Arizona Chickens

[HippieChickens]

So sad, so senseless. You have my condolences.

Hearing stories like this is going to make it hard to sleep at night or be away from home now that my girls are out in their coop (even though I'm keeping it padlocked).

 

[rufus]

Quote:
Did you get any responses ? I process my own and with friends over here in Cochise county, but I can't sell them dead to anyone without a stamp!

I got one response, to which I replied...however, she never responded back. So, I don't know. For now, I'll quietly do it in my own yard.

Sorry, but nobody is interested in killing and cleaning chickens when it is 120 degrees. Ask us again in October.

Rufus

 

[dede_pira]

Hello all!
We're also in AZ (Gilbert area) and are new to this group.
I am researching all I can about chickens before I start this new endeavor and my biggest concern is ending up with sick chickens.
Any chance someone in Gilbert would like to show us your chicken coop and go over the basics in person before I start building our chicken 'lodge' and buying things we don't really need?
All your posts are great help and very appreciated.

Have a happy summer and keep cool!

Dede & the Gang

.*˚*.*˚*.*˚*.*˚*.*˚*.*˚*.*˚*.
'We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.' Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

 

[Tonopah Pati]

Hello Dede, Welcome from Tonopah Az. You will have so much fun and learn lots and lots of great info. Check out every thing. I can't say enough about this Forum and all the BYC Folks.

 

[ArizonaNessa]

Quote:
I would be glad to help you out but I am in Deer Valley.

 

[dede_pira]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome.

ArizonaNessa you're awesome! Thanks for your kind offer.
Next time we go to Sedona I may stop by to see your chicks if the offer still stands

I'd love some opinions about the area I have to built my coop and run (please view photo) as I still haven't found answers to all my questions.
As I understand, the chickens need to be always protected from predators. So I plan on creating a large area where they can roam free, install a fence with a gate and build a small nesting area on a corner.
My flock will probably begin small (I wouldn't want to condemn too many chickens in case I suck as a chicken keeper), about 4 or 5 pullets.
Now the questions I still have:
Since the area I have available is shaded nicely throughout the day, will that affect the chickens?
The area is also close to my next door neighbor, will the chickens make too much noise? (no roosters here)
Can the chicken poo be composted? Could /Should it be used as fertilizer for my vegetable patch?
What should I do if one of the chickens get sick and die? Is there a proper way to dispose of them?


Tanks in advance for your help!

 

[ArizonaNessa]

Dede ~ Yes the offer always stands. I can't claim to know everything but I love to share what I can and help out. Again, welcome to byc.

Others might have different answers but here's mine:

Since the area I have available is shaded nicely throughout the day, will that affect the chickens?
The chickens love the shade and being as you live in one of the hottest places in the country, the shade is greatly desired.

The area is also close to my next door neighbor, will the chickens make too much noise? (no roosters here)
Chickens do make noise even the hens but the hens are usually pretty quiet and only make the louder noises when they have laid an egg and are being proud or when a predator is bothering them. I have tons of chickens and you would never know if I didn't tell you and my neighbors are very close.

Can the chicken poo be composted? Could /Should it be used as fertilizer for my vegetable patch?
Yes you can compost the poo but don't try to use it without composting it because it is too "hot" and will burn your plants if not kill them. Composted it is awesome.

What should I do if one of the chickens get sick and die? Is there a proper way to dispose of them?
If you ever have a "sick" chicken you will want to separate that chicken from the others immediately and try to treat the bird. If it dies you can bury the animal or dispose of it as you would your pet dog or cat. A lot of people will bury their pets under special trees or bushes in memory.

If you think of anything else feel free to ask. The only dumb question is the one not asked and I am sure that you will make a fine parent to your little feathered friends.

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Since the area I have available is shaded nicely throughout the day, will that affect the chickens?

No. They need shade in AZ.


The area is also close to my next door neighbor, will the chickens make too much noise? (no roosters here)

When they lay, they will make noises. Depends how crabby your neighbor is, but maybe a dozen eggs every so often will smooth things.


Can the chicken poo be composted? Could /Should it be used as fertilizer for my vegetable patch?

Yes. I think it's a hot manure, though, so let it age before you do.


What should I do if one of the chickens get sick and die? Is there a proper way to dispose of them?

Burial, or put in a trash bag, tie very well, and throw in a dumpster down the street.

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Dede, if those are oleanders, you might consider pulling them up or placing your run away from them, since they're poisonous. Chickens will eat anything green if they can get to it. Some might leave it alone, but you never know. And the black thing in the corner, i can't tell what that is? But if it stays, just be aware that they will use that to jump onto the top of your wall. So either net the top of the yard, or keep those things away from the wall. I'd hate to hear about chicken roadkill!!!!

 

[AZKat]

You don't mention where in AZ you live, but you might want to look up the zoning laws in your area. In some cities the chicken coop has to be a certain number of feet from the property line, or from the neighbors house.