Raising Chickens: Baby Chicks to ½ Grown

  • Thread starter Thread starter dlgoff
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

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.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chicken breeds, specifically Rhode Island Reds and Sussex crosses.
  • Knowledge of chicken behavior and social dynamics within flocks.
  • Familiarity with predator management techniques for backyard poultry.
  • Basic construction skills for building chicken coops and pens.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective methods for building predator-proof chicken coops.
  • Learn about the nutritional needs of chickens and optimal feeding practices.
  • Explore the behavioral traits of dominant hens and their impact on flock dynamics.
  • Investigate common predators of backyard chickens and strategies for deterrence.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for backyard chicken enthusiasts, poultry farmers, and anyone interested in sustainable living practices involving animal husbandry.

  • #181
lisab said:
We are now down to one (very badass) hen, due to hawks :frown:. So today my husband and I finished putting netting over the whole chicken yard, about 50' X 20'.

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.
Welcome to the club of hen loss. I only have one old hen left that lays occasionally. I plan on getting some chicks as soon as they arrive at TSC. I'll have cuteness and in about 5 months, eggs. I use to buy older hens at country sales but they were usually being sold because they were at the end of their productive lifes. I buy the red chickens as I like the large brown eggs.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #182
Some new editions. This time I bought two white pullets. The other four are Road Island Reds.

Ufr8JXN.jpg


Iiflt51.jpg
 
  • #183
AWWWW! I hope they fair better and are not fox and hawk snacks.
 
  • #184
Get some silkies!
 

Attachments

  • silkie.jpg
    silkie.jpg
    61.9 KB · Views: 532
  • #185
Evo said:
Get some silkies!

...and name them Tina I, Tina II, etc.

In honor of Tina Turner, circa 1985 :biggrin:.

http://rokpool.com/files/artist/JPEG_image_Tina_Turner.jpg?0

She's fantastic!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #186
Evo said:
Get some silkies!

lisab said:
...and name them Tina I, Tina II, etc.

In honor of Tina Turner, circa 1985 :biggrin:.

http://rokpool.com/files/artist/JPEG_image_Tina_Turner.jpg?0

She's fantastic!
Awesome. I'll have to put some audio equipment in the coop so I can play them this. :approve:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7COj6PF6ftE
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #187
dlgoff said:
Awesome. I'll have to put some audio equipment in the coop so I can play them this. :approve:

:!) that made my head move like a chicken's, haha!
 
  • #189
Astronuc said:
Adorable Chicken Coop
Nice. But my chickens make big messes. Grain, feathers, and poop everywhere. I could never get away with cleaning only once per season. Stupid chickens.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Finding a formula for this curve
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Ignition Coil and Capacitor oscillations
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Filters and DC/DC Converters in parallel
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Can Different Types of Infinities Coexist in Mathematical Reality?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
Undergrad Can two different functions have an infinite number of solutions?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Electric potential, field and charge density problem check
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
9K
Who are the members featured in this alphabetical collection of photos?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
28K
Graduate Two electrons in a potential well
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
9K
Photo Contest - Baby, It's Cold Outside (1/13-1/19)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Millennial households in poverty -- Re-launched Discussion
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K