Recent content by WalkingTreatMachine

Quote: I agree, and as I said, I was just trying it out. I had recently wired it and just wanted to make sure it does work, and is the appropriate wattage (so it is not too warm) in the event of very cold weather later in the winter. I didn't have it on for more than a few minutes, but...

Quote: Shedding of water- yes this also makes great sense due to the location and orientation of the cloaca. Thanks! Glad the droopy tails are not an indication of illness in this case

Quote: Great automocoop!! An awesome example of repurposing

Quote: I'm just taking it all in and speculating here, but I think the balance theory makes the most sense with regard to downward tails while roosting. One of the primary functions of most animal tails is balance. It would then make sense, that while being upright, an upright tail would...

Quote: I agree, and as I said, I was just trying it out. I had recently wired it and just wanted to make sure it does work, and is the appropriate wattage (so it is not too warm) in the event of very cold weather later in the winter. I didn't have it on for more than a few minutes, but...

PS, I'm here in Providence! Three hens in a teeny city coop, one black dog, and a bunch of honeybees Interested to hear how other city peeps are makin' the urban farm thing happen ;-)

I'm in Providence! Just got my first 3 chickens in the spring- a buff Orpington, a black australorp, and a wellsummer. Already an addict, and now wanting more birds with colorful eggs, so if anyone knows any locals who breed special for egg color, please share! My three girls came from a big...

Quote: Have you joined the FB page, P.E.C.K.? (People Encouraging Chicken Keeping) in RI or Prov, I forget which, but I think there is a list of a couple of local breeders.

Thanks Everyone! Now that I've been checking, the droopy tails happen every night, and no sign of illness. I know the pics were intended to show the roosts but droopy tails were also evident! Thanks! But now you've all also brought up another previous question of mine. After reading threads...

They are about 7 months old. I do live in a colder climate- it was about 35 or 40 degrees when I noticed this. I'll check in the morning and see what's up (or what's drooping) then. Thanks!

Quote: That's my set-up, and it WAS super cheap (it probably cost about $5) and no worries about anything malfunctioning and not opening in the morning on a really hot day. Just some rope, strategically-placed eye hooks, and voila! It ties up right next to the window by my bed. Too bad the...

Hi Everyone, I just went to try out the coop heat lamp and make sure it wasn't too hot, and noticed that my girls' tails were drooping. I hadn't noticed this before when they were roosting. Is this common, or were they maybe just scared that the coop was being opened up after bedtime or...

Thank you, Gargoyle- I will try your suggestions, and. Gleaned some info from your thread as well. I hope your little girl recovers! It sounds like you and your wife are doing a great job to help her out- nice to have a nurse around! Update- she pooped! Less than a half hour after starting...

Hi, hope someone can help! I've been up all night reading similar topic threads, but none seems to address this particular situation. My 7 month-old buff orp seems to be having a problem, although she is acting fine; all the other posts had chickens with more symptoms. Until recently, she has...

Thanks, everyone, for the very warm and sweet welcome messages. My girls are already very thankful I've found y'all Learning loads of great stuff from the wiser ones!