Recent content by BettyJo

We have done 2 coops, both with CONCRETE floors and a drain. I can't imagine not being able to hose and sanitize the coop if we had deep litter/plywood/linoleum etc. We also have litter tables under their roosts which really helps clean up. A quick scoop once a week and the coop is good. They...

I'll admit that I have kept the main/man door shut for only the second half of the day, due to my concern about hawks. When frightened, they will all run in the door they are used to, and I'm afraid they can't take cover quick enough. We have a 6 foot fence surrounding their 50 X 70 ft run, but...

After deciding that an automatic door would put us at ease in the evening when no one is around to shut the man door at dusk, we purchased an ADOR1. It works, but the chickens are being stubborn. Only 3 hens and 5 babies have figured it out. The remaining 2 roosters and 12 hens would rather...

Hello, I researched the incubators and the Hovabator typically had great reviews. Follow the instructions, and keep track of days the eggs are nearing hatch time. Adding water to the #2 channel 3 days prior to hatching. I have 2 healthy chicks that hatched 24-30 hours ago, and just put them...

I totally agree with "hens" being the best choice in raising chicks. But, then I bought the Hovabator as a rescue center, after some eggs were abandoned (that I knew were developed) and had dry membranes, causing death of the chicks during hatching. I know, I should just let nature take it's...

Thank you! I will see how the chick does tomorrow. The whole fertile eggs, hatching chicks, some live and some not, has been quite the science project for me. Learning so much and appreciate any advice.

I have several unhatched eggs that a hen pushed out of her nest after hatching 2 of them. I rushed the eggs into my Hovabator and one is hatching. Should I put the chick under mom after it's all dry, or will she reject it? It's Dec 1rst and the weather is getting cold here in Oregon (25-40's)...

Thank you! The Frizzle mama is tending to her chick today, so you're right, she didn't abandon for good, just for a good night's sleep on the perch. Of course I'm panicking with every new situation. I thought I knew a lot about chickens, but until now, I wasn't aware of various things that...

What do you do when the eggs are under the hen? Mom's a Black Jersey Giant, and has decided to sit on 10 eggs. I'm sure most of the eggs are from others who took the opportunity to lay while she was up eating. I have one chick hatched today, and another was a dried membrane result. It...

Hi, I have a mama who wants to abandon her 3.5 wk old chick which is not feathered. I live in Oregon, fall night's are down in the 40's and daytime in 50's. Wondering if I need to provide heat, if hens won't tend to her/him? Or bring it in the house?

I'm continuing my story from above and need additional advice. So far mama and chick are doing well with flock. But, tonight I went to close coop door at 5:30, and mama decided to roost with other hens and leave (3.5 wk old) baby crying on floor. The chick is not feathered, so I put mama and...

Thank you for your advice. I'm pretty protective, but also confused with the other info I've read about integrating them into the flock. Many advise to let them go after 7-10 days and the mama's natural protective hormonal surge will do the job. After all, chickens have survived thousands of...

I need help! 15 hens, 2 roosters, including a broody Frizzle who hatched a chick on 10/14. We created a fenced in area in the coop for mama/baby to keep safe. I've let mama out with her chick a couple times, but only to wander in the coop for 5 min. Today, I let her and chick out to mingle...

I'm surprised that there isn't a scientific answer here. I read years ago to wash with warm soapy water, rinse and let air dry before putting in frig. Currently, I'm washing with a light bleach water (hot), rinsing and letting air dry before putting in frig. Since I am giving away eggs to my...