My "head hen", Harriette visited Hazel today. My husband found her in the shed, beak to beak with Hazel, through the cage, having a nice conversation. Hazel had been very uptight and skittish around the other girls, and would growl and squeal if they got too close. I'm not sure if this means...
Yes, my shed has windows, with screens, so it shouldn't get too hot for her. I did catch her sneaking back to the run for food and water. Now she is in a large cage, in my shed, with food, and a bushel basket with wood shavings and a couple of eggs. Problem- she STINKS! I can only guess it's...
Thanks! I'll start looking for a covered kitty litter box. I can keep her in my garden shed at night if I can convince her that my nest is better than her nest...
I've got a two year old Rhode Island Red hen that I believe is broody. We call her our "Rogue" because she was adopted from a friend whose entire flock was taken by predators, except Hazel. He allowed them to free range at all times and did not lock them up at night. I have never been able to...
My adventures as the local "Chicken lady"
I had been dreaming of having a small flock of chickens for some time. I had done my research, found an internet forum chock full of valuable information and frequented by fellow chicken enthusiasts, (www.backyardchickens.com of course) and even...
I've got a big comfrey plant growing in my yard that my six hens love. I've tried planting in a few other spots, but they devour the babies before they can get established. The big plant does fine because it was well established before I got my chickens. I have dried it, and given them the...
Could be it was the visiting cat that prevented those two Girls from going back to the coop last night, and they were smart enough to find refuge in the garage! I'm glad you found them, safe and sound.
At least this one can! I found it at a yard sale to day. Isn't it awesome?
http://trinketsvintagetreasures.blogspot.com/2010/09/who-knew-chickens-could-crack-nuts.html
First of all, where are you? This will make a difference in how you adapt your coop. If you are in a Southern State where Winters are mild, all you really need to invest in is some hardware cloth, and more permanent roofing. I would definitely make use of the top section as well. My Girls...
Thanks for posting this. I often find myself with more eggs than I can use, despite sharing them with friends and family! I've been considering putting out a "fresh eggs" sign, with cartoned eggs in a cooler for maybe $2 a dozen. I have hesitated, only because I wasn't sure of the rules...
Your Speckled Sussex hens are beautiful. I doubt that they are stupid, I'd say they are too smart for their own good! Perhaps you should run some chicken wire a foot or two around the top of your chainlink fence. As long as my Girls can see a top bar, they will jump up there. A 3' high...
YES! You CAN have chickens and flowers at the same time!! The secret is abundance. Plant lots, especially flowers that will reseed themselves and perennials that will come back every year. My Girls sample a few here and there, but for the most part, are more interested in eating grass. A...
I would reinforce your playhouse with metal "L" brackets, on the inside to help hold it together. That should prevent any critters or heavy winds from pulling it apart. Can you use a metal hinge to replace the broken plastic in the door?