Just my two cents. When there is reduced availability, feed costs go sky high, or you just can't find feed, chickens will have to free range. Better they learn from the get go. But then I have enough land for them to fend for themselves. My flock gets limited chicken feed. They are let out...
Zone 8a eastern NC. Using Large Automatic Chicken Waterer Cups in a five gallon bucket except when the temps stay below freezing day and night (rare but does happen) then I use the rubber tubs, just fill each morning. Love the water cups but don't like the dirty beak mess. BTW I do not stress...
Excellent reply. There is an Ameraucana breeder near me so getting a rooster would not be difficult. Meeting the minimum shipping requirements from hatcheries is prohibitive unless I find someone to share an order. But letting my broody hens hatch and raise chicks is far superior. Thank you...
I have 8 California White (CW) hens. I love this breed for their laying rates and their low feed to egg ratio. Nowadays who does not want a hen that eats little but lays an egg almost every day? How can I keep this breed going? Which rooster do I need? What would I get with a true breed...
I ordered California White chicks from Hoover's last April. They started laying around August Stopped around November and started back in March. They are egg laying machines with between 90 to 100% daily laying. Awesome. I am in eastern North Carolina zone 8. Will always have California...
My 1 yo California White (CW) is officially broody. Never expected her to be a mama as the breed are egg laying machines. At first my silkie went broody in the main coop, biggest nest box. After three days I moved her, nest box and all to a separate pen. I noticed a CW just kept staying in...
Not according to all the information I read before deciding on the breed. They are supposed to lay large or XL just like leghorns. I may have some UFD next spring if they don't pick up in size. On the bright side the feed ratio is great - they eat very little.
I am late to the party but wanted to let you know that my California White from Hoovers Hatchery do lay an abundance of white to slightly tinted eggs. I have 13 layers and get from between 10 to 13 every day. My only complaint is they are small to medium size eggs. The largest was 1.75 ounces...
Hi group. Question.....I have a hen, this is her second summer, that refuses to leave the nest box. It's been more than 8 weeks. She no longer acts broody, screeching and puffing up. Just stays in the nest box. I'm worn out from taking her out of the box many times a day. I've had to...