Recent content by sixty7x

my waterer is a 6" pvc tube with a cap glued to one side(bottom) and another cap for the top(not glued). I cut a slot through the side of the cap and in the winter I stick a bird bath/pail heater inside. It automatically turns on at 35F and shuts off at 45F. Keeps water completely free of ice...

That's what I use. My coop is only 3'x4' so I put plexiglass on the floor then the shavings on top of that. Makes it very easy to clean. I use sand in my run.

I agree with zookeeper. If you do get multiple feet of snow, you'll want to stay on top of keeping the snow off the tarp(or whatever is used for roof). If money is your concern(usually is for most of us) then maybe you could try to come up with some scrap wood, or pallet wood and build a small...

crickets. . . anyone?

Some nipples will work if they are pushed up or at any angle water will come out. If they happen to be sitting on and angle, gravity would cause the stainless steal push pin to want to fall making water come out. I just purchased some new watering nipples off of ebay that need to be pushed up...

I use straw and I have a 3" lip to keep most of it in. I noticed my pullets pulled the straw our before they started to lay. Who knows, maybe you'll have an egg soon!

www.woodworkingcorner.com on the left side column a few projects down it says 'feeder'. I just made this one. Seems to work o.k. and is simple to make.

haha, I never thought of using the pitcher! I made the same thing with a 6" pvc tube that I have to fill with a pitcher in the winter. Guess I could've just left out the pvc and saved myself a step. great job

either of the vents you described would work. Only thing with cutting a hole then putting hardware cloth(this is how my vents are) is keeping rain out. I'm all for saving a buck, but sometimes spending a few dollars can save some aggravation in the long run. How much overhand do you have on your...

I guess it all depends on how comfortable you are with potentially getting your current hens sick. The new hen could be a carrier. Even the 30 days may not change what 'could' happen. Also, there is going to be pecking. Your hens may take to her like one of them, they may peck here till all her...

I use a 2x4. Not sure where you live, but something flat lets them cover their feet in the winter, helping to prevent frostbite. Maybe composite decking? You shouldn't need alot. Although that makes for $$ roost. Perhaps something from the vinyl fence section at lowes or home depot?

what's the size of those vents? In the winter my vents are about 1/2 a square foot on each side. During the day I keep the pop door (16"x16") open as long as the sun is out. I've only got 4 hens myself. I don't have any moisture build up on any of the windows and there is no smell at all. During...

Warwick RI here!

You should have the venting above the hens when roosting. It might be a good idea to have multiple vents vs. just one big one. Cross ventilation can help pull out the nasties without causing drafts from below. You may also want to consider running a bead of caulk all around the inside seams. I...