American serama thread!

[RedRoosterFarm]

Where are the pictures? Everyone has a great set up and I thought I did too. Then I got more birds. I have nice big pens for summer but its to cold now. My biggest issue is no floor in my building so it stays damp. I put cages in and it helps a lot but a wet or damp bird is not happy so gotta get a floor or cages.
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[RedRoosterFarm]

ok, whats BSA? where so I can drool!
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[Chicklette 1]

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I have just set up cages in my garage and made sides about 6 inches tall out of a foam board to help keep the shavings in. I used the 42X28X30h dog kennels with a double door. The large door on the long side gives me great access for cleaning and the height allows me to put 2 perches in for them. I am using them as grow out pens and will also use them for breeding cages. So far, so good. I also bought on that is a little smaller and only has one door. Got them from Craigs list and bought 2 of them at a great price and free shipping on line. I have them elevated on a picnic table right in front of a couple of windows so they get natural light. I do have heat lamps to use on top of them but they are getting old enough now that I only turn them on if it is really, really cold. The garage stays pretty warm. I am also getting one set up with the pelleted pine to see if I like that better than sand or shavings. My cages all have removable plastic pans on the bottom so it is solid flooring. I just clean the litter and I don't take the pans out unless I need to wash them. I don't feel good about the birds on wire all the time either. Just thought I'd add to the suggestions for you.

If you mean styrofoam board, they will eat that. You can use wood or plastic to keep the bedding in the cage.

No it is a covered styrofoam and I completely covered each board in clear heavy duty postal tape so I could wipe them off.

 

[Ok_Junebug]

For those of you close enough to attend the Shawnee, Ok. (Oklahoma State Poultry Federation) Show on Dec. 10-11....entries close on Nov. 18 or the first 2800 birds. Space will be limited since we only have 1/2 of the building this year....in cage show only. Couldn't get everything together in time for a TT show....maybe next year. Here is a link to the catalog with entry forms and other information.

www.okspf.com

 

[YB192004]

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I will try both and see how I like em. I don't like wire for feather legged or heavy breeds so I never used them before.


If you use playsand, the trays got to be at least 6" deep.....even at 6" deep, they still kick the sands all over when they bath. I find the sand help keep their wing tips from breaking off when they strutt.

Few pics of my sandbox cages

 

[TownhouseSeramas]

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Between what ages would I be able to house on 1/2 X 1/2 wire? Chicks would probably spend the first week inside anyways. I originally planned on putting chicks in these coops.
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee449/moubre733/coop2.jpg
BUT After about 20 minutes the shavings are disgusting. Well maybe not exactly 20 minutes but it sure seems like it! I usually change shavings for the adults once or twice a week. Plus all the chicks do is kick up shavings in their feeders. Boy they sure are a hand full.

They are SO TINY those aren't very big cages and they look so SMALL in them

 

[TownhouseSeramas]

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If you use playsand, the trays got to be at least 6" deep.....even at 6" deep, they still kick the sands all over when they bath. I find the sand help keep their wing tips from breaking off when they strutt.

Few pics of my sandbox cages

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp3_02_09_11_012.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_010.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_011.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_012.jpg

I like those! I might have to steal that idea if you don't mind, I like those alot. Especially for indoors. Outside I like the wire doors, but for inside that would be a great idea.

 

[RedRoosterFarm]

wow! Those are to cool! Look warm too. I like the deep sand. I have trouble keeping the sand out of the feed and water dishes even when they are 3 or 4 inches off the floor. the birds throw the sand all over. Thanks for the pix!
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If you use playsand, the trays got to be at least 6" deep.....even at 6" deep, they still kick the sands all over when they bath. I find the sand help keep their wing tips from breaking off when they strutt.

Few pics of my sandbox cages

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp3_02_09_11_012.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_010.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_011.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_012.jpg

 

[YB192004]

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If you use playsand, the trays got to be at least 6" deep.....even at 6" deep, they still kick the sands all over when they bath. I find the sand help keep their wing tips from breaking off when they strutt.

Few pics of my sandbox cages

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp3_02_09_11_012.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_010.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_011.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_012.jpg

I like those! I might have to steal that idea if you don't mind, I like those alot. Especially for indoors. Outside I like the wire doors, but for inside that would be a great idea.

Thanks, the measurements are 30" X 36" X 30". I built the cage on wheels so I can roll it in and out for clean up or give the birds some time in the sun. It was originally design to reduce the noise to keep my neighbors happy.

I use the reptile sand strainer to clean up the sand every day.

 

[ZooMummzy]

Quote:

If you use playsand, the trays got to be at least 6" deep.....even at 6" deep, they still kick the sands all over when they bath. I find the sand help keep their wing tips from breaking off when they strutt.

Few pics of my sandbox cages

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp3_02_09_11_012.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_010.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_011.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/34472_jp5_012.jpg

Love the cages and the water/feeder idea! I just switched all mine to rodent water bottles. I cannot believe I didn't do it sooner! I'm looking for better feeder ideas now. Do you find they make less of a mess with those? I have the hanging ones and they take up so much room in the cages and they tend to dig out the food constantly.