I don't think the other hens did that, it would take a lot for a chicken to gut another bird, I don't know if they are able.
They may have picked on the carcass though.
When you are worried about how cold your chickens are, go you, and wiggle your fingers deep into their feathers. You will see they are toasty down near the skin. :)
I haven't used Vaseline on combs, and I think feet will be fine without it, because when they settle down on the roost, the...
As an Iowan, I say "no" to heat.
I used heat once in my coop, the first winter, that was the ONLY winter I have ever had chickens suffer from frostbite. The heat increases the amount of moisture the air can hold, which increases frostbite risk.
Even when we had a winter a couple of years ago...
Nice coop aart! That is exactly what we are looking for. I didn't think of the dust problem but that makes sense.
This is a good place to have a coop because it already has power.
A friend of mine just bought a new house, and on the property is a pretty big shed, which as two pop holes built into it. It looks like at one time it housed chickens.
He was going to use part of the inside as a chicken coop, connected to the pop hole, and keep some of the rest of the shed for...
I use a fluorescent bulb in a shield, way up high, on a timer to come on at 3am.
I am going to switch to a small strip of LEDs whenever I get a chance to pick up, I think that is probably the idea light if you just want light to keep them laying.
I live somewhere that it gets so cold and snowy sometimes, the chickens spend very little time ouutside the coop. Although, covering part of the run with roofing has helped some to keep a clear area, they like that.
Anyway, chickens like natural light, windows are a way to do that. I have a...
I live in Iowa, it does get into the negative 10's and 20's sometimes.
I always leave my pophole open, I close one of the eaves all the way and leave one partially covered.
I never heat (well, except my very first chicken winter, the only time they got comb frostbite) and I never vaseline...
Oh, they will be a little flustered, for sure, but they will get used to it.
Just put some good treats in the coop for them to be distracted by until everyone gets used to the new situation .
After raccoons were so persistent in breaking into my coop, I decided to start trapping.
I have been catching one every night! I have caught three so far. I wonder how many have been regularly visiting?
I also try to raccoon proof everything, but they are so persistent.
When I have a bunch of different ages, I get something called "flock raiser" or "all flock", it's like layer feed without the calcium, and just leave out a bowl of oyster shell for the layers to eat if they wish.
You will never be able to keep your layers away from the medicated stuff without...
Heeeyyyyy all, I haven't been here in a long time. Haven't had any chicken questions lately I guess. :)
Anyway, I need some more chickens! Does anyone in the Iowa City area or within 45 minutes drive, have any pullets or younger hens for sale?