If you are really worried and have a secure set up, well leave the pop up door open, so a bird could leave the coop if they want. I have roosts in the run too. However, mine have always cooped up.
If an animal has options, well they seldom will kill themselves. It is when humans trap them in a...
Well yes there is. Do not freeze them in the shell. Just give them a soft stir to scramble. My old cook book says to add 1 tsp of sugar to baking eggs, or 1/2 tsp salt for scrambled eggs.
Then sometimes I pour 12 eggs into a gallon bag - then if my family comes home, I can make a big pot of...
He has already give you a warning. Thank God, he attacked you and not them. At those ages they will be nearly eye level. If he flys at them and hits them in the head, a lot of times the child will fall, wailing and flapping their arms, which the rooster will take as a fight. A child can be...
This is the endless question. I hatched 2, and one is a cockerel. I have a rooster, he is a good rooster, not a great one. We will see.
Thing is, just because fate handed you a cockerel, it really does not need to be the old one or the young one. You might look for a rooster somewhere else. If...
Yes, I did last year. I was pleased. They worked fine for baking or for scrambled eggs. However, open each egg separately into a small bowl, then add to the recipe. I didn't have a bad one, but they are in storage for a long time. I used the last of mine up early May.
They say you can store...
Really, that worry is rather low on rather a long list of things I don't worry about. I let all kinds of people come to my house, and some like to visit my chickens. Could they get sick, well yes, but not real likely.
Mrs K
I am getting almost an egg/ hen a day, give or take. Now is the time to store those eggs. I have done freezing stored eggs in quart bags, I have stirred 12 eggs and dividing them in muffin tins, and freezing eggs for baking that way. Last year, I put up 4 1/2 gallon pickle jars with water...
Love the names, I had a dearly beloved Captain too.
It is a strange thing. I will say this, though, my BA died. She was older, past 4. So not a surprise, it happens. But immediately the whole flock is much more peaceful. Maybe she was sick? Her feathers were kind of getting saggy - but molt is...
If those are pictures of two different birds, I too, think you have both hens. A full picture of each birds would remove no doubt at that age.
If you had a rooster, I would still recommend waiting several months. Birds tend to produce smaller eggs when they start laying, and the eggs are so...
I have had chickens for years, and never had this problem until last year. I have a BA that was mercilessly attacked by the rooster and a chosen hen.
I debated what to do - I often preach solve for peace in the flock. I took to letting them out more so they had more space. A coyote picked off...
I had Gramma Feathers - she would keep those chicks next to her until they were full grown, and then she still liked them close...until her next batch came around.
Mrs. Black tail - she kept them close 3 weeks... and then they were on their own, she was right next to the rooster, bright red...
Well, they are your birds and I completely understand about stewing decisions, even making decisions and not doing actions.
The big thing to remember with cockerels is they are a crapshoot, and today’s good behavior is not an indication of tomorrow. The pullets might shortly have a different...
At those temperature they should be fine. I would put them out. Outside generally means more space = more exercise.
Beware though of heat, as in too much heat. Check your shade all day long, and make sure that there is shade all day long. It moves. My own run is delightfully shady all morning...