Recent content by rjlanger2

  1. rjlanger2

    Chicken that pokes a hole in her egg

    I don't think the holes poked in the egg are intentional. Is it possible the shell is a bit thinner and as she tries to move the egg it gets a hole poked in it? I have one hen that consistently lays eggs with thinner shells. Her eggs are the only ones that I have ever seen with holes in them...
  2. rjlanger2

    heat source for inside a coop? need ideas please

    Please read some the entries in the link below from people that live in some of the colder climates. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=421122 I found it very enlightening.
  3. rjlanger2

    Think it's too cold for your chickens? Think again...

    This is the best information I have seen about dealing with coop heating. Last winter I did use heat lamps. I admit it was more for my benefit than the girls! After reading the posts from those in Alaska, Washington, Wyoming, and other places that get a lot colder than it does in Texas, I am...
  4. rjlanger2

    for those that use deep litter method...please advise me

    It's really a simple concept that saves a lot of time and effort - all you have to do is add more shavings as the amount of poop accumulates. Initially, I put shavings down in the coop and scooped EVERYTHING out once a month. After a while, it starts to get old, and you go two months. When you...
  5. rjlanger2

    19 weeks still no eggs....

    Is it possible you forgot to put quarters into the little machines? You do know without the quarters, they won't start laying!! Seriously.... Got my first girls 2 years ago August. They didn't lay until December. It was a huge surprise to see that first egg since I really wasn't expecting to...
  6. rjlanger2

    New From Austin Texas

    and enjoy the cooler temps! Might even get a little rain over the weekend! One can only wish! You can only count on a max of 1 egg per hen per day. Since it's cooled off a bit, they should get a little more regular at laying. I'm a little north of you and the heat did slow my girls down, but...
  7. rjlanger2

    Amount of Feed Daily

    I am by no means anywhere as experienced as many of the people posting.... that said.... my understanding is approximately 1.5 lbs of feed per hen per week. I have 9 hens (13.5 lbs / week) and go through a 50 lb bag about every 4 weeks. I do mix some oyster shell into the feed and scratch is...
  8. rjlanger2

    Texas

    I'm glad SOMEONE is getting some rain!!!!!! Please send rain to Austin, too!! We really could use some!!!!
  9. rjlanger2

    Winterizing Coop: lots of questions!!

    Under the premise that a happy chicken lays more eggs....... If the temp is going below 45, I close the windows in the coop. There is a sliding door they use to get to the run that is usually left open. If the temp is going below 35, the sliding door gets closed and I'll turn a heat lamp on. I...
  10. rjlanger2

    Soft Shelled Egg Questions

    I have gotten a few soft shelled or no shell eggs. I mix oyster shell with their feed and also add some with their scratch. The soft shell issue usually resolves itself as they get into a routine and lay more . I have one hen that lays "thin" shell eggs. This has been going on for over a year...
  11. rjlanger2

    Hen dead with no apparent reason...HELP!

    Sometimes they just pass away. There probably nothing that you did wrong. With temps in the low 100s, you can almost expect to have a fatality. As the temps rise closer to 110, it is almost guaranteed that weaker animals will have difficulty dealing with the heat. You can try to keep them cool...
  12. rjlanger2

    best brand of chicken feed?

    Fortunately, I have a few choices for feed. In my opinion, feed is something that is purchased based on information, price, emotions, and personal experience. I prefer to use an organic feed (and I have in the past), but at $28 for 50#, it is just a bit too pricey for me. The girls love H and...
  13. rjlanger2

    How big does it need to be?

    "Covering" the top of the run is always a good idea. Have you considered whether your cover will be just for keeping predators out or will it be something that also provides shade? I live in Central Texas. The afternoon sun can be just as detrimental as predators! Having shade can be the...
  14. rjlanger2

    Chicken feed through the roof!

    Quote: How big a deal is it to get to the mainland and buy a few months supplies there? Is there enough savings to make it worth your while? Are you all prepared for Irene? Hope it's mostly rain and the winds die down before it gets to you.
  15. rjlanger2

    Texas

    Quote: The best breeds are the ones that lay eggs for you!! ...... I'm sure there will be lots of suggestions for you choose from. Enjoy the heat, this weekend should prove to be a lot more unbearable based on the current forecast.
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