Arizona Chickens

[ctroyer]

So, should I be overly concerned about my EE? I'm not sure of the exact age - when I got her in mid-August, Pratt's told me she was 4-1/2 months, which would put her at over 7 months now. She continues to show pre-egg-laying behaviors, just no eggs! I know, I know ........ patience is a virtue, but no one has ever called me virtuous

I was the same way. Waiting for the first egg to come was the hardest thing about having chickens. Well maybe building the coop was harder physically but not mentally. But I do think you will have an egg any time now.

 

[flower]

My next trip to the Valley might be to go to the meeting below. Sounds very interesting to me.

http://www.meetup.com/AquaponicPioneers/

December 7

 

[MandyFitch]

Whose doing Tour de Coups this Saturday? I'm really looking forward to it!

 

[Beckyhsinglsc]

Whose doing Tour de Coups this Saturday? I'm really looking forward to it!

I wanted to but I don't have enough time to go all the way to Phoenix and back first. I wish I could check in in the East Valley and just tour the EV coops.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

My next trip to the Valley might be to go to the meeting below. Sounds very interesting to me.

http://www.meetup.com/AquaponicPioneers/

December 7

I think you'll find it very interesting. I used to go to our Tucson Aquaponics Meetup. If you ever find yourself in Tucson, come by and see my system.

 

[City farm]

 
Hello and it is great that you have taken such good care of the chickens. I think that would have been daunting to buy a house and inherit chickens before I actually did the research and decided we wanted chickens. To keep the girls cool in the summer besides the shade I would also consider shallow dishes or pans that you can put water in for them to cool their feet. We just got chickens this summer and were worried about the heat and found that our chickens never panted in the coop once we added this. They would just go stand in the water for a bit and be perfectly content. Good luck!

We were looking for land so we could have chickens and other livestock. We were excited that they were established and laying already, making it easier for us. We actually put the chickens and their supplies in the written contract when we made an offer on the house. During the 8 weeks we waited to close, I read pretty much every chicken book in the library plus internet reading.

Some of my hens love walking in the water I dump out when washing their waterers. I am hoping to figure out how to put in a mister system by next summer. Does anybody here use one?

I bet your realtor is still talking about that contract..
Our misters work great. We have them by a wall & the grape vine.. We have the whole house on the H2o concepts.. It even goes
threw the hose for the garden.. Best investment we could do for our family..if anyone is ever interested in the system call Kerry Krueger he
is great.. (623)582-5222. P.M. Me & I will amswer any other questions about the amazing system..

 

[City farm]

 

City farm...I am not sure about our roo. I need to figure out how to post photos here, but he is really dark red, kind of coppery in the sun, with beetle green shimmery dark tail feathers. He has a single comb and yellow feet and red ears. At first I thought RIR, but he looks like a lot of Barnevelder photos I've seen. The previous owner only knew the breeds of two hens that he called goldens, but they are EEs and lay green eggs. The two I originally thought were RIR I think must be the goldens ( red sexlinks?), they are dark red like a RIR. Then two barred rocks and a BO.
Are your water misters high maintenance? Do you turn them on only during the day in the summer, or leave them on all the time?

Depending on how hot it is I would leave them on all day & night. Most of the time I only did it for 2 hours at a time. 3-5 was about
the average.. Then they would free range from the side yard to the front.. They have the whole side of the house 40 feet by 7-8 feet..
Now they go in the back yard with the dogs from about 3:30 till they put themselves to bed...
You will fell better if you are not home durring the day in the summer when they have a mister system..
I can not post photos or I would show ya all.

 

[City farm]

 
Welcome to the AZ BYC! Your chickens are lucky to have you. I would bet the eggs are much tastier with a varied and healthier diet as well. Sometimes if you post pics of your set-up those experienced chickeners can give you some great advice for ventilation and protection.

They are starting to taste better, and I think they are getting bigger as well. And I am surprised, with them being older chickens...that every egg we have eaten has been fertilized. It grosses my husband out...he says he wants store bought eggs again. I never should have told him!

Whatever, seriously, what is their problem... Don't they know that fertilized eggs are better for your cholesterol.
Speaking of cholesterol. Has anyone watched "The oiling of America"? It is on utube

 

[City farm]

]I went out to check on our broody hen Felisha.. So cool, I could hear the baby chick.. 3pip's.. Anticipation
I have to go back to work for a bit, but when I get home hopefully at least 2 ?? She got down while I was
there.. She dusted, pooed,drank, ran off the other girls, dusted again. Stretched & ate some more.. Whew
she was trying to fit it all in.. She has a long haul for the next few days... Can't wait to see those little stinkers..
We will be giving them away if anyone wants them.. In about 1-2 weeks..

 

[desertmarcy]

I just wanted to let you all know, Arizona Public Media called me today and said my turkey story will air Monday Nov. 18th, at 6:30 pm, on Channel 6 (Arizona Illustrated). It will also be available to view online.

Hope you all can watch it.