Recent content by Big Sky Chick

  1. Big Sky Chick

    American Blackbelly Sheep, Anyone?

    Hi, I know this post is old, but I'm hoping you're still an active member. I have 2 Katahdin ewes that are about 6-7 months old and 2 American Black Belly rams and 1 ewe that are the same age. The ABBs have been wonder. The ProbLambs (Katahdains), as DH calls them, have been a bit more of a...
  2. Big Sky Chick

    Free range alternatives to broiler pens, tractors, and coops

    I heard about a guy who purchased a small metal dumpster, cleaned it out and put a stopcock on one end to dispense it. Never saw it, but thought it was a very cool idea for tonage.
  3. Big Sky Chick

    Free range alternatives to broiler pens, tractors, and coops

    The door is to let me in to feed & water. Stock density of about 3sqft/bird. Sorry - it was Capper's p78 May/June 2012 issue. Think hoop house, but mine is square. I had the frame from my old coop for the shelter area so I went with it.
  4. Big Sky Chick

    Official BYC Poll: How many chickens do you have?

    36 layers: RIR, NHR, EE, Australorp, Rock (partirdge, barred, white), Buttercup, Wyandotte (columbian, gold lace), Maran (Copper & cuckoo), Andalusian, Leghorn (Exchequer), Orpington (buff & white), lakenvelder, spangle hamberg, barnevelder, Ameruacana (black & blue), Brahmas, Welsummer 24...
  5. Big Sky Chick

    Free range alternatives to broiler pens, tractors, and coops

    We built a lightweight PCV frame and put the wire fencing on it, including the top and then at one end put in a door and covered sheltered area. We secure it with super heavy tent stakes and rope. Every other day we move the tractor to the next "untouched" area. The feed & water are moved...
  6. Big Sky Chick

    HELP, new chicken troubles

    I got a few chicks at that age with similar issues. Like others have said, just move slow, talk to them, handle them, then give them a treat. In short order they will come around. Mine are now a year old and they come when called, eat out of my hand, and don't really worry about DH, dog or I...
  7. Big Sky Chick

    We need help putting a stop to the daily egg hunt. Advice please!

    I got a dozen rescue hens last year who had never seen a coop let alone a nest box. We found that the boxes (really large buckets) in a dark, quiet, cool location in the coop with wheat straw helped. We started with putting bread in the buckets to get them in and out. Then I got egg shaped...
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  9. Big Sky Chick

    The effects of cockrel on pullets' beginning to lay?

    Well to date, I've taken all the three 5 month olds out of the flock and into the freezer. I do find I have 1 Black Cooper Maran and 2 Ameruacanas that are 3 months and just crowing. Never having raised them from eggs, the Maran was obvious, but the Ameruacanas, not so. I'll see if I can find...
  10. Big Sky Chick

    The effects of cockrel on pullets' beginning to lay?

    Last year I started keeping a layer flock with pullets only. They began laying at 5 months. This year I added to the flock. Unfortunately I received several incorrectly sexed chicks, so 50% of my pullets turned out to be cockrels. I took all but 1 cockrel out of the popluation and into the...
  11. Big Sky Chick

    CHICKEN MATH STRIKES AGAIN

    I started off in town where I purchased 12 laying chicks with the idea that 40% wouldn't make it, 10% would be sexed incorrectly and I'd have the legal limit of 6. I love eggs but mostly just wanted the fun of the chickens. Then we had the opportunity to move out to a ranch without a legal...
  12. Big Sky Chick

    Comb Contest - Pea! -- ***WINNER ANNOUNCED***

    Columbian Wyandotee hen, 1 yr
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  14. Big Sky Chick

    Comb Contest - Single! ***WINNER ANNOUNCED!!!***

    Fantastic pic! Love it!
  15. Big Sky Chick

    Comb Contest - Single! ***WINNER ANNOUNCED!!!***

    Barred Plymouth Rock hen, 1 yr.
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