Raising chickens from chicks to half grown

[dlgoff]

We are now down to one (very badass) hen, due to hawks . 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.

 

[dlgoff]

Some new editions. This time I bought two white pullets. The other four are Road Island Reds.

 

[Evo]

AWWWW! I hope they fair better and are not fox and hawk snacks.

 

[Evo]

Get some silkies!

 

[lisab]

Get some silkies!

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

In honor of Tina Turner, circa 1985 .

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

She's fantastic!

 

[dlgoff]

Get some silkies!

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

In honor of Tina Turner, circa 1985 .

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.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7COj6PF6ftE

 

[lisab]

Awesome. I'll have to put some audio equipment in the coop so I can play them this.

:!) that made my head move like a chicken's, haha!

 

[Astronuc]

Adorable Chicken Coop

 

[dlgoff]

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.