Free ranging your chickens will definitely result in darker yolks, but I believe if you give them enough leafy greens, weeds, and kitchen scraps you will also get darker yolks since they will be eating similar foods that they would get if they were free ranging. I don't know how much of a roll...
Is there any way that you can put a mesh/wire divider between them in their space so that the older birds could see the younger ones, but not reach them or get to them until the little chicks are big enough to join the rest? Then they would not be completely new to the older birds, and would...
That is a bit of a significant size difference, is there anyway that you could put a mesh divider in the brooder so the two groups could see each other for a week or so before you combine them? It would be good for them to get used to each other in a safe area before they are thrown together...
sorry for your loss :( my dog killed one of my chickens "playing" with her while I was out of town last year, with some training and discipline he now ignores the girls, but it was very hard to go through. I hope that the rest of your chickies stay safe!
I would definitely put her in a box or crate for a couple days, I also don't know why Tractor Supply would not recommend Blu Kote, it is supposed to work well to discourage pecking as it covers the injured area. Hope she recovers quickly!
If you are not willing to shoot the dogs then you should invest in a good fence to keep them out, electric if possible. Also I would make sure to tell the sheriff that these dogs were aggressive towards you as well as your live stock- a pack of that size can do serious damage! You should...
At 2 yrs old many hens start slowing down their egg production, I would not be concerned as long as she is behaving normally. She is just getting ready for retirement! Better get her a bikini ;)
I live in San Diego, but originally I am from Northern California- up in the redwoods. I love animals, and decided to try raising chickens! We built a coop designed based on some of the great coops here on BYC. It cost about $350-$400 all told, and the girls love it! I used SunTuf plastic...
Wow I wish you could chicken sit for me! I bet you will see an improvement just with giving them the right feed, lack of protein would definitely cause them to pluck each other. The cabbage is also good, you could also throw scratch and black oil sunflower seeds out for them to snack on during...
I would cordon off part of the brooder for him and maybe one other chick so he isn't lonely- then show him where the food & water are- you may have to do this several times before he learns. The smaller area will make it easier for him to find. As he adjusts you can gradually increase his area...
two of my 8 month olds are molting too, they both have pale combs and have covered my yard in feathers. My cochin has been molting for over three months now! My cuckoo maran just started two weeks ago. Can't wait for them to get their feathers back and lay again, I am down to only three layers...
Target has solar lights for $19.99, I think the strand is 19ft- but I could be remembering incorrectly, might be 16ft. A bit pricey but they had a three year warranty, and it's pretty cool to have solar lights for the coop!
Thanks for all the responses, my friend said they will be moved to the South Shelter (which handles live stock) and they will be put up for adoption- so if you live in San Diego and are interested these guys might still be available! Very pretty birds, if I had more room I would take them!
sorry about the bear attack, I would try to find the wound, clip the feathers around the area if you need to and clean it with warm water and soap. Or an antibacterial wound spray if you have one. If the wound seems shallow then just keep it clean and apply neosporin (the kind without painkiller...