These are from a flock down in Wilcox that are only maybe one or two generations from an imported line. I'm really looking forward to see how they do. Never really got the impression that they were delicate though... flavored maybe..
I guess France is a moderate climate and that's what they've lived in for probably a thousand chicken generations... Pretty sure I've just inadvertantly eliminated all the ones that can't handle the heat, though.. haha!!!
That is one way to cull out the weak sisters. No expensive feed required!These are from a flock down in Wilcox that are only maybe one or two generations from an imported line. I'm really looking forward to see how they do. Never really got the impression that they were delicate though... flavored maybe..
If they do well for you, I would be interested in some next year! Prescott is more like France, but we have our hot, humid monsoon weather. I am just new to AZ still, but I want some chickens after we find a chicken-friendly neighborhood and so I am here meeting you guys. The next time I get chickens, I want to start off with better than the hatchery Orpingtons I had before.These are from a flock down in Wilcox that are only maybe one or two generations from an imported line. I'm really looking forward to see how they do. Never really got the impression that they were delicate though... flavored maybe..
Because of the heat? What was wrong with the orpingtons? I've raised hatchery Black Australorps here twice and they did fantastic but not good for meat. Most TSC's and feed stores here get their birds from Privett which is in a similar climate just over in NM, and they do fairly well. Some still get their birds from McMurry and I would not buy those, too far to ship and the climate is too different. There's plenty of breeders here in this AZ thread though, so when your ready just give a shout. These kids will probably be ready with fertile eggs next spring.
The Orpingtons did not have anything wrong with them, really. Not very meaty, but good tasting. They were from McMurray, this was 1987, and I was in California. I did not have any deaths in shipping, and only one Cornish-X did die in a couple of days. I got a mixed lot like lots of new chicken keepers, the Buff Orpingtons were the best, I think. Years later, there are now more options to get birds from small breeders, I believe.
I am also new to the Arizona climate. But, I can answer about layer mash. Wait to feed it until they have laid eggs. Some people I know from CA used cooler mats in their nests, they seemed to work great in the CA desert near Palm Springs. It sounds like plenty of nest boxes, they all like to jam into the same box! Good luck on lots of Arizona eggs!I've got a few questions for my AZ chicken friends...we are getting ready to lay in the next coming month or so, and I'm thinking of introducing them to the nest boxes soon. So far they have been closed off because they tried to sleep in them the first night.
First question: is there a certain material that is best for nests? Particularly given the southern AZ heat and critter issues, what do you guys use? I have read so many different opinions...it looks like either pine shavings or straw hay is ideal. I'm worried about scorpions getting into the hay, and my chickens like to kick the pine shaving bedding all over the place. The nest box is about 3 feet up off of the ground.
Second question: will 3 seperate nest boxes be enough for ten hens? It is one big nest box divided into thirds.
Third question: should I switch to layer feed before or after they start laying?
Thanks so much in advance guys! I know I can find so many answers on this site, but I like to narrow it down to AZ folk so I can get good info pertinent to our climate and desert environment
It made me so mad. I made nice nests for my layers. I had 30 layers, so I made 10 nests! The dumb clucks used only 2 of them. I could not tell any difference. I moved them. I cleaned them. I put straw in them. LOL -- I found a nest in the yard under the Oleanders where they were hiding the eggs! Darn Brown Leghorn would fly over the fence around the coop, lay an egg, and fly back in and eat.@Parront thank you! I also heard they will pile up in one box, or wait in line for the same box while other boxes are open lol...now this I cannot wait to see
Hi SonoranChick, I'm no expert for sure, but the nesting material I've, (that is we've) had most success with is the aspen material found in evaporative cooler pads. You'll need to remove the nylon netting so their little toes don't get tangled. They are clean, not dusty, smooth and comfy, and don't become matted or rotten. The pads are pretty cheap and a couple should be plenty for your girls. Sorry, not sure about being scorpion proof, but hopefully your girls will snack on the critters.I've got a few questions for my AZ chicken friends...we are getting ready to lay in the next coming month or so, and I'm thinking of introducing them to the nest boxes soon. So far they have been closed off because they tried to sleep in them the first night.
First question: is there a certain material that is best for nests? Particularly given the southern AZ heat and critter issues, what do you guys use? I have read so many different opinions...it looks like either pine shavings or straw hay is ideal. I'm worried about scorpions getting into the hay, and my chickens like to kick the pine shaving bedding all over the place. The nest box is about 3 feet up off of the ground.
Second question: will 3 seperate nest boxes be enough for ten hens? It is one big nest box divided into thirds.
Third question: should I switch to layer feed before or after they start laying?
Thanks so much in advance guys! I know I can find so many answers on this site, but I like to narrow it down to AZ folk so I can get good info pertinent to our climate and desert environment
