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Thankfully we haven’t gotten that cold yet this winter. The past two winters here were rough! Glad to be having an easier winter especially since this is my first year with chickens. So far so good though with my coop- stays usually 5’C warmer that outside temps. Stay warm!

This is her now! Picture taken today, Jan 25, 2021. What a difference!! I think she still may improve with her feathering, but if she doesn’t, then at least she is semi normal now. Thought everyone would like to see the dramatic change.

I have sand trays under my roosts, and clean it with ease using a cat litter scoop. For the floor of the coop and nesting boxes, I use hemp. I find that the coop smells fresh for weeks at a time, and is nearly dust free. As well because it is a finer bedding, I am able to sift with my scoop...

You have given me a lot to consider. Thank you for chiming in. My current alpha rooster has actually I think provided some stability in hen relations. At first I was disappointed that my other rooster was dethroned because he is so calm and relaxed. But I soon noticed that squabbles between hens...

Yes all my chickens are Orpingtons. The hen in question is an Isabel Orpington- and one of my most beautiful hens, as well as one of my biggest. She is as big as the roosters- but not fat. I have another large hen like her that is a Lavender Cukoo, and Chocolate hen that is somewhat close to...

I have read about the benefits of having a “chicken jail” for time outs etc. I will need to see about how I can incorporate that into my current set up once spring comes. My coop is an old camper, and working well, but there is no space for a chicken time out spot unfortunately. I do have the...

Thank you. Good to know they will likely settle back down! My chickens have 2/3rds of an old tennis court with sand for their run. Trying to make the run more natural, I have given them places to hide and explore using a bunch of branches I had on hand. I also have put out old hay bales to...

I have a super dominant hen. I have no doubt that if both my roosters died, that this hen Jolene would transform into a rooster to take their place. I raised my flock from chicks- ending up with 12 hens and two roosters. Orpingtons- 3 color variations. Being a new chicken mom, I have found the...

Mine are not thrilled when I bring them sprouts. I have done alfalfa and then a mix of alfalfa, clover and radish. They pick at it, but in the end about a third of the sprouts are left over after an entire day. I figured they would be thrilled with sprouts, and an easy way for me to give them...

We have had a nearly a week of cold temps and snows, and my coop has been put to the test. So far so good! The coop has been keeping a few degrees warmer than the outside temp. And...my hen seems comfortable so far. I am so relieved!! I have looked into additional measures too for when our...

Ya she definitely has the shredder gene. I have looked at a lot of pictures to compare. Can you explain “pin feather wing patch“ more in depth? From your comment it sounds like it happens in roosters mostly? I am a new chicken owner, so there’s a huge learning curve. Thanks for the compliment on...

So I contacted the breeder, and she said she was aware of some of the problematic genetics in her Isabels- but appreciated me letting her know what I was seeing in my Isabels that I got from her as chicks. She has been breeding that coloration for only four years, and she said sourcing...

The more I look into this, the more I think this is for sure a genetic problem with her feathering. My poor girl! 😢 I’m going to do what I can for her still. She is a fighter!! I will contact the breeder to make sure she is aware, since she seems like someone who would want to know. “The Isabel...

I got her from a small breeder that shows frequently/wins and seems to be up on genetics etc. I chose her because people commented on how most if not all chicks survived etc, compared to some larger more commercial breeders. All my chicks that I got from her were active, ate well, and I didn’t...

Yes I have noticed that chickens try to eat things they shouldn’t. They are so much like little kids. Lol. Into everything! So far the hen in question hasn’t even used it. She slept beside it. 🤦‍♀️ Also, she is the only one who goes up there on that shelf that I placed it on, so I won’t have the...

Thank you for reminding me to update my profile. I keep forgetting to. 👍 I live in Alberta, Canada where temps of -40’C and colder are not uncommon. My flock is a bit over 20weeks/5months old. Got them as day old chicks from a small breeder who actively shows her birds. I had a few others who...

I have been feeding her separately while still in the coop, and if needed will sit with her until she finishes her “treat”. She knows the routine, and comes to her spot to eat what I bring her. I also have an additional feeding/water station set up so she doesn’t get chased away from eating her...

So winter has come, and it has made this new chicken mom nervous. I have a hen who has not fully feathered out like her siblings. She was one of the first to begin getting her wings etc coming in, and then she just remained on pause. I think I have noticed some recent progress, but essentially...

Great info! The best info this new chicken owner has read so far on winter coop heating. Living in the cold Canadian prairies where -40’C or colder is expected here and there, I cringed at not supplementing the coop at all with heat. I don’t expect the coop to be warm, but helping them cope a...

Hello to all! I am here to learn all I can about my new flock. I have 14 Orpingtons, two of which are roosters. I have 3 color variations- Isabel, Chocolate, and Lavender Cuckoo. Within the varing colors, I have noticed a distinct personality difference. Anyone else notice this? The Isabels are...