I would pull a patio table without an umbrella into the pen with a medium size vinyl table cloth hanging part way down. My chickens love hanging out under mine.
Mine got their morning cooked oats and our left over pancakes torn in little pieces. Our little rooster always takes a piece gently out of your hand and gives it to one of his girls.
I started in 1971 when I rescued a flock of hens from a bad situtation. They had been caged so long that they couldn't stand or walk for about a week. I have been hooked ever since. During troubling times, they especially bring a sense of peace following me around the yard. Where ever I move...
I'm retired? Busy with drawing diagrams of my garden expansion, checking BYC, lots of gardening shows on today. It was snowing pretty hard so I'm staying in, have two new seed catalogs, mending to do on my granddaughter doll clothes. Making a fresh pot of tea to enjoy while my hubby and I have...
Last fall when my garden was going strong, I canned anything that didn't move. My grandchildren will only eat my applesauce (sugerless) and apple butter (not sugerless). Every couple of years I take my canner pressure gauge to our local extension and have it checked. It's a presto 16 gallon...
I have had red-tailed hawks take both big and small. The smaller hawks have only taken the banties. I only let them out if I am out there with them and even with that I have had a small hawk take two of my banties on two seperate occasions.
:)It doesn't bother us when our Roos do their rooster thing when we can see them. I've not had an issue with my roos that were sweet natured. When you have children or grandchildren of course there is always some explaining to do:) I just act calm and answer any questions that they might have...
Check around with word of mouth and ask at your feed store. Many people have a gentile roo that they simply have to get rid of and you can watch him up close before you take him home. I have had many breeds of gentle roos so it's hard for me to pick a particular one.
I have had great results from My Pet Chicken. Last year I ordered 7 silver laced wyandotts and a rooster. They arrived in cold weather in February and they have done great. I payed a little extra to have them sexed but it was well worth it. Customer service was very good. No complaints.
I understand your pain and am so sorry. Years back I lost a whole flock in one night. Please don't give up. Give it a little time and trust me, it will be better. I learned what needed to be done and I am so glad I tried again.
It can be done. When my daughter was 3 weeks old I put her in a front sling then later into a back carrier while I fed my 10 horses and the numerous cats, dogs and chickens. We did really well together once we got into our routine. Of course I was always very careful. So share your love of...