Arizona Chickens

[BlueBaby]

Congrats!!!

Thank you! All 4 of them are walking around and are looking good.

 

[ejcrist]

Nice idea and work on the coop! What type or breed of birds are you getting?

Thanks. I'm getting 15 Brown Leghorns (straight run), 10 Naked Necks, and 6 Dark Cornish. I also have 30 Cornish Crosses coming at the same time but they'll be housed in a different pen and will only be with us for about 6 weeks. I'll use one of the bays to breed 4 of my best Barred Rocks with my rooster Hoss. Hoss is molting right now but it hasn't seemed to phase him - he's still living in sin with my other gals in my main coop/run. All these birds are hatchery stock except Hoss, and I'm going to get an incubator and try my hand at hatching this winter. I want to get some practice while I'm trying to locate a Brown Leghorn breeder. I found two good Barred Rock breeders so I'm planning on ordering a couple of pullets and a cock in the future. My main objective is production (quality eggs) first and the standard second, so I'm not excluding some of my better hatchery birds at this point since they are great layers. I'm in the process of taking measurements and a couple of them seem to have a lot of potential as layers. If the birds I get from the breeders don't measure up as good I'll focus on the birds I have now. Either that or maybe cross the two and select the best from those. There's so many possibilities when you get into breeding. I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[BlueBaby]

Thanks. I'm getting 15 Brown Leghorns (straight run), 10 Naked Necks, and 6 Dark Cornish. I also have 30 Cornish Crosses coming at the same time but they'll be housed in a different pen and will only be with us for about 6 weeks. I'll use one of the bays to breed 4 of my best Barred Rocks with my rooster Hoss. Hoss is molting right now but it hasn't seemed to phase him - he's still living in sin with my other gals in my main coop/run. All these birds are hatchery stock except Hoss, and I'm going to get an incubator and try my hand at hatching this winter. I want to get some practice while I'm trying to locate a Brown Leghorn breeder. I found two good Barred Rock breeders so I'm planning on ordering a couple of pullets and a cock in the future. My main objective is production (quality eggs) first and the standard second, so I'm not excluding some of my better hatchery birds at this point since they are great layers. I'm in the process of taking measurements and a couple of them seem to have a lot of potential as layers. If the birds I get from the breeders don't measure up as good I'll focus on the birds I have now. Either that or maybe cross the two and select the best from those. There's so many possibilities when you get into breeding. I'm really looking forward to it.

I wish you good luck with your project with them. You are right, there are as many possibilities as there are individual wants or needs for them.

 

[ejcrist]

Lol. You might be into something for a retirement career.

I've been wondering about the clear or colored corrugated type of panels for roofs. I see those in stock at home depot. I'm guessing those are different. Slope style is what I'm thinking just for ease. Definitely walk-ins as my neck doesn't even like the ones where I can do most from outside or slightly bent.

I think key to cooling too would be the ventilation. I'm thinking either similar to the, I forget the term sorry, boards with the holes used in houses & or open sections just under the overhang that are closed with hardware cloth. Provided the overhang was enough to prevent rain from entering. Plus windows or similar lower in the walls too.

One thing I'm planning on is a separate food & water area. I want to have it in the coop space so it's protected, but out of the roosting space. I have an idea for just having the birds in the yard, but not yet for those who'll be in coop-run setups. I do plan on the auto-water system coming from the sprinkler feed pipe, with separate shut off valve & access port to run acv or anything else thru. Also auto-feed that can hold at least a few weeks worth of food if not a month. Right now my best thought for that is storage bin with PVC piping coming from it. Since I have various sizes of birds I'll need to have variable heights & size of openings for the feed. It'll be a slow process & learning experience.

First I'll be building Sherlock's den. Going to size for 6, but plan on 2-4. That should give me wiggle room. Figure that'll be part template part "oh, should've done x" when I'm done. I'm watching how the sun & shade are in the yard trying to decide where to put it. Also if I'd have to alter my sprinkler system placement, cap one off, etc.

I already have a spot for the big coop setup. That was planned before I got any chicks & I learned about chicken math & addiction.

The colored panels I saw at Homeless Depot that were in stock at Tramonto were all plastic so I avoided those. The colored panels I used on my first run and this coop/run I ordered online from HD. They have a much better selection online.

Regarding the ventilation, I believe you're talking about the soffit and/or fascia boards. On my first coop I just used hardware cloth for the soffit and it vents the inside extremely well. On this bigger coop I used plywood because I have more hardware cloth covered windows and the roof peak is a lot higher than where the birds will be roosting. I'm also planning on installing an exhaust fan on a thermostat which I don't have on my first coop, so I'm thinking between that and the 10 windows I should be good. I also leave the chicken doors open from about April to November so that helps vent the coop too. In fact my rooster sits in the doorway every night I believe because the air circulates up though the chicken door through the windows and he enjoys the breeze, The run is completely secure so I don't mind leaving the chicken door open so they can come and go as they want.

You're doing the right thing sizing for 6 - wiggle room is always a good thing. I know all about that, believe me.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

I'd stay away from the clear and translucent corrugated roof panels out here. Not only do they let in A LOT of solar heat, but they also don't last very long. We used some on a storage area at our business and had to replace it in less than two years because the sun beat it up so badly. Metal roofing may cost a bit more, but it lasts a whole lot longer.

You're coop is looking great! Nice work!

Thank you for the information about those!

I've seen some that aren't clear that state they're rated for 25 years I think..some kind of solar things, but I wasn't sure if they'd really be any better. This just give me more reason to go with metal...which I always prefer cause I love how it looks & ages!

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

Thank you! All 4 of them are walking around and are looking good.

YAY!!!!! Hope the others do as well.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

The colored panels I saw at Homeless Depot that were in stock at Tramonto were all plastic so I avoided those. The colored panels I used on my first run and this coop/run I ordered online from HD. They have a much better selection online.

Regarding the ventilation, I believe you're talking about the soffit and/or fascia boards. On my first coop I just used hardware cloth for the soffit and it vents the inside extremely well. On this bigger coop I used plywood because I have more hardware cloth covered windows and the roof peak is a lot higher than where the birds will be roosting. I'm also planning on installing an exhaust fan on a thermostat which I don't have on my first coop, so I'm thinking between that and the 10 windows I should be good. I also leave the chicken doors open from about April to November so that helps vent the coop too. In fact my rooster sits in the doorway every night I believe because the air circulates up though the chicken door through the windows and he enjoys the breeze, The run is completely secure so I don't mind leaving the chicken door open so they can come and go as they want.

You're doing the right thing sizing for 6 - wiggle room is always a good thing. I know all about that, believe me.

Thanks.

Hopefully I shoot myself with this statement.......so far I haven't had worry about predators in my yard. I'm thinking it's due to my mesquite trees blocking most of it. Well, that & the dogs help I'm sure. The bark of a dane thinking something's wrong can be pretty intimidating! lol The trees have also been giving a great amount of shade & cover.....except when I've cut them back from my house & shed. Then trying to thin them a bit I cut the wrong branch shooting upwards. OOOOPPPPPSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!! It'll grow back. I've so many branches it's not funny. I think the original clean up filled a hug dumpster, one of the long ones, & I've probably done enough in the few years since to fill it again. I love how this tree grows, but I've got to be able to walk under it & I kinda like my house so there are times where the tree loses. If I didn't trim it the branches would grow to the ground & fill the yard. Mind you, my lot is 75x110 and it grows from side to side if it's not trimmed. On the positive side, I'm compiling firewood to burn to use the ashes in the yard & dust bath area I want to make for the chicks. Plus I use branches for roosting bars. The chicks seem to like them & they love the mesquite leaves. So does my bunny....that's the only issue I've had is I lost 1 bun cause they dug their way out under my drive gate. I haven't seen her since...no sign of anything. I waited several days then put scrap pieces of granite down for now. I'm going to need to dig a trench & fill with concrete or concrete & cinder blocks....something at any rate that septic trucks can drive over if needed. That'll be a home depot discussion when I'm ready to do that.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

I went to the fair yesterday. I can't do the rides, concerts, etc cause of my disability crap so I looked at the art display in the stadium that I cut thru on my way to the chickens & back.

There weren't a lot of bird there. Some very pretty birds though. I did get to speak with the supervisor ( I don't remember his name, my memory is awful.) & he told me that there are usually hundreds of birds unlike this year. He breeds oegb. He said that the judging at the fair can be more lenient as it's a lot of newcomers/hobbyist. I guess the poultry show in Tucson this coming week will be more stringent for lack of a better term. He said he wants the fair to be encouraging to folks so they come back & get involved. The nice thing is the judges do speak with the people who entered about what's wrong or needs improvement. I might show next year....be a learning experience at least.

I also found out that the last week of the fair there will be all sorts of animals for sale...it starts Wednesday, but you can't take them home until Sunday.

On a side note, no one said a harsh word about Jasper being there with me. Folks were surprised at seeing a Great Dane more than anything. lol Jasper did have little lamb that was very curious about him...kept sticking her(?) head out of her paddock trying to reach him & following him as best she could...which was a good bit as she was in a corner one. He had no interest really in them or the goats. We skipped the petting zoo, cows, etc. as I got there later than planned & still wanted to avoid as much rush hour traffic as I could .

Oh....there were a few chickens that got a bit skittish when they saw him looking. lol And 1 Turkey who was very vocal in our direction until Jasper stepped closer then he stepped back & kept quiet. lol

I have fallen for the call ducks.....such cute, sweet looking babies! I want!!!!! I saw a blue & white pair that are so pretty. Also the black runner of that size....gorgeous feathers. I'm going to have to seriously resist as long as I can.

Hope anyone else who goes has a great time.

Anyone going to Tucson? Showing?

 

[ejcrist]

I went to the fair yesterday. I can't do the rides, concerts, etc cause of my disability crap so I looked at the art display in the stadium that I cut thru on my way to the chickens & back.

There weren't a lot of bird there. Some very pretty birds though. I did get to speak with the supervisor ( I don't remember his name, my memory is awful.) & he told me that there are usually hundreds of birds unlike this year. He breeds oegb. He said that the judging at the fair can be more lenient as it's a lot of newcomers/hobbyist. I guess the poultry show in Tucson this coming week will be more stringent for lack of a better term. He said he wants the fair to be encouraging to folks so they come back & get involved. The nice thing is the judges do speak with the people who entered about what's wrong or needs improvement. I might show next year....be a learning experience at least.

I also found out that the last week of the fair there will be all sorts of animals for sale...it starts Wednesday, but you can't take them home until Sunday.

On a side note, no one said a harsh word about Jasper being there with me. Folks were surprised at seeing a Great Dane more than anything. lol Jasper did have little lamb that was very curious about him...kept sticking her(?) head out of her paddock trying to reach him & following him as best she could...which was a good bit as she was in a corner one. He had no interest really in them or the goats. We skipped the petting zoo, cows, etc. as I got there later than planned & still wanted to avoid as much rush hour traffic as I could .

Oh....there were a few chickens that got a bit skittish when they saw him looking. lol And 1 Turkey who was very vocal in our direction until Jasper stepped closer then he stepped back & kept quiet. lol

I have fallen for the call ducks.....such cute, sweet looking babies! I want!!!!! I saw a blue & white pair that are so pretty. Also the black runner of that size....gorgeous feathers. I'm going to have to seriously resist as long as I can.

Hope anyone else who goes has a great time.

Anyone going to Tucson? Showing?

My wife and I went to the fair this afternoon to take a look at the birds. There were a couple of nice ones there but I thought the showing was pretty light. We saw a whole bunch of Polish's and Cochin's but I was hoping to see more Barred Rocks, Leghorn, etc. We only saw one pair of Barred Rock bantams and no Leghorns. There was a real nice RIR cock there - would've loved to have had him. Thanks for the heads-up on the animal sales. I might head back over there that last week and see what's available.

If I do ok with my breeding projects I'd certainly like to enter a bird or two as well. If I do I'll shoot you a pm ahead of next year's fair in case you're entering any too and maybe I'll see you there and we can talk shop. If I do have any entries I won't have any idea what I'm doing since it'll be a first for me. That's one of my goals though - to enter birds every year and hopefully learn a lot and become a better breeder. That would be pretty cool.

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

My wife and I went to the fair this afternoon to take a look at the birds. There were a couple of nice ones there but I thought the showing was pretty light. We saw a whole bunch of Polish's and Cochin's but I was hoping to see more Barred Rocks, Leghorn, etc. We only saw one pair of Barred Rock bantams and no Leghorns. There was a real nice RIR cock there - would've loved to have had him. Thanks for the heads-up on the animal sales. I might head back over there that last week and see what's available.

If I do ok with my breeding projects I'd certainly like to enter a bird or two as well. If I do I'll shoot you a pm ahead of next year's fair in case you're entering any too and maybe I'll see you there and we can talk shop. If I do have any entries I won't have any idea what I'm doing since it'll be a first for me. That's one of my goals though - to enter birds every year and hopefully learn a lot and become a better breeder. That would be pretty cool.

Sounds good. It'd be my first round showing too. I think if the judges are constructive & not ripping in their comments it would be a great learning experience. The supervisor was awesome though. He pointed out a few things on the silkies that won which I guess if it wasn't a fair show they wouldn't have done as well.

You should enter regardless of how you think your project is doing. If nothing else you might get some good advice. Maybe even some contacts from others breeding.

I was surprised at the number of lf cochin & just a few bantams. Quite a few polish too. I saw that RIR cock....makes me wonder if my Red was one. He was looking really nice, horrible temperament considering he attacked my chi though. What got me even more is that it was primarily black & white cochin. Yeah, your type of birds really were missing.