I grew the green zebras last year just because they are kind of fun. They did well, were prolific and the fruit was juicy. They're not hard like unripe tomatoes!
You most likely need more ventilation. Surprisingly enough, even for winter.
This is a great guide: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-coop-ventilation-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop
Thanks. We were able to visit them the other day. They are just 3 weeks old now, so we have another five to wait. They are totally adorable. One is fawn colored and the other is brindle.
I have the ability to separate part of the yard for the dogs away from the chickens, and will do...
So, I wanted to share this as well, in case you haven't seen it. I learned so much from this page on ventilation. It's really excellent:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-coop-ventilation-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop
Hi there. Here in the PNW we don't have to worry much about it getting too cold. So, do NOT close off any of your ventilation holes. You may have to even increase the ventilation if there is any condensation inside the coop when it gets cold.
From your pictures, it looks like your birds...
Thank you for the responses. I will ask the vet. I've never had a boxer mix before, nor have I had puppies at the same time I've had chickens, so I'm trying to consider all the ways I need to puppy proof the house and yard. The list is long! I do have the ability to keep them on one side of...
In 8 weeks we are going to have two Boxer/American Bulldog mix puppies. When they are young, are there health risks to the fascination dogs have with chicken poop?
My last dog, who died earlier this summer at the age of 15, was a yellow lab with an iron constitution so I never worried about...
I can't tell you for sure, but generally speaking the growling and puffing up is definitely broody behavior. If she was egg bound, she would be feeling unwell, off by herself, tail down.
I'm very sorry to hear what you are going through.
I'll tell you what I know, which isn't much. I won't presume to give advice.
My sister had ulcerative colitis decades ago. She was very, very ill. They ended up doing emergency surgery to do a colonectomy and a partial illeostomy. She...
Momma should be with them until she is done nursing them.
I've been warned against clumping litter before as they supposedly lick it off their paws and it can cause blockages? That's what I've heard anyway...
OH, congrats! Best tasting egg you'll ever have
You could switch them to layer feed now, or mix it in with what you have, and/or add oyster shell or clean crushed eggshell on the side to what you are feeding now until it's gone.
Dang. That is not cool. For starters, I'd be calling and getting pretty upset with the guy who sent you obviously unhealthy birds! But then again, they are probably better off with you.
It's my understanding that once you actually see worms in the poop, that the infestation is well...
Good question. As long as you let them out it the morning, it's pointless to move the food and water in there. They won't eat or drink during the night.
Closing the door to the coop at night is a matter of security. I do it, for sure, but leave the window open (the opening is covered with...
It is very normal for the first egg to be small. You just fry that little thing up and enjoy it!! Generally speaking, they will start out small and grow over their first laying season. That being said, you might also end up getting some big double yolkers! That will put the family in their...
Wow. Sounds great.
I just have three raised boxes, so I have strawberries, some peas, black beauty zucchini, lots of tomatoes, some hot peppers, Walla Walla onions, garlic, a tomatillo, one winter squash, a mystery cucumber, and a couple of baby gherkins.