I would be interested in trying that too. But I have roosters and I believe calcium isn’t good for them. I could be mistaken though, but I think that’s why we give it free choice.
This is just a follow-up. I ended up picking up some insulation (pink fluffy) and stuffing the eves with it. I closed up 6/8 openings and also the gable end roof above the door. I still have the gable end above the roost open as well as a couple eves on that side too. The ventilation comes from...
I’ve had chickens for years but can’t remember such poor quality of eggs. The shells are very soft. They are still hard shells but basically fall apart when you open them. Also the yolks break immediately, they seem to not have any structure.
I live in Vermont. Cold, dark days. I get about 2...
I ended up stuffing most of the eves with left over pink insulation. It’s behind hardware cloth so no hen can fly up and eat it. It seems much better in there now. Thanks.
I feel the breeze when I’m in there. If I had feathers, they would be ruffled! There is so much space that if I close it down except for two spaces, it will be plenty.
Last year I used straw to fill. But it was messy come spring and I’d rather not do that again.
I’ve left my eves open for ventilation but it’s too much in winter. Last year I stuffed it with hay which worked in a pinch but was very messy when I took it apart in the spring. I’d love to do something different this year.
Do you have any recommendations?
I live in Vermont. It’s very chilly...
I think it is called a slipped tendon. He has had it since birth. His leg seems to be outside of his hip joint. Or just not being held into the joint by the tendon. He is a teenager rooster and I thought maybe it would be better overtime as he gets stronger but it looks like it is getting worse...
Ok. This makes a lot of sense. I don’t think I’ll be cutting any holes but I won’t fill in the gaps. My door opens early so they can get out with the sun. I’m going to lower both the poop boats and the roost. Thanks as always for all of your help on my coop! You were the one that helped me...
Maybe try different pellets? Ours don’t have an aroma at all. I’ve been a chicken keeper for a long time. I wished I’d used them since the get-go. I might try the hemp for the poop tray. I’m not sure of the difference though. If it would be worth it.
Vermont is amazing! We love it here but the...
The theory is to have natural gaps (but not too many!) and also have a large area (but not too large!) to vent the moisture. Bedding choice is key. I have used linoleum on bottom and softened horse pellets on top. A dropping board under the roosts is key to keeping clean and moisture at bay. I...
I’m so confused now. What? Drafts are bad. We always hear that. Drafts are bad. Ventilation is good. I feel like having a draft come up from under their roost is not good.
Because of my not stellar construction skills, there are also drafts coming in through the front door. I guess I’m not as...
We had a little guy born to our broody. She laid on 12 eggs and he was the only one to be born. When he was born, his leg went behind him. I knew something was wrong. We tried splinting but it didn’t help. We thought maybe he would get stronger and it would be ok.
Well, his leg is not ok.
I...
I need some guidance on the placement of my roosts in relation to the eaves of my roof. I’m trying to figure out ventilation vs drafts for the winter. It’s an ongoing project.
I am rehabbing my roosts and I’m worried that the height will bring the chickens head too close to the eaves.
Last...
I’ve had my coop for a year. I built it myself. It’s been great for the most part. It is 8x12 with the roosting bars on the far end 8 ft wall, the human door on the other 8 ft wall and the nesting boxes on the 12’ wall with the chicken door opposite them.
The roosting bars is right in front of...
This is cross posted. I wasn’t sure where to post and I’m feeling very defeated right now.
It’s a long story but here’s the short version. We have new chicks. 7 chicks to 3 broody hens. Today, one of the hens attacked her chicks. We aren’t sure which hen, but we have an idea, no proof ) She...