Arizona Chickens

[CaroleW]

I just brought them breakfast. Clucking is starting to happen. Maybe something did scare them.

Good idea. I thought about a padlock, but they can freeze up in bad weather.

I just use a tent stake or a heavy bent nail. Tie a string to the stake/nail and also to the wall or fence. Then tie a bright colored bow on it to see it better from a distance (to know if it's "latched" or hanging down on the string). This hardly ever freezes & you don't need a key or combination. I also use spring loaded hook latch - this can freeze.

 

[Geckolady]

The coop just got a padlock. Thank you!

 

[Geckolady]

I just use a tent stake or a heavy bent nail. Tie a string to the stake/nail and also to the wall or fence. Then tie a bright colored bow on it to see it better from a distance (to know if it's "latched" or hanging down on the string). This hardly ever freezes & you don't need a key or combination. I also use spring loaded hook latch - this can freeze.

Good thinking! When it starts snowing or we get freezing rain, I can do this instead of the padlock.

 

[cavemanrich]

I've been feeding a half and half mixture of 16% layer pellets and all flock, with goodies like cracked corn, mealworms, or greens on top.

Just wondering if you are providing some cracked oysters shells as calcium supplement free-choice?? It is a good thing to provide, even if you were just using Layer feed. I use Alflock only, with Oyster shells free-choice, because I have some layers, and some Geriatric retired non-layers.

Good thinking! When it starts snowing or we get freezing rain, I can do this instead of the padlock.

Padlocks are good when predator concerns include the 2 legged type. It is simple deterrent. If so, then use padlock. During questionable weather, you can use a plastic bag, and poke the shackle right thru the plastic, as you place on the hasp.
If no 2 legged concerns, then a snap carabiner should be sufficient. A large one is easy to see if it is there, and easy to open. Pix is for idea, these are available everywhere.

 

[Geckolady]

Just wondering if you are providing some cracked oysters shells as calcium supplement free-choice?? It is a good thing to provide, even if you were just using Layer feed. I use Alflock only, with Oyster shells free-choice, because I have some layers, and some Geriatric retired non-layers.

Padlocks are good when predator concerns include the 2 legged type. It is simple deterrent. If so, then use padlock. During questionable weather, you can use a plastic bag, and poke the shackle right thru the plastic, as you place on the hasp.
If no 2 legged concerns, then a snap carabiner should be sufficient. A large one is easy to see if it is there, and easy to open. Pix is for idea, these are available everywhere.

View attachment 2544906

No, but I do have some cracked oyster shell calcium on hand. I wasn't feeding it becasue of the calcium in the pellets, but can give them some right now.

They are outside again, with the girls scratching and pecking and Big Ben watching.

 

[Parront]

I like the electric netting fence I have, so far I have seen one coyote just walk past our yard in the creek bed, they used to cut through the yard before the fence & chickens. The javalina wont go near it, either!

 

[springvalley123]

Good idea. I thought about a padlock, but they can freeze up in bad weather.

that's true, I had that happen with a carabeener 2 yrs ago. luckily my padlock hasn't frozen. You'd have to keep wd-40 on hand.
I've had birds stay in and refuse to free range, but figured they saw/heard/smelled something I didn't, the birds are pretty good at surviving that way. Maybe too much corn/goodies--that'll put birds off laying, or a possible hidden nest?

 

[Geckolady]

that's true, I had that happen with a carabeener 2 yrs ago. luckily my padlock hasn't frozen. You'd have to keep wd-40 on hand.
I've had birds stay in and refuse to free range, but figured they saw/heard/smelled something I didn't, the birds are pretty good at surviving that way. Maybe too much corn/goodies--that'll put birds off laying, or a possible hidden nest?

Still no eggs. I'll cut back on the corn. I raked around and didn't find a hidden nest.

 

[BlueBaby]

My Naked Neck's and the 2 White Rock girl's are laying egg's well over here.

 

[CaroleW]

My Naked Neck's and the 2 White Rock girl's are laying egg's well over here.

I can say the Wyandotte's eggs are fertilzed. Roger is doing a good job. I'll see if they hatch when I get a batch ready from the Hollands.