Recent content by sadies0111

  1. sadies0111

    Started laying outside nesting boxes

    I have 6 young hens, about 7 months old. They all started laying a couple months ago, and used the nesting boxes exclusively. Last week I cleaned the coop (I only clean 2x/year as I use the deep litter method). Within a couple days of having new bedding, 1 started laying in the corner of the...
  2. sadies0111

    How much do they eat?

    Hi, I've had laying hens for several years. I have a young batch of 6 leghorns that started laying about a month and a half ago. It seems like I go through a lot more chicken food for this batch of layers than my previous ones, which were dual purpose. I got the leghorns so they would eat less...
  3. sadies0111

    Lots of Questions! NEED HELP!

    I agree with the previous answers, but you forgot to mention oyster shell, which needs to be provided around egg laying time as well. Enjoy your babies!
  4. sadies0111

    What is a reasonable amount of chickens for me to have? Please help!

    As long as there aren't any legal limits to your chickens, and you neighbors don't seem to mind, I'd say to have as many as you want. Although, I would say that to keep your chickens happy and healthy, they need a bigger run area if you want that many. I've read that the rule of thumb for an...
  5. sadies0111

    Australorps-Earliest Age of Laying?

    I only have one black austrolorp, and I didn't get her until she was around 6 weeks old, so I don't know her exact date of birth, but she began laying around the 5 month mark, and that was even in winter...all my 4 hens started laying at the same time/age. I was surprised they were so young, and...
  6. sadies0111

    When to order replacements?

    I have 4 hens that are around 1 year old, and they started laying 7 or 8 months ago. They laid very regularly until the last couple weeks. I am wondering when should I order new replacements for my layers? What is the average number of seasons that they lay regularly? If it helps, I have 2...
  7. sadies0111

    What is the reason they molt now?

    I have 4 hens around 1 year old, and they are molting for the first time. I live in Wisconsin...what is the reason they would be molting in November, when we've already had snow, and it gets below freezing at night? The don't seem to mind the weather, but I'm just curious as to why they molt...
  8. sadies0111

    How long should I have a heat lamp on in the coop during the winter?

    I am from Wisconsin, and I agree that heat is not needed, especially in your climate. My 4 girls are even molting right now, and they seem to be doing just fine...it's been in the 20's overnight lately. If they get used to a heat source, they will not tolerate the cold if something would happen...
  9. sadies0111

    Eggs in the Winter

    I got my 4 hens last fall, and I thought they wouldn't start laying until later spring because of the lack of sunshine here in Wisconsin...they started laying in February/March, and went strong all through summer. They are now molting, but I'm still getting an egg or two a day. I'm curious to...
  10. sadies0111

    How often do you clean

    Hi, I have a small coop (a 4 foot cube), with four hens. First of all, I successfully use the deep litter method, and it works great, although they are outside pretty much all day, and just go in to eat or sleep. So, there isn't all that much poop in the coop. In the winter, when they are inside...
  11. sadies0111

    Rest period?

    So, my hubby finally got the nerve and culled our first rooster. The rooster is around 13 months old. I've read on some posts that a rest period is important prior to cooking for better texture of the chicken. So, how long of a rest period do we need before we enjoy eating our rooster? I plan on...
  12. sadies0111

    What is the best thing for the floor for chicks

    I use pine shavings, and use the deep litter method for minimal cleaning.
  13. sadies0111

    Which windows do I shut when winter comes? Please look at my set up!

    How cold does it get where you live? If it gets pretty cold (like below 40 degrees) I'd say close at least the window over the roost area. Otherwise, as a chicken owner from WI, where my chickens go through winter without heat to -20, I'd say, you can keep the other windows open for fresh air...
  14. sadies0111

    All my hens are bald!

    All their heads are still fully feathered, just their backs and the tops of their wings are featherless. I know my ratio isn't good...all were suppose to be hens, and I was so excited at the possibility of having blue or green eggs from an easter-egger, I was sad when he turned out to be a roo.
  15. sadies0111

    It has to be too cold tonight

    I agree that they are old enough to start getting used to cold temps. I got mine last November (i'm in WI), and they were all between 4-8 weeks old. I gave them a heat lamp since it was way below freezing at night, and only 40's during the day. They did great, but in the begining, I checked on...
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