Arizona Chickens

[MaddBaggins]

Hey all! I haven't been around much, but I still have hens, for now. They don't lay worth a squat anymore and I'm about done with them. I have to buy eggs this week if I plan on having any this weekend. 8 hens can't even provide for a family of 3 and I can't see why I keep feeding them.
I started a thread, hoping to get some answers before they all hit the freezer. They are less than 2 years old.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/927557/very-very-low-egg-production

 

[kpgoldstar]

Its so warm in my utility room that I'm more worried they won't be cool enough than it won't be warm enough. I probably will only use the heat lamp at night, but I will watch them to make sure they are warm enough. When I checked it today it was almost 100 under the heat lamp and it had been on all night. Do you guys think that is too warm? I know the temps are getting ready to start falling so I'll keep the thermometer in the brooder to make sure they are staying warm enough.

General rule is 95 week 1, 90 week 2, and gradually down 5 degrees each week. They will let you know if it's too warm by seeking the edge of the brooder away from the lamp. Like I said, I got mine just about this time last year and only used the heat lamp for a couple weeks. It was the perfect temp in my garage the whole time they were chicks until I set them out permanently in the coop outdoors at about 4 months.

Good luck! I'm excited for you! Take pics of the little buggers when you get them settled in!

 

[City farm]

Any of my Az peeps here have any experience with or are using a Meat Grinder? I need to get one and wanted to hear some suggestions. I'll be using it to grind chicken and turkey necks and such.

TIA

Nope, no experience. It was good to see you today.. Thank you for bringing the omega-3 forage blend by!! I was checking out another seed blend on their site. They have a good bug blend.. I am thinking about getting it. Also thank you so much @Timskinsfor doing this..

 

[Diannastarr]

hi all in AZ,

im in Bisbee AZ we have 15 chickens , just wanted to know who is near Bisbee...? because we might have some chickens to give away, in the near future, to only good homes & to those who wont KILL or eat them, ever...!!! nice meeting you in advance..! have a good one Dianna

 

[desertmarcy]

Hey all! I haven't been around much, but I still have hens, for now. They don't lay worth a squat anymore and I'm about done with them. I have to buy eggs this week if I plan on having any this weekend. 8 hens can't even provide for a family of 3 and I can't see why I keep feeding them.
I started a thread, hoping to get some answers before they all hit the freezer. They are less than 2 years old.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/927557/very-very-low-egg-production

First, a lot of hens just don't lay well in the heat and it has still been very hot here.
Second, if your hens are hatchery stock, most likely leghorn has been bred into them at some point in time to boost egg production. White leghorns are known for being extremely good layers but also burn out after 18 months. That tendency to lay really well and then quit is in the production birds hatcheries sell.
There are also chicken diseases that can lay dormant, like Mycoplasma, not seeming to affect the bird too much outwardly but will contribute to poor egg laying.
I've personally been doing some selective culling on poor producers, especially birds I have no intention of using for breeding. I butchered 3 EE hens 2+ years old recently, hadn't seen an egg from them in months. All the ova inside were tiny so they were not getting ready to start laying any time soon, either.
For most of my non-productive hens, I know it is this heat that is doing it. If they don't start again when it cools down AND I put them on a light cycle, they are out of here.

 

[City farm]

 
My husband isn't handy. He'd rather have someone else do it, so I end up building anything I want made myself. And honestly, I'm smart but I'm not super skilled with tools. I have to build a chicken coop. This thing is going to be a mess when I'm done, but it will be done. I'm modifying an old metal shed. I've removed two of the sides and I'm going to make two sides into light frames with chicken wire then I'll put them back where the old walls were. Should be easy except for finding the old screw holes and making holes into the frames that match. I'm thinking hold it up in place and use a pencil to mark the holes, then I'll drill into the frames and then use the nuts and bolts that were on the original frame....yeah a mess. LOL,

The only scrap I have laying around are doors(one is a screen door I'll probably use on the coop), 4 or 5 2x4s, some metal poles from a trampoline, and metal sheeting from the shed. So, soon I'll be making a trip to buy some lumber and chicken wire. I found some there that is 4ft x 150ft for $62. That's not horrible.

Aviddamy,

Girl, it won't be a mess because there are alot of folks here who can talk/walk you through your construction and tweak it to what works for you.  Many have been there, done that, recyling used materials and such.  You are not alone in your endeavor inspite of uncooperative/un-sympathetic spouses or partners.  Folks here will come to aid you. I'm just amazed at the generousity shared here in the Arizona Room. Thank God I'm single and don't have to deal with anyone, and who knows what a hot mess my projects may turn out to be.  My home is My Castle, alittle unkempt at times, (well, most of the time) but I run this camp, let it be known.

Sorry for speaking out for everyone else, but the consideration and lenghts you all go through to help one another actually speaks for itself. We live in the desert and I think our feathered friends deserve more attention, and you'll find all your answers here. Thank You, Arizona Board!  --BB

Single or not, dealing with people can be a challenge.. God has blessed us with love.. So we show love to our friends..

 

[a little chiken]

Does anyone want some large "firesticks" cuttings? They are a euphorbia and here they are green in summer and fire colored in winter, especially new growth. I trimmed my over 6 foot landscape plants and have four kitchen garbage bags full for free, just come get them. They are expensive to buy so I hate to throw out what I trim off.

I sooo wish I was closer! I would love some.

hi all in AZ,

im in Bisbee AZ we have 15 chickens , just wanted to know who is near Bisbee...? because we might have some chickens to give away, in the near future, to only good homes & to those who wont KILL or eat them, ever...!!! nice meeting you in advance..! have a good one Dianna

Hey Dianna,
I am in Tucson. I hope to come to Bisbee someday. It looks beautiful. My son wants to go rock hunting there

 

[a little chiken]

My friend took some eggs from me and out of 4 duck eggs 3 made it to hatch day but only Milagro made it out alive. My duck is a first time layer and had only been laying a few weeks when he took some eggs so they were tiny eggs and I really did not expect any to grow. Well here is my little miracle duck. she fits in the palm of my hand. The following pics is Chickadee the chick he hatched out for me and Milagro. The best of friends.

 

[Sill]

I sooo wish I was closer! I would love some.

Hey Dianna,
I am in Tucson. I hope to come to Bisbee someday. It looks beautiful. My son wants to go rock hunting there

If anyone is going to Tucson please let me know so I can maybe send some with you.

My friend took some eggs from me and out of 4 duck eggs 3 made it to hatch day but only Milagro made it out alive. My duck is a first time layer and had only been laying a few weeks when he took some eggs so they were tiny eggs and I really did not expect any to grow. Well here is my little miracle duck. she fits in the palm of my hand. The following pics is Chickadee the chick he hatched out for me and Milagro. The best of friends.

Adorable! Funny how they are so programed to make a flock.

 

[Sill]

I picked up my Omega 3 seed blend and some carrot seeds at @CityFarm 's house this evening. Thanks @Timskins for putting the order together and thank you @K9Dave for delivering it!

I can't wait to get planting! Now that is it finally cooling off a bit it's time to garden here.

I noticed several crews of landscapers around town were scalping grass today, so it's probably a good time to start the overseeding process for our lawns. Makes for good winter chicken fodder!