ALABAMA!!

[PoultryVines]

They are a lot of fun to watch.  I just thought they would be dumb chickens that would provide me with a dozen or so eggs a week, but actually they've each got a personality.  Momma hen can be tough at times but at the end of the day they all cuddle up with each other in the coop and go to sleep.

I think they are finally starting to warm up to me a bit.  They used to run from me when I went in the coop but now they come up to me.  They just want my food but it's a start lol.  I've got a fenced in coop inside of a fenced in backyard.  I'm thinking about letting them free range out in the backyard some inside of the fence.  Is this a good/bad idea?  How long do you think I should wait to try this?

 

[BexB]

Mine are completely free range. I lock them up tight every night,but in the day,they are everywhere.I do have a covered run and a few small tractors , for mothers and babies. The hawks are quite numerous up in my neck of the woods. I don't want them to even have a chance at my babies.

 

[jboom]

If your willing to drive into Huntsville,  CT Garvins sells chicks and they are labeled pullets (except for the silkie bantams).   As they are in the city they usually don't have roosters.

I checked CT Garvins out yesterday and I think I found my new favorite store. I got there a little bit before they closed so I didn't get to see everything. Guess I'll just have to go back. No chickens yet. They'll be getting some soon tho. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Talithahorse]

Your welcome. They are great. Chicks should be in very soon. I can let you know when the chicks arrive as I shop there all the time.

 

[jboom]

That would be great. I think Tractor Supply starts getting theirs on the 18th.

 

[Alabama Jack]

Tractor Supply had barred rocks this weekend, but they were straight run.

 

[Tomtommom]

Anyone care to guess what breed these might be? Got them at the Ft Payne TSC yesterday and of course they didnt know.

'red pullets' .. thar's what TSC usually sells them as. I call them production reds, they're a mishmash red bird that lays well.

 

[Razadia]

I wonder what my feed store will have or already have?

In other news, BIL didn't end up with a pocket full of broken egg. He actually put in the cup holder in his truck and ate it for breakfast this morning.

 

[Alabama Jack]

3"s of snow forecasted for Friday in Huntsville. Our 5 week olds are outgrowing the brooder and I can't see putting them out in this weather. However, the following weekend looks promising.

 

[Alabama Jack]

One of our EEs. The colors are too cool. We have two almost identical ones, and we call them hawk 1 and hawk 2.