Recent content by hellotexas

  1. hellotexas

    Gold Sex Links or Americaunas???

    Sex links it is! Thanks so much for your replies. I have two red stars (sex links) that are two years old; they were a bit loud with the egg song when they were young, but are now two of my quietest girls. Believe it or not, it's my two Black Austrolorps and a couple of one year old Buff...
  2. hellotexas

    Gold Sex Links or Americaunas???

    I am picking up a few new chicks tomorrow to refresh my flock and am looking for the best layer who is also quiet (suburban backyard) and can handle hot Texas summers. If I have to choose from Gold Sex Links and Americaunas, what do you recommend??? Thanks!
  3. hellotexas

    Will my chickens ever lay regularly again?!?

    I have nine laying hens and added four 10-week-old girls two months ago. Of the nine "adults", three are Buff Orpingtons who are approaching three years of age, while the other six are 17-month-old Red Stars and Black Austrolorps I raised as chicks last spring. Last summer, we were getting...
  4. hellotexas

    Help! Possibly sick 6 month hen still in nest box at 10 p.m.!

    I am sick right now and only checked on my "girls" once today, at 6:30 this evening. One of my six month old black Austrolorps was in the nest bucket! I've never had anyone lay that late in the day, so I went back an hour later and she was still in there. I went ahead and pulled her out, but...
  5. hellotexas

    How long till the pullet eggs increase in size?!

    Hello All! On the day my six "little girls" turned 18 weeks old, I got my first adorable little egg ~ it was so exciting! Since then, my three "big girls" (who don't lay all that much) and the six young ones have been cranking out the eggs, and I'm getting 4-5 per day so far. My question is...
  6. hellotexas

    Could I use a card board box as a brooder?

    Azygous, Do you have any more pictures that you can share which show how you created your "windows" and hung your waterers? Thanks for the great ideas ~ I pick up my first ever chicks on Wednesday and am trying to get all set up today and tomorrow! : )
  7. hellotexas

    Best Quiet Egglayers for Texas Heat???

    Kari_Dawn, Thanks for the info. I'll look into the Salmon Faverolles as well. I understand your rationale on ordering at least three of each type, but I think I'd be putting myself at a huge risk of being "reported" to the deed-police if I take on too many birds. The more chicken, the more...
  8. hellotexas

    Best Quiet Egglayers for Texas Heat???

    LindsayB, I had no idea a molt that long, so maybe that has something to do with my slump. Glad to hear that yours are picking up. I may have to try the EE's after all! : )
  9. hellotexas

    Best Quiet Egglayers for Texas Heat???

    Thanks! I haven't gotten to putting up a light, but may try that this week and see if there is any response. I've been giving them oatmeal laced with cayenne whenever we have leftovers, with no huge results, but I'll keep trying that. : )
  10. hellotexas

    Best Quiet Egglayers for Texas Heat???

    Thanks for the responses! Yes, Bullitt, we are in a suburb of Houston, so VERY HOT, HUMID summers (winters, too this year!). I've lived in the same house for 18 years and know most of my neighbors very well. They all think it's hilarious, but fine, that I'm keeping laying hens. My coop is...
  11. hellotexas

    Best Quiet Egglayers for Texas Heat???

    Thanks, Mahonri. I have been concerned about RIR's ~ many sources claim they are docile, while too many posts talk about aggressive RIR's. The Black Austrolorp came as a direct recommendation from someone with chickens in Houston; they said she is their calmest and best egg layer in the heat...
  12. hellotexas

    Best Quiet Egglayers for Texas Heat???

    I started my adventure in the world of backyard chickens late this summer with four, one-year old Buff Orpingtons. After spending their first four months in a chicken tractor, I have finally finished a 10X10 kennel coop for them ~ absolutely palatial! Although very sweet and such fun to watch...
  13. hellotexas

    Need your opinion: what should every coop have?

    Quote: Do you have a picture of your poop boards you can share? That sounds so smart! Thanks : )
  14. hellotexas

    What is the best roof type for a kennel coop in hot Texas?

    Quote: Well, I did buy the metal (whew!) as I read that the plastic will shatter in our hail storms and fiberglass decomposes. Someone suggested spray painting it with a heat reflective white paint. Would that be worth the effort and cost, do you think? Or should I just leave it the shiny...
  15. hellotexas

    What is the best roof type for a kennel coop in hot Texas?

    I am heading off to Home Depot to purchase corrugated roof panels for my new kennel coop. In Houston, our main concern weather-wise is HEAT and humidity. Would the galvanized steel, fiberglass, or plastic (PVC) be best in my situation? Any help appreciated!
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