Recent content by bentmtnhen

Our birds were ready to go out, but construction hadn't even begun yet. So I decided to take the brooder box outside, lay it on it's side, & create a small run attached to it. Looks a little redneck now, but the permanent coop is underway, & the birds are quite happy!

My EE's have been the most curious birds in my flock from the beginning. 'Course, this is my first flock so what do I know . Ina was the first chick to hop onto my arm when I "dangled" them into the brooder (so that the birds would get used to me). 2 of my EEs are "chipmunk" (Ina and Ava), 1...

Try to catch your chick when eating. Might make it easier to get close. Good luck!!

My brooder is in an unheated enclosed porch (pathetic if any insulation). I've got one 250 watt red bulb for it. Already had a secure set-up to hang the fixture from the ceiling, & set things up about a week & a half ahead of time so that I could "play" with light height to get a feel for temp...

I've heard that a motion-sensor light can help, too. No personal experience here, just what I've heard. We've got coyotes, black bears, & bobcats in addition to the typical raccoons, possums, & hawks around here. I haven't heard the mtn lion's call in several years, but I suspect that they're...

:jumpyWelcome!!

I'm with skeeterkiller. I'm using DE in between complete bedding changes in my brooder, & will use it in the coop when they move outside too. Planning to use it in the dust bath, once the birds stop bathing in the pine bedding:D. I'm new to chickens, but have been researching for months & DE...

Sooo glad she's doing well! Keeping you in my thoughts!

How many birds? I started my 13 chicks in a 4x2x2 box made from scrap materials. They're 4 wks now, and I've added another area (about the same size). I've had good results with pine bedding (hilarious when they "bathe" in it:lau) Good luck with you chicks!!

Thanks for that Imp!! My birdies are only 4 wks & some of the extra gooey/watery was starting to worry me a bit! BIG HELP!!!

Welcome & good luck with your new birdies!!

Welcome to the newbie from the newbie! 13 four week olds, and too much fun!

Welcome to the newbie from the newbie!! Best of luck with your birdies!! 3 EEs, 3 RIRs, 3 RSs, 3 BA girls & 1 happy BA guy-4 wks old

My flock of 13 was ordered from MPC, but the shipping label said McMurray. These are my first chicks, & have been with me for 4 wks now. Only had 1 chick with any problem (pasted up), & that might not have gotten so bad if I hadn't come down with the creeping crud the day after chicks came...

Diatomaceous earth is good for keeping lice/mites under control, so I hear. I've seen ratios for DE, play sand, & wood ash but I don't remember what they were-anybody know?? They may not give up their nice "black earth bath" now, though. My chicks are 4 wks old & love to bathe in the pine...