2018 Newbie Chat!

[CannedMonster]

I posted a thread about the two broodys in the one nest together.
One person already told me they had two broodys hatch and raise chicks together successfully so maybe it can work.

 

[llombardo]

The little ones had a field trip outside today. It was about 68 degrees. They were outside for about 7 hours. They explored everything. They are just over a month and Sweet Pea made her way to the top of the coop. One of the EEs found a worm and the chase was on--it was hilarious.

I got most of the run cleaned up. Took plastic down, cleaned up some rabbit poop(got more to go), unplugged all electrical stuff, etc. I still got to clean out the feeders and waterers. Got the ducks a new temp pool until I get what I want set up for them. I took netting down on the side area and I'm redoing that--I got a plan to get the little ones out there safely during the day. Catching them is not fun--they fit everywhere.

I had the electric cords in pvc tubing and it was chewed up. I don't think its mice, but leaning toward moles and voles. I saw one at the start of winter. Little buttheads did a number onthe cords. I was waiting for one to pop out of the pipe.

Took some pictures. Sweet Pee decided my head was a good place to be--she stood there for quite a while. Didn't poop on me either..lol

When they first got out there

They started exploring pretty quick

They made themselves at home in the coop

They were all over the branches(little one could not get up there--she tried and tried)

Alina walked up and down this branch

No name yet but full of confidence

On my head

 

[Chickenupho]

Hi y’all I just caught up(from like page 200 lol)

 

[Chickenupho]

Is it really necessary to feed grower? Or can I just keep them on starter and switch to layer? Btw I use the scratch and peck organic starter.

 

[CannedMonster]

Is it really necessary to feed grower? Or can I just keep them on starter and switch to layer? Btw I use the scratch and peck organic starter.

I think you can just leave them on the starter.
I feel Flock Raiser to all ages and supply the layers with oyster shell in a separate container free choice.
It’s just easier for me since I have roosters, hens and all ages of chicks.

 

[CannedMonster]

We have chicks coming!!!



I moved the broodys to the little coop with a nest box in it.
As I was moving the eggs to the box my finger went into a depression on the egg and a chick started chirping!
I had no idea it had pipped already.
I was scared that I had injured it somehow!
I had to check it but Bootsie kept pecking me so hard.
Itsy was fine; she would growl but didn’t peck or bite.
Finally I was able to see that there’s cracks on the outside of the shell but no hole yet.
I’m so excited to see these babies

I hope all 4 eggs hatch and that both these girls share the babies.

I’m worried that the box is too small though.
I really hope they don’t step on the babies.

 

[No More Empty Nest]

Is it really necessary to feed grower? Or can I just keep them on starter and switch to layer? Btw I use the scratch and peck organic starter.

I use all flock with oyster shell on the side too.
Which brings up a question. What do all of you put your oyster shell in? I tried a bowl, they tipped it over and scratched it all out. I tried the little feeder I used when they were chicks and they tipped that over too. Funny thing is, their grit is in a bowl and they don't tip that over or scratch in it.

 

[llombardo]

I use all flock with oyster shell on the side too.
Which brings up a question. What do all of you put your oyster shell in? I tried a bowl, they tipped it over and scratched it all out. I tried the little feeder I used when they were chicks and they tipped that over too. Funny thing is, their grit is in a bowl and they don't tip that over or scratch in it.

I use a bowl that attaches to the hardware cloth in the coop. I also use small zip ties to make sure it don't go anywhere. The ducks are a different story, they knock it over within minutes.

 

[CannedMonster]

I use all flock with oyster shell on the side too.
Which brings up a question. What do all of you put your oyster shell in? I tried a bowl, they tipped it over and scratched it all out. I tried the little feeder I used when they were chicks and they tipped that over too. Funny thing is, their grit is in a bowl and they don't tip that over or scratch in it.

I think they scratch in the oyster shell because they’re looking for specific pieces.
I’ve watched my birds going through it and that’s what they all seem to be doing.
I bought a double sided container (it’s supposed to be for goats lol) and it has holes to attach it with screws to something.
DH put that one in the big coop.
Grit in one side and oyster shell in the other.
It works pretty good.
In the bantam coop we use galvanized metal containers with hooks on the back that hang on the hardware cloth like llombardo mentioned.

I’m having the same problem as you have in our new coop.
There’s nowhere to attach the double sided container in there where they won’t poop in it.
We’re still trying to figure that one out.

 

[llombardo]

I think they scratch in the oyster shell because they’re looking for specific pieces.
I’ve watched my birds going through it and that’s what they all seem to be doing.
I bought a double sided container (it’s supposed to be for goats lol) and it has holes to attach it with screws to something.
DH put that one in the big coop.
Grit in one side and oyster shell in the other.
It works pretty good.
In the bantam coop we use galvanized metal containers with hooks on the back that hang on the hardware cloth like llombardo mentioned.

I’m having the same problem as you have in our new coop.
There’s nowhere to attach the double sided container in there where they won’t poop in it.
We’re still trying to figure that one out.

How are the best boxes in that coop? Can you go under the nest boxes to attach it?

What are the double sided ones called? I may need to get those.