Recent content by olderoo

Caponizing still a topic?

Forgot about freecycle

Use the attic space for storage and keep the birds out. There are plenty of things that need storing around a chicken coop But, the last thing you need is chickens running amok overhead.

This is a great point. Many of the old housing plans had the nests near the floor away from the roosts. This forced the birds off the roost to lay, and made them less prone to sleeping in them. As for bullying on the roost, about all you can do is ensure enough space. They naturally close ranks...

Of course

Cashing in on demand. Even Ameracaunas are something of a mish-mash breed.

Straw is your friend. Add a 6" layer of straw and let them walk around on that. Before laying down the straw add hydrated lime to the soil. Keep adding straw as the bottom layers break down, the idea being to keep them on this elevated "mattress" of straw. What you are doing is called...

I used 2 x 4s, with the edges smoothed using a rasp. Im a side turner, and mount the perch narrow side up. Something I recommend is to affix the perch according to this drawing: A. Heavy wire, bent as shown B. Large flat head screw C. Wire staples D. rectangular roost rod The goal is...

They wont want to start laying until 20-24 weeks. But making the nests available to them now wont hurt anything, and they will be used to them when the momentous day arrives. As for the barrier - yes. Making the nest more hlosed is better; the birds tend to stumble around less in cozier...

How will you seal the openings in winter? Ventilation is not the same as big holes in the walls. That seems good this time of year. And it does let air in. But what you really want is air exchange, while excluding winters cold and frigid winds. Big holes in the gables kinda defeat this...

Has anyone used the old standby, roll roofing? Pretty common back in grandads day, it is usually used on low pitch roofs, like shed types. If you have used it, where did you get it? Do you have any tips and tricks for using it? Thanks in advance for any help! David

Something to consider, is, by the time the chicks are ready to hatch they are essentially self-regulating. Hearts are pumping, temperature is being controlled internally - all they lack is that first breath of outside air. So what is wanted is a proper temp, well maintained, and the right...

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"Super frugal?" Is that what we're calling it now?

bumps