This discussion revolves around the experiences of raising chickens, specifically focusing on the growth and care of baby chicks to their half-grown stage. Participants share insights on chicken behavior, egg-laying mechanics, and the challenges of predator threats, particularly from raccoons. The conversation highlights the importance of proper housing and care, including the construction of a predator-proof pen and the need for ventilation in hot weather. Additionally, humorous anecdotes about chicken personalities and cooking preferences add a light-hearted tone to the topic.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for backyard chicken enthusiasts, poultry farmers, and anyone interested in sustainable living practices involving animal husbandry.
dlgoff said:
Think for a minute. Ducks in our bedroom?Evo said:
The more the merrier!dlgoff said:Think for a minute. Ducks in our bedroom?
Evo said:
dlgoff said:
Voice inside Om's head said:
dlgoff said:
No. Critters.Evo said:
dlgoff said:No. Critters.
lisab said:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwSKkKrUzUk
I've noticed them not laying for a few days when the temperatures get high/hot; especially when they are nearing the end of their laying life (~2 good years). Also, the type of food will cause them to miss a day or two. However, I don't think I've had one stop for a week then begin again.lisab said:
dlgoff said:I've noticed them not laying for a few days when the temperatures get high/hot; especially when they are nearing the end of their laying life (~2 good years). Also, the type of food will cause them to miss a day or two. However, I don't think I've had one stop for a week then begin again.
Which brings up Roger who tapered off laying then stopped completely. She laid good for two years, including winters. She got really mean after she stopped. Just recently she was keeping the other young hens from drinking and in my aggravation I tossed her out of the coup. I'm sorry to report (Evo) that I forgot to put her back in and the next morning...feathers, lots.
RIP Roger
I think I have a little chicken in my blood. My first chicken experiences came from my Grandmother before 4yo in Arkansas. She was in charge of the chicken house; feeding, collecting eggs, and ringing necks (she fried some damn good chicken too). Much later after moving to Kansas, I would visit an uncle who raised fryers for Tyson. In the end, he operated 7 houses that could hold 20-30k chickens each; but that's another story. It wasn't until my late 30s that I started having a few layers around. Never rang a neck though.lisab said:
You're becoming a true rancher, Don!
NOOOOO! OMG! NOOOOOOOO.dlgoff said:I've noticed them not laying for a few days when the temperatures get high/hot; especially when they are nearing the end of their laying life (~2 good years). Also, the type of food will cause them to miss a day or two. However, I don't think I've had one stop for a week then begin again.
Which brings up Roger who tapered off laying then stopped completely. She laid good for two years, including winters. She got really mean after she stopped. Just recently she was keeping the other young hens from drinking and in my aggravation I tossed her out of the coup. I'm sorry to report (Evo) that I forgot to put her back in and the next morning...feathers, lots.
RIP Roger
yes!dlgoff said:
dlgoff said:I've noticed them not laying for a few days when the temperatures get high/hot; especially when they are nearing the end of their laying life (~2 good years). Also, the type of food will cause them to miss a day or two. However, I don't think I've had one stop for a week then begin again.
Which brings up Roger who tapered off laying then stopped completely. She laid good for two years, including winters. She got really mean after she stopped. Just recently she was keeping the other young hens from drinking and in my aggravation I tossed her out of the coup. I'm sorry to report (Evo) that I forgot to put her back in and the next morning...feathers, lots.
RIP Roger
Yea. It was my fault forgetting she was out.Evo said:
Cool story. I had a blacksnake eating eggs once. That was years ago though.jim hardy said:
. So today my husband and I finished putting netting over the whole chicken yard, about 50' X 20'. lisab said:We are now down to one (very badass) hen, due to hawks
The lone hen is now happily out in the open, under the safety of the netting. She hasn't been out like this in weeks. She'd been staying inside the shelter of the coop, or under some dense bushes.
Now that the area is safe from coyotes and hawks, we'll get more hens. I prefer to get adults. Chicks are cute, but I'd rather have eggs than cuteness.