Is tilling the only option at the end of the season? Like is that the best way to get the organic matter into the ground or does weed whacking it down work?
Mine are up top but I've heard the opposite. Nonetheless, I think elevating them would be a good thing to try so they don't feel as threated in case something happens.
This might be part of the issue. If they are nervous around you and you keep trying to pick them then they can become defensive or increasingly nervous.
In addition to any responses, I'd recommend reading this thread and the linked articles. I think you'll find it helpful.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/official-byc-poll-what%E2%80%99s-the-most-challenging-part-of-chicken-keeping-for-you-during-winter.1649510/
Turf squares are great for nesting box material and I use it with great success. But I do agree these ones don't look comfy. I would look for turf with longer "grass" strands. Mine are longer and it works well. I also put a rubber mat (like a stall mat that is cut down) under the turf to help...
Some chickens don't like being picked up. Mine are like that, they like being around me but will run if I even make an attempt to pick them up. Try just spending time with them. Treats also help. Also, mean roosters is perfectly normal no matter the breed. I've got a nicer buff orpington rooster...
I'd add a lip to the box and make the entrance slightly smaller. You can add curtains to the nesting boxes as a way to also visually reduce the entrance size. The one on the far right is also a little big. You may want to lock them up for a few days to ensure they are all laying and all lay in...
I'd add some gauze there. You can also reduce the area the vet wrap covers. My other tip is to not pull the vet wrap too tight and instead put some tape on it to secure it.
That is a good option. Would Foothill Needlegrass do the same? From the description I've found it has a very deep root system once established but I'm not sure if it would be good at breaking up soils and brining up nutrients.
I'm looking to add some sort of cover crop for our orchard that has clay soil and is dry for most of the year. Our chickens free range in it nearly every day but I am willing to lock them up while the cover crop grows. With how particular the conditions are I'm planning on using plants native to...
I agree with what was stated previously. Moving is stressful and chickens tend to stop in stressful situations like moving or predator attacks. The shorter days plus the fall molt might also be affecting this too. In general, you'll want to provide them with free access to oyster shells for...
I also haven't noticed this issue. Is this site on PST/PDT or does it rely on the device's time zone? When I hover over the "A moment ago" from another post of mine it marks it as 10:56 PM while it is 11:56 PM in my time zone. I'm using the browser version on Chrome to note.
I feel like adding a fresh layer of tanbark or whatever "bedding" (can't think of the right word for when it is for the run) you choose might be a good middle ground. That is what I would do however I've not had to consider this as my coop is a new build with no previous animals on the property.
It seems like one side is very much swollen and the other is sunken in. In the meantime, keep all food and water where they are so this chick knows where it is.