Arizona Chickens

[FeatherPugs]

We have a flood light on a timer that goes on at 4:00 AM year 'round (because even our longest days aren't much over 14 hours). The light doesn't shine directly into the hen house, though - it hits the run area mainly but still sheds some light in the house through the door and the vents. Works for us....

@mom-to-5 We also use light in the winter. I have a 40 watt light in the coop and some older rope light in the run - I think the rope light was 25foot. Anyhow it is on a timer that comes on at 4:00am and goes off at 7:00am. We do not use light at night. While its not the 14 to 16 hours recommended - it is extra light and we get eggs all through the winter months. I also up the amount of protein for molt time so they don't seem to totally suffer but attitude does change.
@maryhysong sent you a message about those 10 hens

 

[Beckyhsinglsc]

Quote:
Be careful about putting chickens together just for mating. I've heard stories of hens killing roosters and roosters killing hens when this is tried.

 

[Beckyhsinglsc]

So yesterday I was driving around to local feed and hay spots looking for chicks. They only had BO, RIR and other ones that I always see. I wanted some Marans or something that I don't already have. Harder task than it sounds like. I was angry at Aden Hay Sales because I stopped, saw they had Marans and came back just before closing to pick mine up. I go to pay and tell the guy I want 3 Marans and he says we don't have Marans. I say well there's a sign out on te brooder that says you do and another couple were buying them before me as Marans. His girl counterpart says " YEH I just havent switched the sign yet" I turned and walked off. Customer Service is almost gone completely. Feed stores are on their way out.

So I came home and started looking on CL for chicks. Found some out here in QC but when I inquired about the breeds I was shocked by the price.

Buff Leghorns $15
Lavender Orps $20
Blue Frizzle Orp $15

is this normal? I asked why so high (because I had sticker shock) and was told because they're rare pure bred chickens. Wanted to check and see if this is normal?

The Ace Hardware in Chandler on Gilbert Rd. sometimes has rare breeds and their customer service is good. You could ask if they would special order for you too. They will even take back roosters. They supposedly have a farm that they send them to.

 

[K9Dave]

The Ace Hardware in Chandler on Gilbert Rd. sometimes has rare breeds and their customer service is good. You could ask if they would special order for you too.  They will even take back roosters.  They supposedly have a farm that they send them to.

Thanks gonna call now

 

[Beckyhsinglsc]

A coyote killed all of my chickens last night. It was my fault as I didn't close the run in my extreme laziness before bed. It just walked right in. I feel like the worst human being ever.

So sorry.

I've done that a few times. Just forgot to lock them up or thought they would be OK.

 

[mom-to-5]

@houdiniduck
Here are some reference photos of my 21 week old cream legbar

 

[MrsFitzDarcy]

@houdiniduck
Here are some reference photos of my 21 week old cream legbar

I'm getting some more Crested Cream Legbar eggs this coming weekend! And that cutie blue Silkie roo for Georgette! I hope the eggs hatch out better. The are such a pretty breed, and I love the bright blue egg.

 

[Tanichca]

Some friends are moving out of state and are giving me their entire flock of Buff Orps and Black Stars tonight! I'm sad about them leaving (they really were more like family than anything...) but hey, free hens!

 

[LadyKotaDoria]

This is what is happening and it is sad. There are so-called breeders out there who are only out to make a buck. They get crazy colors that aren't in the SOP and try to charge a lot of money. They are not really interested in bettering a breed that is already in the Standard, and there are a lot of breeds that are in the APA SOP that need help, need work from dedicated breeders to make a comeback. But no, these people are not interested in that, they want the newest fanciest color and try to sell for lots of money then they are off and on to something else. Yes the Buff Leghorn is in the SOP but those 2 colors of Orpingtons are not. I think I know the person who posted those on CL because she has been posting a lot on one of the FB poultry groups, Lav. Orp. chicks for $20. Advertising a lot, pushing those chicks. I have heard about people paying a lot more for exotic colored chicks of various breeds that aren't in the SOP. But you know what they say about a fool and his money   Who would have thought fads would hit the poultry world, but they have.

I have been reading more and more articles on this subject. It is becoming alarming, instead of helping breeds BYC movement is degrading the breads. More and more sub-standard chickens are showing up at chicken shows, were they should not even be entered let alone exhibited. I do not object to a BARN YARD MIX class of chickens, or a fancy barn yard mix, but should never be sold as a pure bead. I, being not a breeder it doesn't matter their breeding. I have made up my mind, when I start again, I will bread the best I can find to standard. I am happy to pay the price for a fine bird. I have not spent time on what breeds I will work with as of yet.

 

[LadyKotaDoria]

 

Ouch. I am so sorry! 


I use whatever leftover paint is hanging around the shed.  If I have a choice I prefer exterior paint or a glossy interior paint, because it can be hosed down easier.  You can also check out the "oops" paint at Home Depot.  Sometimes you can find good deals there.

At the Hazardous Materials drop off, near west side frontage rd north of Ruthrauff, you can get free paint. They take paint dropped off and pool it in 5-gal buckets. I don't know if they mix interior with exterior. I have never picked up paint from them, just passing on the info that they have it available. There is a limit how much you can get at one time. Might be a similar program up in Phoenix.

Standard rule, like bases are mixed. 2 basic ones, oil and latex. A few places will mix more like types such as interior and exterior & hot colors and cool colors.