1) Apple iphone 3GS
2) No real problems with the BYC site. I'm used to viewing/posting with my phone turned sideways.
3) Would also like to upload pics from my phone. Pics that I have stored on my phone have to be uploaded to my pc and then uploaded to the BYC site.
If you're planning on housing 14 birds together you're going to need something bigger than a 4 x 8 coop. At 4 sq ft per bird you need a minimum of 54 sq ft. A 8 x 8 is 64 sq ft so IMO that's where you need to start. You can view the Virginia Cooperative Extension Center site for publications...
I've put the borax down and let it sit for 3 to 4 days dry. I then washed it into the soil and placed animals in the pen the next day. If it rains, it does the same thing, just saves you the trouble and the water.
You could check out buff orpingtons. They run about 5-6 lbs for pullets and 7-8 lbs for cockerels at around 9 months old. They're white skinned and fairly easy to dress out and a good brown egg layers.
Quote:
I guess I'm not sure what you're referring to when you say "cleaning the soil". If the runs have dog poop then of course a good raking will be needed. If you're talking about smell then you can spread out a fast disolving garden lime mixed with baking soda on the soil. If you're worried...
You might consider using air conditioning vent covers like in your house. You can get them at most of the larger hardware stores in various sizes plus they have the dampers that can be opened or closed by a lever to whatever position you need. They dont need to be framed into the wall, just cut...
Quote:
Instead of "caulking" (I suppose you're using silicone) try using plumbers tape (teflon) and a rubber O-ring on the nipple when you thread it in. The teflon tape builds up the threads a bit for a tighter fit and the O-ring seals the nipple base against the pipe for no leaks.
Quote:
You can view the Virginia Cooperative Extension Center site for publications. Scroll down to Animal Agriculture and click on Poultry. I know there are at least three different sizes on there. Not sure where you're from but most state schools will have plans for poultry coops or barns. I...
Just wanted to say thanks for all the imput and ideas. Finally decided to go with interior boxes with an exterior access door to the nests. The interior design simplifies the construction for me and the access door will be protected from the weather by a 1 foot roof over hang.
Quote:
You will need to check with your Dept of Transportation or local highway patrol or sheriff's office for transport laws. I don't think your height or length will be a problem but your width may be. Some states or counties require you to get a permit, state your intended route, state the...
Quote:
You can get the "hurricane" straps at a mobile home supply house. We call them tornado straps up here in TN. They come in different lengths and are galvanized to resist weathering. An good way to install them is to lay them over your floor joists BEFORE you install your flooring and...
Quote:
Here's the link... http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/
Its actually the Virginia Cooperative Extension Center site for publications. Scroll down to Animal Agriculture and click on Poultry. I know there are at least three different sizes on there.
Quote:
Big Z...just for future reference you might want to pick up one of those oscilating cutters like they show on tv. I got one from Northern Tools for $35. It zips right through those spiral nails then you can just flip the boards over and use another nail or a punch to drive the nail head...
You can check the Purina website for a smaller coop design. The Virginia Extension website (part of the Virginia Agriculture Dept) has three different sizes on their site. I ended up looking at pics here and on google and also checking books at the library. Most of the "free" plans show little...
Pat...thanks for the info and the idea. I had already thought of the water leakage issue and had a couple of ideas for that but it makes it a whole lot less complicated to use inside boxes with an outside access. Thanks so much for the help.
Still in the design stage for a new coop. Have looked at a couple hundred pics and read about 10 books on coop building. I haven't seen this issue addressed or I missed it. Using outside the coop nesting boxes, those built onto the coop, how cold can your area temps get to before you have to...
You also might consider stair stepping the roosts. It might save you from building a ramp. The birds will hop onto the lowest and then keep going to whatever level they're happy with. It also offsets the butt to face level so they'll be even happier for the improved scenery.
I've seen one of these up close and I just checked the web site ane looked at the assembly instructions. Big words at bottom turned me off right away......MADE IN CHINA!
If you can't build a coop yourself you might check out your local craig's list under lawn&garden for used storage sheds...
I was wondering if anyone had or is using solar powered ventilation fans or lights on coops? I'm just designing my coop and have heard that the ventilation fans work pretty good. Co-worker has one tied in with a 12 volt marine battery that runs the fan and lights during the day and trickle...