I used straw with my surprise Christmas chick with great success. I didn't have more than a few handfuls of shavings at my disposal when I discovered that I had a chick. That little bit of shavings and some straw in my brooder worked great. I am no where near an expert on brooding, but I feel...
Although I only have a baker's dozen hens, I still end up with 5-6 dozen eggs a week. I sell them for $4 a dozen easily while I have a coworker with chickens that has trouble selling hers for more than $3. Although her chickens are producing Jumbo sized eggs, I think I have more appeal as mine...
I love adding mushrooms as well. This tends to get modified depending on what we have available. We will also dice carrots failry small and cook them with the onions.
I have ( or better said my chickens)never experienced any ill effects from dairy. They get to share a little less than a quart of milk a month. I don't have access to good quality fresh milk so I have to rely on the store bought variety. I know its fresh well past the expiration date, but...
I have my swing set tractor/coop combination that I can put it in. It will only be a foot or so away in the day time, Not sure I could partition a spot in the main coop for it. Something to think about though.
I'm guessing one chick being raised by itself is quite difficult? Blind luck I guess. I spend a good deal of time with it in the evenings working in my shop. Water is changed 3 times a day, shavings every two days, and always has feed. Or are you talking about all the bird talk. I have an...
I know this might sound simple, but its a staple breakfast here on the weekends when we can get a good breakfast before working around the homestead.
Hashbrown Scramble
3 medium potatoes cubed up (1/2" or smaller)
diced small onion
Sprig of rosemary
Bacon, chopped ( as much or as little as...
My chickens get a cup or two of cat food soaked in milk once a month or so. They absolutely love it. I really get some of the best eggs after that. Maybe the added protein, maybe the added calcium? Who knows but they are yummy. I haven't seen any adverse effects from it.
I am surprised to...
XD Most definitely! We started with free RIRs, that turned out to be RSL, then added BO, BR, Americana(turned out to be EE), and some Blue Maran/Silkie X. Then we added some Wyandotte and WXs, a lack sex link, and some more EEs. We definitely like color. Our rooster stays busy and i'm sure we...
I'm really into my layers and fresh eggs right now, but I do want to get into meat birds within the next year. These look like wonderful birds. Congratulations on your hard work paying off. Other than an accidentally having one egg hatch out, I've not looked into hatching my own. I think I am...
I have never heard of using paper towels for chicks. Assuming that is to help prevent leg splay? I just use a thin soft layer of shavings and change them every couple days, or if I see they have become damp from messy drinking. Whichever comes first.
We have two store bought windows in our coop. Other than aesthetics, they really don't provide as much ventilation as the cutout hardware cloth windows. I framed up around where I wanted to put the window, drilled holes in the corners, and followed the framing with a jugsaw to cut out the...