Recent content by Kakadoodledoo

Don't worry about it. The chicks will slowly move to the roost bars as they get older. It's in their nature to move to the highest point to roost. I would just live with the chick poop in the nest boxes for the time being.

I have been feeding them microwaved eggshells, and when I switched the feed I supplemented with oyster shell. I don't think it's cannibalism, egg snatching, or mites, but on a side note is there a best way to check for mites?

So I was getting about 6 eggs a day from 11 chickens. it went down to 2 and then 1. I had switched feed, the daylight hours got shorter, and i turned off the sprinklers, which were filling a bowl with water. The chickens have a bucket with the nipple waterers. I switched them to a three way mix...

Thanks for the advice. I do have the problem of over complicating. So the calcium doesn't need to be in their feed, it just needs to be available to them.

I'm wondering how to and how much egg shell to mix into a feed I purchased. The feed is 15-16% protein, a mix of corn, wheat, and fodder. I have laying hens and I know they need 4% calcium. I have been saving eggshells to mix in the feed. I am planning on fermenting this feed. How should I mix...

I wanted to update anyone worried about their chickens sleeping in the boxes. Again my boxes are level with the coop floor. All my chickens are roosting on the bars they have been since about 7-9 weeks old. They are only laying in the nest boxes. There is only a 2 by 4 separating the nest boxes...

Please give me suggestions on how to claim your chickens as a tax write off. I know some people do so please no nay sayers. I have saved receipts from my initial investments: coop construction, feed, and chicks. I'm planning on claiming a loss the first year and claiming some income on egg sales...

So one of my chickens started to lay. I didn't block off the next box, and the chicken has layed in 2 of the 3 next boxes since day one. I am using the golf ball trick, which is probably the best way to get them laying where you want. I started using the golf ball before any eggs were layed.

Here's an update on my coop. I have put up used siding around the outside. I forewent the paint on the inside but the bottom is covered with wood shavings. I got used plastic containers, food grade, from walmart's bakery for a buck each and screwed nipple waterers into the bottom. I have built...

My nest boxes are built out the side of the coop level with the floor. Should I put a board between them and the rest of the coop until my chickens start laying? My chicks are 5 weeks old and some like to sleep in the nest boxes; I don't want them building bad habits that are harder to break...

Thanks for all the info so far. The vented sky light is permanently open, and it is 14" x 14". I plan on keeping the window open all the time. It sounds like I should put the hardware wire over the outside of the window. I live in northern utah, and while we have hot summers, we also have...

I am planning on putting used siding on the coop, that should protect the plywood. I was going to attach one barrel bolt, and maybe lock it. The nesting box lid weighs about 20 pounds, do I really have to worry about a coon or two lifting it up and getting in. Also, I have a...

Okay, so I've cut my second roost and I'm ready to nail it in. I don't have a whole lot of room to work with. how much room should i leave on the backside of the roost for their tail feathers? Here's a pic. I'm just worried that the second roost bar took room from the first roost bar. The second...

Home Depot. 1/4 inch. expensive though

I just checked your blog, and my roost bars are the same as yours with the 4" side facing up, parallel to the floor. I think i'll keep it as is unless I hear different. Thanks. Also do you know if anyone does sand and shavings together?