Recent content by txkittykat

It'll be a small coop, I guess it'd be best to post pictures once we've got the coop built. I just prefer to do it right the first time.

We'll be putting up our coop/run in the next few weeks and I'm really in need of some visuals. I know ventilation is very important, however, I don't understand drafty versus well-ventilated. I'm a visual person and can't seem to find any images of what to do and to avoid,if that makes sense...

I've read that ventilation is essential and lots of it. However, is there a science to tbe placement? Does it need to be across or parallel with the roosting bar...things like that. I'm afraid I'll make it to where there's a draft and I'll get my chickens too cold. I'm not sure if this makes...

Thanks for the input! I think we'll look for a good local breeder.

Would you need to paint the fiberglass shower base or do the chickens need some traction on it?

We're looking to buy gentle, egg laying hens. We'll not be showing the ladies or entering them into any contests...there are several feed stores much closer to us than farmers. What should we be looking for or asking at the feed stores? Are feed stores good places to purchase hens? Pros and cons?

My husband and I are curious what people do when the tornado sirens go off. Do you get your chickens inside with the rest of your pets? I'm going to make them diapers for occasional house visits, but I was really wondering what others here did...

I am wanting to get chicks ASAP. Not sure about the breed just yet, however, we will be out of town for a few days in late December. How old do chicks have to be before you can safely leave them outside, 24/7, in their enclosed coop/run? We're in N Texas, so, we do get freak ice storms. We're...

Run will probably be 4×8 or 4×6

Thanks for the heads up! We have a lot of ants in our yard!

We plan on the run running along the ground. We have opossums, skunks, coyotes, skunks and armadillos (at least that's all the roadkill we've seen in our area). We'll probably line the edges with pavers, on top of the 1x2 wire to be safe

(For the area just on the outside of the coop/run area) Is it absolutely necessary to do this? Is 12" really necessary and are there any alternatives??

Do chickens not need or like a lot of direct sunlight? I was thinking a fully covered run, but I was under the impression they need direct sunlight...but, I guess they're not the same as plants

We live in NW Arlington and are in the process of designing our coop! It's very exciting!

Thank you for that link! I was thinking of making the run with gravel ro help reduce the mud. THIS LINK IS GREAT!