Very interesting article. I've definitely seen the bonds between two chickens, the anxiety of seeing a feared predator in the distance, and have even had chickens pacing the fence just because they saw me and wanted to hang out with me. Well-written! I enjoyed seeing BYC members' pictures in this article (including my own), too.
Adding more information on how you did this might be helpful for anyone looking to do the same. Like, how did you build the door? And what did you use to attach the fencing? Etc.
Well-written and informative article! I've never owned a heat plate before, so I know little about them, and have been skeptical about them. After reading this, I understand them a lot better now. Besides less of a fire risk (which was one of the few things I did know about them), the cost on the lighting bill sounds like a real plus.
Well written article that was easy to read and well formatted. An image link is broken.
On the part about encouraging chickens to go out as much as possible, I think in addition to no wind, it should be noted that the temperatures should be checked. If it's cold enough to get frostbite on their combs, they shouldn't be encouraged to go outside, wind or no wind.
Really cool looking coop and nice walk around pictures. Unfortunately, this coop looks drafty and not really predator proof. Closing off the gaps would eliminate the drafts, and putting hardwire cloth over the window would keep out small predators.
Well written article! I saw a similar idea to this in another article once, so I've been wanting to read more on this. It seems like it's something that helps with pecking orders and boredom as well and I hope to build one of these (or something similar) for my run someday. Great article!
Interesting article. It was also neat seeing the writer's chicken who has had this happen. The links at the end of this article was helpful too.
I would like to note, as I didn't see it mentioned in this article, sometimes chickens display male "behaviors" as a means to show dominance. That can also be a sign of a hormonal imbalance or even a need to "preserve the flock" when there is no rooster. Sometimes this is linked, but more times than not, it's something different. The sex reversal seems to have a tell-tale physical change than just behavior.
Simple article on describing the basics of wing clipping. I found the part about the blood still in the quills very helpful. Most talk about feather trimming and how to do it, but very few mention checking to be sure the feathers aren't still growing.
Looks like it could work. No details or plans on how to make these yourself. Add a few tips or instructions including the cutout measurements would be helpful.
Great points on why to keep a rooster. I've had roosters for years, as well as years without one, and have definitely seen a difference in the hens' pecking order.
Nice conversion with lots of pictures. Needs more details. The dryer vent was a nice touch for ventilation; it looks like it would help prevent drafts during the winter.
Nice write up with process pictures. Article included dimensions of the coop and run's width and length, as well as estimated cost and time it took to build it.
