Search results for query: *

I haven't used the cones. I am actually afraid that I won't cut the jugular right and cause more suffering. I just wring the neck and, as quickly as possilbe, decapitate. This way, there is no doubt that the suffering is ended. Sounds brutal, I know, but once decapitated the suffering is...

Nothing tastes better than "homegrown" chicken. You know what it was fed and how it was treated. When I processed our first two, they were left in the fridge for about 72 hours then cut up. We fileted the breast meat off, cut the legs and thighs off in one piece, then cut off the wings. The...

If you are looking for sheet metal to line your nesting boxes, try flashing. It is a thin metal used in roofing applications. You can find it at home improvment stores or hardware stores. It comes in various widths and is usually sold by the foot. Hope this helps!

I have only put linoleum down in one coop, and I nailed it down. Since shovels can be hard on the linoleum, I figured that it would be easier to change the linoleum if it was nailed down instead of glued.

The best option, with the wind you have, is to over-build. Plan on building a structure that could withstand a hurricane and you will be fine. 2x6s are a good choice in this application. For the roof, make sure to build it so that the wind can't get under the edge, though. Once strong wind...

Pallet boards are an excellent option for coop materials! As are large wooden shipping crates.

The frozen bottles for them to sit on is a good idea. We do that here in California. The gallon jugs of frozen water in front of a fan is great idea. Cool air for them, but they don't get wet.

You will have to play around with the number of nest boxes. A lot of people, myself included, have hens that insist on using the same nest box. I have even had one of my girls lay her egg on the back of another because she got into the nest box first. Meanwhile there are plenty of perfectly...

The only down side would be heat radiated inside the coop. Too much heat is bad for the birds. But, the double roof idea is a good idea. Extra work and materials, but a good idea. Arizona has a reputation for being quite warm. Make sure that the birds don't get too hot, they could suffocate.

Quote: Nice coop, but way too small for 12 birds. Not enough roosting space. As they get older, they are going to want to roost not sleep in the nest boxes. The hens only use them for laying, and they all want to use the same one, anyway. At least my girls are that way. If you are going...

Quote: I agree. Put the inserted coop on legs. That way you don't lose any ground space and gain shade at that end of the run. It's a win-win!

Quote: Me, too! Uh, that's for ME to move in, not you. Sowwy. I am so antsy about this I drove up to the foothills today JUST to look at the house and property again. My favorite feed store is on the way, and when I left and Bradshaw hit Highway 16, I just turned right instead of...

I agree with spot. A lot will depend on your climate. Once we know this, we can better answer your questions. And pics would also help us to help you.

Quote: As long as it is structurally sound, retrofitting the old garage should be pretty simple. A door, some roosts and nest boxes...

Welcome to the neighborhood!

I wouldn't cover the entire run with plywood. They need sunshine, too. If you want to cover a portion of the run with plywood for shade, rain protection, etc, I'm sure they would appreciate it.

Looking good so far! Well, you could build trusses on the ground, but you would need help to put them up. In your case, being a solo job, the best bet is to frame it in place. You will need a ladder to reach the peak. Pat's suggestion is a simplified version of what I said. I can't think of...

Is the window in the front the only ventilation? If so, then yes, you need more. I don't remember the exact amount required per bird, but the more ventilation you can provide them the better. If you live where it gets cold, then make the vents so that some of them can be closed. Windows in...

An 8x8 coop is large enough fo 16 birds at 4 sqft/bird.