Yes, your plan should provide enough space. Having the side bars 12” from the wall and the middle bar 8” away from each side bar, but 16-18” higher, offers good vertical and horizontal spacing. This setup allows birds enough room to perch comfortably without crowding or feeling threatened. The...
Check out the Reolink Argus 3 Pro or Wyze Cam v3. Both work over WiFi, have good night vision, and let you view footage remotely on your phone. They're weather-resistant and don't need physical access to check recordings. Reolink also has solar-powered options if power is limited.
Buying straight run chicks always carries the risk of getting more roosters than hens. This year seems especially tough with breeders prioritizing sales over accuracy. To avoid stress, try to buy sexed pullets from trusted breeders who guarantee the sex of the chicks.
I've been trying to breed my two rabbits. It is both their first times. I am used to the male mounting, then rolling of the side with a grunt with the other buck I used to own.
Well my doe FINALY got "in the mood" today and allowed him to mount. This happened 4 or 5 times but he never rolled...
Yes, it’s possible to socialize a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to coexist peacefully with chickens, especially since your dog shows curiosity without aggression toward cats. With consistent, positive training and supervised gradual introductions, you can teach him to respect the chickens...
Yes, a metal shed can work well for a chicken coop, especially since it's shaded. Insulating the roof (and ideally the walls too) is key to keeping temperatures stable. In winter, you'll want to block drafts but still allow for good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. In summer, the shade...
Positive reinforcement is generally the most effective and humane method, focusing on rewarding good behavior. Negative reinforcement can work but needs to be used carefully to avoid stress. Punishment is often discouraged because it can cause fear or aggression and damage trust. Different dogs...
Check local laws and HOA rules before buying to ensure chickens are allowed. Plan to have a coop ready or portable for the move to keep your hens safe and comfortable. Consider neighbors as more chickens need more space and can cause noise or smell issues. Be upfront with neighbors to avoid...
Since your coop and run were built following city and HOA rules before the new homes, they are likely grandfathered in and shouldn’t be affected by the new construction’s closer proximity. You should review local regulations and possibly consult your city or HOA to confirm, but generally, your...
I'm not personally located in NE Ohio and can't physically help, but if you're looking for someone to clean your 6x8 coop monthly for 12 hens, you should expect to pay around $50–$100 per visit depending on the condition and biosecurity needs. This would typically include removing old bedding...
Spray foam isn’t a good idea. It’s not waterproof long-term and could be harmful if the chickens peck at it. If the leaks are at seams or screws, use roofing sealant or butyl tape and replace any bad fasteners with rubber washered roofing screws. If the metal panels are too damaged, replace them...
Painting a plywood floor in a chicken coop is a cheap and easy option that allows for quick touch-ups and breathability, but it's not very durable, especially with moisture and heavy use—it will need regular maintenance and can absorb odors if the paint fails. Linoleum offers a more waterproof...
You're absolutely right—chicken feed for laying hens is exempt from sales tax in Minnesota if you're selling eggs, under the Agricultural Production exemption. The manager clearly didn’t understand the law and should have asked if you sell eggs instead of jumping to conclusions. It’s frustrating...