Recent content by Doug in Colorado

Our girls are 3 years old. They are slowing down. Only 4 from 10 hens. Today was a good day. Usually 1 or 2 per day. Time to cull.

11. Chickens will eat anything that comes in the yard. Last summer we had some magpies (large black and white crow-like scavenger birds) that were swooping down at the chickens. One of the chickens had enough of that and when the magpie came in on a run, the chicken jumped up and took the...

Run some light string or fishing line across your yard (criss cross). The birds don't like to hit their wings on the line. We had owls, falcons and hawks until I ran some line across the yard.

I am no expert, but I would say bumblefoot. Treatment, symptoms and causes at PoultyDVM. See more at: http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/bumblefoot

Virginia Creeper. Our chickens won't eat it.

Here's the background. Our gravel yard was where we were feeding the flock. We used a shallow pan to hold the food and the chickens kicked a lot out on the ground. Over the past few months we have changed how we feed and no longer use the shallow pan or the same location. The food worked its...

Here's what it looks like without the snow falling.

Our backyard was lawn. The chickens roam freely and it didn't take long for them to "scratch and eat" all of the lawn. Rather than restrict the backyard, I gave in and covered the grass with 18 tons of 3/8" pea gravel (one wheel barrow at a time!) It is 2" to 3" deep and the chickens LOVE it...

Does this breed eat and grow so fast that they end up being unable to walk?

I have a Catahoula also. She is good with the chickens, but I wouldn't leave her alone. Sometimes she gets a bit aggressive with her herding skills. Even with the cats.

Sounds OK to me.

Sorry to hear that. That is kind of what is keeping us from building/moving to Ranch of the Rockies. Afraid that the "neighborhood" might be a little too "rich" for my liking. I guess I am just a hick that grew up in the country and now has to play nice with the city folk.

Would you use it for water storage for your family?