You are 100% correct about needing ventilation and the negative effects of humidity. My coop has plenty of ventilation. It's attached to the garage with a a thick blanket as a door. I sealed the cracks that were producing drafts. I have Silkies, and tI find that hey do better when the coop temp...
You can buy foraging mixes (seed). I got some on Etsy (supporting the small businesses), but they are easy to find on the Internet. Unless you use a grazing frame in the run, as others have said, your chickens will decimate the seedlings in no time flat.
I did note that it depends on the coop's construction and size, and the breed. I agree that heating can pose a severe danger, that's why I use the coop heaters. IMO they are very safe, unlike heat lamps and most other sources. Insulating, if you can, sealing cracks, straw for extra insulation...
I think it depends on how many chickens you have, your coop's construction and size, and what breed your chickens are, because some are more cold hardy than others. I've always had a small flock of silkies - in a big coop - really a room off of my garage. It's totally dry and solidly built with...
I always held mine cupped in a hand, and let them snuggle in the crook of my neck where I think they feel safer. I have a hen who is going on 9 yrs. and she still freaks a bit when I pick her up, unless I let her snuggle. I also played soothing music for them (who knows) and kept a towel or...
Hi there,
Here are my random thoughts - not based on science.
Charging at feeding time.
I think many domesticated animals do this - my cats for example. A bowl of food is easy pickins. Free ranging is great but it takes more energy to fill up.
Maybe they're hungry?
Have you considered...
Straw (not hay - straw has hollow stems) is a good insulator. R-50 for straw bails. If you have a big coop, you can build them a straw bail retreat. I have a big coop. I insulated it (pink stuff) and sealed all of the cracks. In the winter I hang blankets (curtains, sort of) over the windows at...
Huh - never heard of lash material and Salpingitis - I just did some quick research - too quick however, to figure out if it is contagious. But - she's been on a ton of antibiotics.
Whatever it may be, I am letting her do exactly as you suggest. Fortunately my vet gives the birds he...
Seems I don't know how to properly post replies....
Azygous, the thing is, she's been slowly getting worse--since June--she is eating (although losing weight) and it is only the past week that her energy seems to be waning. But yes, cancer is a definite possibility.
I am not feeling hopeful...
This is what she was on for a month. I forget the the names for the first two. It had a minor effect. I say this because she is getting worse now I'm not giving her anything, but it didn't clear it up.
Hi,
I adopted a Silkie hen in June 2019 who coughed ever so lightly once the day she arrived, and I one of her eyes was slightly watery. The owners had just taken her to the vet for a health check before handing her over and that vet gave her a clean bill of health.
Since then she has gotten...