hot, you really don't need the lamp during the day. I...
My chicks are about 6 weeks old and I would never think to let them free-range. They are just to young and curious for their own good. I know you really feel the neighbor has something to do with it missing, and maybe they do. Sadly you can not change what has transpired. You can, decide to...
I spent the last couple weeks preparing the foundation of the run. I repurposed 4x4 post and rebar for a site that makes up a 10x15 run. Under the shed used galvanized cloth wire. I buried the cloth about 2 feet down, used large head roofing nails to attach it to the shed frame. Then ran a...