Good article and I agree 100% with everything. Nothing new to me, but after raising poultry since 1973, I should be expected to know it all, especially because I pay close attention.
In regard to the smartness issue, it's amazing how the flock remembers where the treats are given and the dust...
Welcome to the cheeseheads kzp!
Any time after 6 months old your poults should start laying, with the EE starting to lay first.
Good choice on the breeds, they should do well for you.
This has been a colder than usual winter so far.
I won't be sad at all when temps stay above 20f.
I have to...
Welcome to the cheeseheads WIchix!
I lean on plenty of fluffed up straw to
help the flock weather the brutal weather.
I know they really enjoy the added warmth
and wind blocking ability it provides them.
Stay Safe ... bigz
Holy frigid morning to everyone.
Congrats on the eggs EE! I have to check
for eggs three times daily in this weather
or I'll be collecting frozen eggs, even with
the straw bed over a foot deep. Funny how much lower the ceiling gets with the constant addition of fresh straw. -1f for a high temp...
The flock is doing great and laying really well so far.
The old hens took forever to get over the molt. it's nice to not see any feathers being lost finally.
Jan is almost half over and longer days are not far off now.
Stay safe ... bigz
This warmer weather even with the freezing rain, I'm calling a blessing.
Way more fun doing the chores.
Drive safe out there, or better yet, stay home if you can.
Stay Safe ... bigz
Happy New Year
Hope everyone's start to the new year has been a good one.
The break in the cold today feels heavenly today.
Chores are way more fun in mild winter weather.
Stay Safe ... bigz
They didn't show up Jim. Nothing new there though.
Another cold snap that needs to go away soon.
Today is the shortest day of the year. In a couple weeks the days will be gaining some daylight every day .... Yippee
Stay Safe ... bigz
I actually have a new one like that still in the box from prolly 10 years ago. I need to run 150ft of extension cord to the coop and never bothered with doing it. Thinking of running electric up there with outlets, and then use the heater.
I have to check for eggs anyway, so no big deal to carry...
These next couple of days are going to feel like heaven compared to the last week.
Collecting eggs and checking water 3 time daily, and I still have collected a couple frozen eggs even with deep straw in the nests. I think this is going to be a long winter this year. Boy, would I like to be...
Yep, I agree that it's going to be a long winter.
The pullets are laying really well. I collected 9 out of 10 yesterday.
Busted another bale of straw for the big coop. The birds get excited when they see me coming with the fresh bale.
Glad the cold blast coming should only be 2 days.
It will...
Daily coop chores are simply part of the program here.
Checking on the coops 3 times daily is normal practice
here. It prevents eggs from freezing by being collected often, as well as the water by replacing in the morning and if needed again on the 3rd trip out. (I'll know on the 2nd)
The extra...