I haven't had chickens since 2015. I remember a lot of the basics and sure missed having birds, but find myself questioning things this time around.
Bought 4 pullets two weeks ago.
2 black australorps and 2 EEs. They're roughly 2.5/3 months old I guess(?)
Beautiful birds, though not quite the breeds I had in mind this go around. Wanted some pretty grey hens, of any particular breed. In hopes their lighter colors would help them with the heat. But the seller was leaving the state and selling everything for a decent price.
They have a prefab coop weve added more ventilation to and keep it under our covered patio in hopes to help keep the coop cooler and make the prefab last as long as possible. I do still want to add more ventilation to it.
They have double layered shade throughout the run, a box fan, dirt and multiple sources of water.
They're active and spunky but my questions are:
One of the EEs pants. Loudly. Like a honk panting. She eats, preens, drinks, doesn't hold her wings away from her body. But sounds miserable. Is she?
They like to pile together in the shaded dirt and relax.
Feathers. They're everywhere but no one appears to be in a molt. Is this a normal amount of shed for 3 nights? I can't tell who is shedding this much cause none look raggedy.
Preening- they preen a lot. Possibly a normal amount, but almost every time I peek at them to see what they're up to- they're preening. Could they have mites? Haven't held any to check as they're still getting to know me and somewhat leery.
I do plan to add HC to the run. Just haven't gotten there yet. Our livestock guardian cat keeps predators away so far. But its top of my short list of to-do items. Still need to add the cinder blocks to the 2nd run and I want to add 1 more pen to make 3 connected runs. More space the better.
Its not perfect yet, but I still love it. Want to add some lavender and rosemary along the outside of the run with a paved walkway. As well as add to the run all the way to the end of the patio.
Any insights to the honk panting, preening and seemingly excessive feather shedding is appreciated.
So good to be back!
Bought 4 pullets two weeks ago.
2 black australorps and 2 EEs. They're roughly 2.5/3 months old I guess(?)
Beautiful birds, though not quite the breeds I had in mind this go around. Wanted some pretty grey hens, of any particular breed. In hopes their lighter colors would help them with the heat. But the seller was leaving the state and selling everything for a decent price.
They have a prefab coop weve added more ventilation to and keep it under our covered patio in hopes to help keep the coop cooler and make the prefab last as long as possible. I do still want to add more ventilation to it.
They have double layered shade throughout the run, a box fan, dirt and multiple sources of water.
They're active and spunky but my questions are:
One of the EEs pants. Loudly. Like a honk panting. She eats, preens, drinks, doesn't hold her wings away from her body. But sounds miserable. Is she?
They like to pile together in the shaded dirt and relax.
Feathers. They're everywhere but no one appears to be in a molt. Is this a normal amount of shed for 3 nights? I can't tell who is shedding this much cause none look raggedy.
Preening- they preen a lot. Possibly a normal amount, but almost every time I peek at them to see what they're up to- they're preening. Could they have mites? Haven't held any to check as they're still getting to know me and somewhat leery.
I do plan to add HC to the run. Just haven't gotten there yet. Our livestock guardian cat keeps predators away so far. But its top of my short list of to-do items. Still need to add the cinder blocks to the 2nd run and I want to add 1 more pen to make 3 connected runs. More space the better.
Its not perfect yet, but I still love it. Want to add some lavender and rosemary along the outside of the run with a paved walkway. As well as add to the run all the way to the end of the patio.
Any insights to the honk panting, preening and seemingly excessive feather shedding is appreciated.
So good to be back!
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