Recent content by Briarhopper Ranch

  1. Briarhopper Ranch

    New babies but no idea of the breed or sex

    I’m gonna try this on my husband: no, honey, I didn’t buy those chicks, I found them in a plastic bag by the trail overlook! 🤣 In all seriousness, people amaze me. Four months ago, people were getting in fist fights at Tractor Supply over the last few available chicks. And now, people are...
  2. Briarhopper Ranch

    14 week old Silkie -ish cockerel?

    Jack the Silkie confirmed himself as a cockerel this morning. We were having our morning coffee at daybreak when we heard something like a squeak toy in the east pasture. Husband says: that’s coming from your chicken run. That’s a baby rooster finding his voice! I ran outside, and there was...
  3. Briarhopper Ranch

    Kentucky people

    I recall your kindness in answering my questions about adjusting to raising birds in east central Kentucky after we move from the Rockies. I’m still thankful for the ready advice from you and your Kentucky peers on this site. I can only hope and pray for the best for you and your flock and your...
  4. Briarhopper Ranch

    Cold climate coops

    I live at 7,600’ in Colorado where we likewise regularly see winter overnight lows of -20° to -30° F and several days on end that don’t get above 0° / low single digits F. My nesting boxes are in the coop, and I still lose a few eggs each winter to freezing solid / cracking if I don’t stay right...
  5. Briarhopper Ranch

    14 week old Silkie -ish cockerel?

    Yes, just today I remarked to him: “Sir, that protuberance on your forehead is out of control.” 🤣 Thanks for confirming my suspicion. For now, we have space and he’s not causing problems.
  6. Briarhopper Ranch

    14 week old Silkie -ish cockerel?

    I suspect that this fuzzy little guy is a cockerel. He’s 14 weeks old. He’s surprisingly bold in a run full of bossy old hens. Is this our cockerel? I’m new to Silkies. Would love some opinions from those more experienced.
  7. Briarhopper Ranch

    Kentucky people

    I especially appreciate the note about keeping the tall grass trimmed around the coop to keep slithering things away! Thanks again!
  8. Briarhopper Ranch

    Kentucky people

    Thank you for these details! I’m highlighting “heat and water” as two areas where I’ve really got to adjust my game. Whew. And yards and yards of hardware cloth. And thanks for confirming my assumption that the coop will need a fan. Man, living someplace for so long with cold, dry nights all...
  9. Briarhopper Ranch

    Kentucky people

    So, thanks, now I’ll have nightmares about cicadas buzzing in my hens’ crops. 🙄🤣 Wait, plus rats and snakes? Hmmm, freezing half to death in our endless Rockies winters doesn’t sound so bad by comparison. Yeesh. Neither Mike nor I are cat people and our dogs are, unfortunately, not “chicken...
  10. Briarhopper Ranch

    Kentucky people

    Oooh, Frankfort. I’ve paddled Elkhorn Creek in a canoe and found some of the rapids pretty exciting! Gorgeous area. We will not miss having to snowplow a path through 3-ft snowdrifts to care for our birds (Springtime in the Rockies!). Nor cold and wind so savage that your nose and eyelids...
  11. Briarhopper Ranch

    Kentucky people

    I really appreciate the tips you’ve shared and your perspective having lived in MT and KY. (Enjoy Missouri, by the way. I spent four years there and think Souther Missouri and Northern Arkansas are amazing! Oh, the camping, kayaking and hiking!) Quick download of my key takeaways: 1. Gonna be...
  12. Briarhopper Ranch

    Kentucky people

    Hello Kentucky BYC, In ~1 year, my husband and I are moving back east, likely to Powell Co, KY. We’ve spent 25 years in Rocky Mountain West, most of that at 7,600’. Thus, all of our chicken tending experience has been in the high and dry, with cool summer nights and long, brutal winter. I know...
  13. Briarhopper Ranch

    Chicken Breed Focus - Houdan

    Hmmm. Sounds like Houdans may be unique vocalists, after all? 🤔
  14. Briarhopper Ranch

    Chicken Breed Focus - Houdan

    I have a question for Houdan fans. We’ve added two Houdan pullets to our flock this year just for fun / to experience new breeds. They are backyard quality from a local breeder. Both are about 11 weeks old now. My question is about their hoarse voices. When they make chicken noises, there’s a...
  15. Briarhopper Ranch

    Homestead at 7,600’

    thanks for the cheerful welcome! PS: I had Orphingtons on the list this year as I grow my flock, but I wasn’t able to find any among the Great Chick Wars of 2025. 🤣 I went with Bielefelders and am already enjoying getting to know this breed of burly girls!
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