Agree, soggy runs, UGH. I have my run partially covered and that helps. I use woodchips I get from the local electric company who cuts/trims trees around power lines. They were happy to dump me a load. I use it for compost, paths and the chicken run. It helps, still some mud, but better then...
My chicks from the Spring needed a little coaxing to go into the coop. After a few evenings of guiding them, they soon figured it out. I get what your concern is for colder nights with young ones. I might do a heat source for a little while until they are feathered out. Otherwise here in...
Agree with earlier comment, ratio rooster(s) to hens not good. As for TSC, most cases with them, the chicks are Straight Run. Meaning they did not sex the chicks and you get what you get. I am in Ohio, we have Rural Kings and they are sexed and females.
As for the crowing, our county has a...
I use woodchips. My local power company use a in-house tree trimming group to trim trees around power lines. I reached out recently and got a huge load of chips. Will use a lot in the Run. Some for compost with garden soil and some for walking path.
I am a bit more concerned for baby chicks health than I have in the past. I have gotten chicks from Rural King without knowing if they are vaccinated before coming to the stores? I recently reached out to TSC and they get from a hatchery called Hoover Hatchery. The chicks in their stores are...
My many years, much like other posts. Never can tell. I just sold two fancy breeds, not friendly to me. But both hens ruled the roost. Since they been gone, I have one Barred Rock. She does not rule like the others did, but her friendliness increased. She talks to me, follows me. Not allowing...
Here in central Ohio we have Rural King, I have use their brand called Country Road. We use layer pellets. Never had issues with the hens, healthy, happy and no problems.
Only used TSC brands when I ran out as they are close by. Prefer RK's brand and for the price, before covid 50 lbs was...
I know name brands and such make people feel good. We have Rural Kings in Ohio . Have used their brand for years with layer pellets. About 16% protein. Currently paying $14 for 50 lbs. No ill affects, hens love it. Supplement with some heads of lettuce and a flick block. $20 or more for...
I have had some sickness with my hens here in Ohio and on another thread found out some treatments I use to purchase years ago no longer are sold unless a vet gives you a prescription. So I love this idea here with what you all have shared and have seen good results. May I ask what ratio is...
I had a hen with a runny and bloody backside back in early April. Took her out, kept her in isolation for over a month. Was sure she would pass in a few days, but she got better, started eating more and more and her backside cleared up. I finally thought, ok, place her back in the coop. She...
What is the vent I read others talking about? New word for me in relation to chickens.
Found this article about bleeding as I have a hen just today with same issues, she is now separated
Thank you!
Just got in from feeding and watering and I had 2 of the pullets lay in the eggbox today.
I added another box today now that the pullets are starting up.
Super excited, appreciate the feedback.
Hi, I have chicks, well, they are past that stage actually. Almost 6 months old, one has started to lay, she is laying where ever also, a habit I need to break. Two eggs so far and they are small, she is a Black Australorp. Any concerns for the small eggs? Or is this usual for first time...
Tim in Ohio,
Hi Leela, I looked at options in this website for Backyard Chickens to build ours. I found the size I wanted and design by pictures others posted, most often they will provide the coop details you will need. I am not handy, two guys from my church helped out last summer. I...
My first Ohio winter with chickens. Cleaning out coop way more often than summer/fall. Painful to say the least. Been using straw for bedding. Tried wood shavings today. Any helpful ideas appreciated.
My chicks now are 10 weeks old. I know they will get picked on if too small. My Astrolops are growing wonderfully. My small pin will be too small in a couple months and I need to make a move to the larger coop. What can I do to help in this with my chicken family.