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  1. Joan71

    Keeping chickens cool in the summer?

    Great coop. Only suggestion I have after seeing the layout is that you may have an air flow problem in the run area. You can build a larger run of chicken wire and 2 x 4's, attach it to this coop or make it free standing. Cover the top of the run with chicken wire to keep the flying predators...
  2. Joan71

    Keeping chickens cool in the summer?

    When the temperature gets above 85 degrees, your birds need a way to get cool. They love water. I took the top from an old bird bath and put it in their run, kept it filled with water. They loved it. They would walk through the water or stand in the water. Standing in the water cooled their feet...
  3. Joan71

    Normal Flock Size?

    This is very good advise. I have 4 girls which I got a year ago. I got them as chicks. So we had to learn how to care for them. We had to figure out when it got warm enough to put them outside for fresh air in a run. I don't recommend free ranging small chicks. The hawks and falcons here really...
  4. Joan71

    Comment by 'Joan71' in article 'Composting With Chickens'

    You put it very well. I have my compost pile in the chicks run. I do the deep litter in their coop. When it is time to change out the straw, I just rake it out of the coop into the corner of their run. They know what to do. They are happy and busy day after day scratching and moving the compost...
    • Joan71
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  5. Joan71

    Lost all of my ducks last night :(

    Not to add to your grief. Here is what I have been able to learn about raccoons. They can get into small places that we think they couldn't. Their claws are really sharp and will cut through chicken wire like a pair of wire cutters. If chickens etc are placed in pens with chain link fence, the...
  6. Joan71

    Changes in my flocks eating habits has me concerned.

    I will check the bowl size I use to see how much feed it holds pound wise. They are healthy, happy and doing well. It was like a sudden growth spurt or something. The chickadees eat the grain that the hens drop on the ground in their outside run. I haven't seem an sign of rodents, or...
  7. Joan71

    Changes in my flocks eating habits has me concerned.

    I am confused. My 4 girls (1 yr old) all of a sudden are so hungry. The amount of food and treats that I was giving them, just does not get the job done this week. They have ate 3 times the feed that I usually give them. They eat all their greens, etc and then squack for more. They seem to be...
  8. Joan71

    Hatchery vs. Local Feed Store

    I bought my chicks from TSC. Our local store carries the breeds that will do well in our area. I am in SC. So the summer heat is our biggest challenge. This winter we had snow, ice, and sleet. So I had to take care of that unexpected situation. We did fine. My hens (now 1 yr old) are health...
  9. Joan71

    How many times/day do you feed your chickens?

    We all do things a little differently and still its correct. I feed my 4 girls in the early evening so they can eat before bedtime. Daily I feed them about a quart of crumbles in a hanging feeder, some type of greens (bought at the grocery store in season). When I have them I give them grapes...
  10. Joan71

    Growing fodder for chickens

    I think this is a cool idea. Going to get the materials together and give it a try. Love new ideas. My girls have missed having fresh green fodder to eat. Glad it will save some money. Thanks for your idea and pics.
  11. Joan71

    Ways to Improve Health?

    Deep litter - I put about 2 feet of straw in their coop on the floor. Some people use hay or pine chips. I like the straw because it isn't very expensive. The poop can be scooped up before you rake the straw to freshen it up. It helps absorb the odors. I remove the top soiled layer, stir up...
  12. Joan71

    Ways to Improve Health?

    chick rookie - During these cold days, I use protein items to help build up their body warmth and immunity. My girls love the following items: plain spaghetti, rinsed (they think its worms and go crazy over it.) It is inexpensive, too. I give the warm oatmeal just before their bedtime, (that's...
  13. Joan71

    Any suggestions on how to solve our frostbite problem?

    Thanks for the above info. I didn't know what the purpose of the wattle was before now. Makes sense. Thanks for sharing with us.
  14. Joan71

    Any suggestions on how to solve our frostbite problem?

    Here is a list of the discussion threads that discuss getting ready for winter. PREPARING FOR WINTER. IT'S COLD - KEEPING FLOCK WARM AND HEALTHY IN WINTER THE COLD COOP WINTER IS COMING! CHECKLISTS, TIPS, ADVICE FOR NEWBIES. The thread with the checklist is very helpful. Hope this...
  15. Joan71

    Any suggestions on how to solve our frostbite problem?

    Before you work on your ventalation problems, remember to look up info here on BYC in the Learning Center. From what I have read, it is not necessary to buy expensive vents to get the results you need. One of the narrators says to vent all around the top of the walls under your roof (be sure...
  16. Joan71

    Any suggestions on how to solve our frostbite problem?

    Some deep litter of straw or hay helps make it warmer. I added straw and hay when this horrible weather came in. I don't use a light with the "deep litter method", I am afraid of fire. It has been told here on BYC that a light left on with straw or hay can become a fire hazard. So of course we...
  17. Joan71

    Any suggestions on how to solve our frostbite problem?

    There is an excellent article on BYC learning center that talks about proper ventation and one on how to treat frostbite. The ventilation article tells us to vent under the eves. To leave space for the air to move up and out. If it should get really really cold as we have now, to block only...
  18. Joan71

    Got sand? You should!

    The birds will eat some of the sand. It helps them digest their food.
  19. Joan71

    Comment by 'Joan71' in article 'Cedar Acres Coop!'

    Your coops and runs are great. My girls would love it. Thanks for reminding us to make the coop larger than the number of birds we plan to have. I have 4, and I find myself thinking of some more. I have tarps over the top of my coop and run. You are correct, it is less expensive to replace a...
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  20. Joan71

    What feed do you reccommend I get and why?

    The folks at Tractor Supply are very helpful and knowledgeable here. If you are getting chicks then you will need the "starter feed" for them in the crumble. My chicks did real well on the Dumor brand. You will be able to find the help you need here as you need it. When your chicks approach 18...
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