Recent content by SteveinMA

I have had a cooIp in Massachusetts and now Nebraska. Both can et very cold. In Mass I had a small coop with 6 chickens (Rhode Island Reds - picked for their cold hardiness). I did some basic insulating in their coop and did not add any heat. I did have to hear the water so I got a heated dog...

I have 10 hens and 1 rooster. This is my second batch of chickens. With the first flock we lived in an urban setting and could not have a rooster. This time we are on a farm and I wanted a rooster. He his a very protective mate for the hens, and I love the crowing. Reminds me everyday that we...

I would bet mine would not like the aluminum trays as well. They can spook pretty easily. I have almost always used straw, but with my first batch of chickens (6) I started out using wood shavings and they didn't seem to mind, but they did seem to toss it around more so I went to straw ever...

I cant help myself. I always wash my eggs, then I date them on the end, put in a carton and right into the fridge. I only have 10 hens so I never have eggs over a week to 10 days old on hand. Once I get over 2 dozen eggs on hand I start giving them to friends.

That makes sense. My fist batch I did not have a rooster and this time I do, so they are getting all the required attention they want.

I don't add a light in the winter, and mine continue to lay. Fewer than in the summer, but they do continue. They stop when they molt, but then start right back up, even in the dead of winter.

Yes I think it is pretty normal. My first batch of chickens would do this, as well as the chickens of the lady that was my chicken-mentor. My current batch does not do it though, and I wonder if its because they are full-time free range. Isn't it fun having chickens.

Wouldn't you know, I got home last night and I had 9 eggs. I knew as soon as I asked for help, they would prove me wrong. Too funny. They probably wanted to prove me wrong for shooing them out of the flower beds. Love my chicks

This is my second batch of layers. First batch was 6 Rhode Island Reds and during regular laying I got 5 to 6 a day. Now I have 5 RIR's and 5 Plymouth Barred Rocks and they have been laying for about 3 months and the most I have received is 9 on about 2 occasions. I average about 6 or 7 and the...

I wash mine in warm water, sorry I just cant help myself. Then I date them with a pencil on one end, that way I can keep track of which is oldest. then they all go in the fridge. As far as age I don't know for sure but have heard it really extends their time by not washing them. None of mine...

Hey from Mansfield, MA. We are new to this too (3 months now) and have 6 Rhode Island Reds. Love it.

Not sure where Monson is, but I am in Mansfield, MA. 6 Rhode Island Reds just about 3 months old. These are my first ever, and loving it.

Good morning all. New memeber here from Mansfield, MA. New to chickens as well. My 6 Rhode Island Reds were born on Labor Day 2010 and I received them 2 days later in the mail. They have been a joy every day since. Their coop seems to be quite tight, and I have insulated it as well. I now use...