Recent content by HodgesHappyHens

  1. HodgesHappyHens

    Winterizing run options, opinions needed

    Fellow upstate NYer, I also battled with snow entering the secure run. After many years of using tarps curtains and leftover plywood I ordered some fence privacy skirts. They come in multiple lengths colors and heights (even vine looking styles). The material is strong has grommets all along its...
  2. HodgesHappyHens

    Adding a rooster?

    For another side to the rooster discussion. I just dispatched my cockerel tonight because I have what lawyers call an attractive nuisance. I have several small neighborhood children (4-12 yrs.) who like to come over and visit/feed my flock. Recently this young buck has been getting aggressive...
  3. HodgesHappyHens

    Only using 1 nestbox?

    Always an issue in my coop. This is a photo from 10+ years ago. It was my first flock and they were always fighting over the roosts.
  4. HodgesHappyHens

    Let me see your Prairie Bluebell Egger Roosters!

    My Bluebell Egger Roo which is identical to your picture. I included a picture of my hen as well.
  5. HodgesHappyHens

    Prairie Bluebell Eggers: hen or roo?

    Don’t feel bad I pulled mine in June from the TSC batch labeled pullets and still got a Rooster. Pictures of the pair
  6. HodgesHappyHens

    My $1200 egg!!!

    This is some of what they call Chicken Math. The baby chicks are so cute and cheap until you start building a coop buying food and then toys. In northern climates you then realize you need to spend more to keep water from freezing and the costly modifications to the coop to give them a space to...
  7. HodgesHappyHens

    Does anyone else herd their chickens?

    Same here, but I use a clucking noise. I also use an automatic door on the secure run if I don’t get over there before to late.
  8. HodgesHappyHens

    April Fools Day 2023 | Introducing TudyBOT - Our New AI BYC Member

    Yeah no thanks. The reason I raise chickens is to return to simple activities that can be performed without the need for technology that invades every moment of my life. I like to see the human responses and interactions between people of similar minds on this site. Adding a AI component seems...
  9. HodgesHappyHens

    How much do you charge per dozen? And location

    Upstate NY $3 to our neighbors and others. My regulars return the cartons and I couldn’t imagine charging these people more. For me it is a fun hobby, and not trying to make the mortgage from eggs profits. Stores here have been $4 for the cheap tasteless factory farms eggs and up to $8 for the...
  10. HodgesHappyHens

    Coop roof: transparent or opaque?

    The problem with most plastic roofs is they discolor and become brittle over time. The polycarbonate is better and will last longer, but in my situation was still severely damaged by falling branches from nearby trees. My entire roof structure over the coop and run is now corrugated steel...
  11. HodgesHappyHens

    Dealing with Opossums and chickens

    Others noted experiences aside my neighborhood possum population has typically stayed in check. I have found two in the past 8 years of chicken ownership inside the coop, one of which was caught red (or yellow) handed eating eggs in a nesting box, but none seem to have gone after my adults. Both...
  12. HodgesHappyHens

    How many chickens can you have?

    Love this. A few years back we had an property issue with a neighbor. My surveyors line was “zoning by owning”. We have 8 acres in between a few housing developments that is still listed as AG1 which in NY means I can run a farm. The neighbor with the issue left after I brought in 12 roosters...
  13. HodgesHappyHens

    How do I keep the run dry

    Reading through this entire post has left me with some questions. Marshmallow how old are you? Do you live at home with someone/parent(s)? The reason I ask is some of the questions and solutions posted by others seem to have you confused and frustrated. What you are showing us here (and in your...
  14. HodgesHappyHens

    Do you count your chickens before bed?

    I too count in groups. 1 Delaware 6 Buffs 4 RIR 7 black sexlinks 9 brown sexlinks. Then followed by a count/search for any unwanted critters in the secure run and coop before locking up for the night.
  15. HodgesHappyHens

    Siding material, ventilation, and other coop questions.

    I would go with the metal. I went with a nice in stock green from Lowe’s. The plastic eventually breaks down and becomes brittle. This leaves you with a potential weakness a predator could take advantage of. I have replace several of these plastic corrugated roofs with metal after leaks from...
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