I'm a big proponent of being able to walk in with a human sized door, and to have an overhang over the egg door, so I don't get rained on while collecting eggs :)
Otherwise, I like having a boot tray under the perches to easily dispose of droppings in our compost.
Such a fun time! Good luck!
Mine dig about 4-6 inches on a hot summer day to get a dustbath. Otherwise, it is much shallower than that. You might just be able to provide a dustbath area and forego such a deep sand layer in your run.
It's a little hard to tell from the photos, but any type of growth next to an open top run can assist predators in getting in - raccoons, cats, etc. The fence certainly doesn't seem tall enough to keep a jumping dog out? I think you have to measure your risk here - will you have many stranger...
Probably depends how many you have (can they keep each other warm) and that they are fully feathered. Make sure they are draft free at night, and probably good.
This happened to one of mine the other day! I fed her warm oat meal mash, and hung a nipple waterer instead of the standard waterer (I thought it being above her might be helpful). Took half a day, and then she stopped making the sound, and has been fine since. No idea. I kind of think she just...
Looks like a great idea! I'd put a board in the front, so the eggs don't roll out (or get pushed out). The hens like it dark, so just make sure it is positioned so it doesn't get too much light in - maybe that is why they don't use your milk crates? You could fill with hay, or we've had a lot...
We hang lots of fruits and veggies via rope (heads of lettuce are a favorite), but I never thought to score the item prior for easier eating. Thanks for the tips!
Apologies for delayed response! I'm not sure I can attribute it to the breed as a whole, but for the couple I've had, it's been a problem. Fed them same as all the other girls - layer pellets, plenty of oyster shells and grit, kitchen scraps, grubbies for extra protein during moult, and...
I know this was quite some time ago, but did you ever figure out what this was or a way to treat it? I just adopted two "mutts" who were hatched from a preschool that are having same issues - including redness between toes, which is very unusual.
I've had various chickens for ten years and this...
Hi!
I'm Kristen, and I have a small flock in the Logan Square neighborhood of the Windy City!
If anyone is local, please attend the annual Windy City coop tour which is so much fun.
Hope to learn lots and share my information.
Thanks!
I think the egg color isn't as "blue" as I've seen with some Auracanas, but it is at least consistent.
Our WTB are pretty skittish/flighty, but good foragers. Have had some problems with prolapse, and shell thickness, though I haven't heard that from anyone else. Our other girls are fine...