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  1. chrism

    Please help me understand nesting requirements.

    I am searching threads for my answers but digging through all of the chaff is taking quite a bit of time. My situation is this: I'm in Central Va. Mild Winters and wet Springs. I free range a flock of 30 laying hens and a breeding pair of American Buff Geese. They all bunk down in an open access...
  2. chrism

    Geese removing feathers from chest.

    Are they molting or is this nesting behavior?
  3. chrism

    I think something is wrong?

    A few of my hens have white feces on their tail feathers. I got the most affected bird into a bath of soapy water. I feel bad because this has obviously gone unnoticed for too long. Her tail feathers were completely packed with feces. I soaked her for a good 15 minutes. I then scrubbed gently...
  4. chrism

    Feces covers feathers at vent.

    I've seen this discussed but didn't pay attention. Now that I have a hen with the problem I need some advice. She is eating and mobile. Otherwise seems to be in good health. What could be the issue and what are some remedies?
  5. chrism

    Egg storage question

    One of my delivery customers asked if it's okay to store UN-washed eggs at room temp after they have been refrigerated. What should I tell them.
  6. chrism

    Introductions

    Hi there incubating & hatching folks. I didn't plan on having to be here in this forum but I've begun hearing crows from two unexpected roosters the past few days. Now my carefully put together plan for a hen only flock is out the window. I know that I could just get rid of the cocks but seeing...
  7. chrism

    I have two unexpected roosters

    So my young son reported with great despair that "one of the chickens is on top of another one biting its back". He's 10 and it's about time to have the "talk". Luckily, I have chickens and bees to use as a teaching aid. So... I believe that I know the answers to my questions but hope to get...
  8. chrism

    Washing vs. not washing eggs- How long will they stay fresh?

    From the searching that I've done... I realize that this question gets asked a whole lot. So before my question, just a little background of what I have planned: I have a flock of about 50 dual breed hens. I'm helping my son get a egg delivery business up and going. My family will of course use...
  9. chrism

    Can I feed road kill? Please say no.

    I feel very weird even asking this but now that I have a flock I am always thinking of what free food can be fed to them. I'm in a rural area that has a WHOLE LOT of slow critters that didn't make it to the other side. I do feed them my cooked meat scraps but wonder if they would go after the...
  10. chrism

    Please recommend a pasture fence design

    *EDIT* I started this thread looking for LGD breed recommendations but after some valuable advice, realized that my planning needed to be focused on other aspects of my pasture design. Even though the original topic has shifted, I'm leaving this thread up because there is some very good advice...
  11. chrism

    What cat breeds make the best mousers?

    Like the title says, I'm going to add a few outdoor cats to keep mice in check. Are there breeds known for rounding up these pests better than others?
  12. chrism

    Found a mouse in my feeder?

    I use an outdoor King Feeder with Rain Hat: http://smile.amazon.com/Chick-Inn-Poultry-Feeder-50-lb/dp/B009010UB4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1444785428&sr=8-4&keywords=range+feeder What can I do? I don't imagine that they are eating much but I'm concerned about the mouse droppings and other mouse...
  13. chrism

    Mice getting into my feeder.

    I use an outdoor King Feeder with Rain Hat: http://smile.amazon.com/Chick-Inn-Poultry-Feeder-50-lb/dp/B009010UB4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1444785428&sr=8-4&keywords=range+feeder What can I do? I don't imagine that they are eating much but I'm concerned about the mouse droppings and other mouse...
  14. chrism

    More dark meat?

    I feel that I've got a handle on raising egg layers and now want to add a flock of meat birds. It seems that everyone in more interested in large breasted breeds but I'm hoping to raise a breed known for ample dark meat. Any suggestions?
  15. chrism

    Roost bar dimension?

    I'm using 1/2" square dowel rods. Is this suitable? Also, is there a recommendation on how high off of the ground that they are? Higher than the nesting boxes right?
  16. chrism

    Nesting box location?

    How high off of the ground should my nest boxes be? I have been told that I need to keep the height of the nest boxes lower than the roost.
  17. chrism

    What food can I raise?

    I'm just now seeing that people grow meal worms. What else can be grown in quantities for a 60 bird flock to make it worth the effort? Grubs? Earthworms? Leaches? Crickets? Grasshoppers? Small snakes?
  18. chrism

    Roosting on top of the hoop house.

    I have just added my flock to their hoop house coop. A few have decided to roost on top of it. Is there a way to discourage this?
  19. chrism

    How many nesting boxes?

    I have a flock of 30 that will be laying in the next 4-6 weeks so I am getting ready. How many hens will typically use a single nesting box?
  20. chrism

    Goose shelter and feed questions.

    I have my first flock of laying hens but have had a problem with hawks and owls. On advice of my local chick supplier, I added a breeding pair of American Buff Geese as guards. It was an unexpected addition so I feel that I may not have prepared well for their feeding and shelter. Both hens and...
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