Been there, done that... It is so sad to see them fade. Imagine when your Great Dane, can't make it outside. The joy of a puppy is tempered by the sadness you feel for your older dog,and ultimately losing them. It is part of the cycle of life- but it is not easy. I used to say I was running...
Ventilation is way more important than heat. Remember your chickens are covered in thick, thick feathers. Put your hand under them when the are roosting at night- warm as toast...I am in upstate NY- many days below zero, and similar winters to yours. My coop is insulated and my chickens have...
When they are in the coop at night- pick her up and give her a close exam. Look for mites, wounds, bumble foot, etc. Check her vent area- does she have any foamy (egg white looking) on her butt? If you want to seperate her, that would be the time to do it. No need to chase her around- just...
It is a little early to start panicking or planning a chicken dinner. They are just starting to lay. It is possible the shells are not very hard yet, and eggs are being broken by accident. Are you feeding them layer pellets? The more often you can check for eggs the better. If the eggs are...
Give us a little more info... Are they free ranging? If so, you will have to go on an easter egg hunt. They love to find an out of the way place to lay! Do they have nesting boxes? If so, you might put a golf ball in each nest, to help them get the idea. Are you feeding layer pellets? Do...
Good for you, for thinking about trying again! Nothing easy about it (especially the first few times). Agree with everyone about the kill cone. I wouldn't dream of using another method. The only thing sticking out of the cone, is the head and neck. Those branch trimmers should work...
First of all- don't panic!! The best thing you can do is collect the eggs as often, as possible. No eggs sitting around, no eggs to eat... I have had issues with egg eaters for awhile, and then it stops happening. If the behavior does not stop-try to catch the offender and get rid of her. No...
Netting is the best bet for the big area...Try to watch how they are getting over the gate. I have a short gate, that they were getting over all the time. What I noticed was, they would jump up and sit on the top of the gate, and then jump over. I attached pieces of small wood all the top of...
Make sure they have enough calcium in their diets- sometimes the "accident" happens because the shell is soft or brittle... As mentioned- getting those eggs out of there fast, helps too... good luck!