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    Thoughts on cockerel management?

    We have a very happy cockerel leading a flock of 22 hens. He is about 3 or 4 years old now (neighbour abandoned him). Last year we had a pretty awful Light Sussex hatch (1 egg hatched and it was a cock) so we have a cockerel with his hatch mum (unrelated female who was broody). The plan was to...
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    Odd hatch dates

    Thank you for your suggestion
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    Painting

    Yes, avoid using paints with toxic chemicals like lead, creosote, or oil-based paints with strong VOCs. Stick to water-based, non-toxic, animal-safe paints or those labeled as safe for pet enclosures. Make sure the paint is fully cured before letting chickens back in.
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    Temporary Fencing ideas?

    Use lightweight garden mesh or deer netting with T posts or stakes. It's flexible, easy to set up, and remove. Poultry netting kits like Premier 1 or Omlet are also great non-rigid options made for chickens. A used tennis net could work if tensioned well but may sag. Since bantams can fly, this...
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    Odd hatch dates

    Yes, it’s possible the eggs were partially incubated before you received them. This can happen if they were exposed to high heat during shipping or briefly incubated by a hen before collection. Early hatching is a sign the embryos may have already started developing. It’s not uncommon with...
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    could quails make friendly pets ?

    Yes, quails can make friendly pets if they're handled from birth and interacted with regularly. With consistent, gentle care, the chances of them becoming tame and comfortable around humans are quite good, especially with breeds like Coturnix.
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    Interior design

    Yes, they should be able to fly up to an 18" high roost without much issue, especially lighter breeds. However, with only 16–19" of space from the wall, it might be a bit tight for larger birds. Adding a simple ladder or step can help make it easier and safer, especially as they get older or if...
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    Cabinet Coop

    That’s a smart and creative solution! Using a solid wood kitchen cabinet as the base for a chicken coop is a great idea, especially on a budget. You made thoughtful modifications, added proper ventilation, and protected the wood with paint. It sounds sturdy and functional, and $60 is an...
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    Tips for Moving Adolescents to Coop??

    Try gradually increasing their time in the coop during cooler parts of the day, bringing familiar items like bedding or toys to make it feel safe. Offer food only inside the coop so they associate it with something positive. Keep them in for short periods while you're nearby to reassure them...
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    What to do after a predator attack

    I’ve been through this and it’s heartbreaking. I lost several of my first hens to a predator before I figured out how they were getting in. The guilt was overwhelming. I kept replaying what I should have done differently. But the truth is, predators are clever and persistent and sometimes we...
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    Help me understand this pullet's behavior

    Her behavior isn’t bad, just a sign of her unique personality. She’s likely bonding with you, which can happen as chickens see humans as safe figures. It’s fine to let her perch on you occasionally, but you can gently set boundaries if you don’t want her getting too comfortable. Moving her to...
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    Flooring... yes or no?

    Lava rock with a thick layer of straw can work well, especially since it offers good drainage and makes cleaning a bit easier. Just make sure the area is well-drained overall to prevent moisture buildup. Some people also use sand or pine shavings for similar reasons. Whatever you choose, regular...
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    Best Chick Lot Boot

    Thank you for your suggestion
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    Best Chick Lot Boot

    Try the Muck Boots Muckster II or Bogs Sauvie Slip-On. Both have sturdy tread, are waterproof, and offer much better support than Sloggers. I think you’ll notice the difference right away.
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    Chicken coop floor/foundation

    Yes, those are valid concerns. The gaps can make cleaning difficult, allow mites to hide, and cause drafts. Also, most pallets are not treated for ground contact, so they can rot over time if placed directly on soil. If you want to use it, consider covering the top with plywood to seal gaps and...
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    Insulation for coop and other questions

    Acorns contain tannins that can be toxic to chickens if eaten in large amounts. While most chickens avoid them, it's still a concern if they're in the run for long periods. Since you'll mostly free-range and only use the run occasionally, the risk is low, but it’s best to clear visible acorns...
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    Cleaning Solutions for Chick Supplies

    For cleaning, use basic soap and water for the plastic tote, feeder, and waterer. If you want to sanitize, a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) works, but make sure to rinse everything thoroughly. Alternatively, a white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water)...
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    🐔Can you keep a Meat chicken as a pet?🐔

    Yes, meat chickens like Cornish Cross are bred to grow very fast and can become overweight quickly. If not processed by 6–8 weeks, they often develop leg and heart problems due to their size, which is likely what happened to your chicken.
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    Best Grain Mill/Grinder for cracked grains?

    I use the Victoria Manual Grain Grinder and recommend it. It’s affordable, compact, and works well for grinding corn and grains for chicken feed.
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    Puzzling aggressive cat behavior

    Your cat's sudden aggression could be due to pain or an underlying medical issue, even if he seems otherwise healthy. Conditions like arthritis, dental problems, or neurological issues can cause this behavior. It might also be redirected aggression from a stressor you're not noticing. A vet...
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