BYC members in Massachusetts?

[mkwilliams18]

I had a question. I was researching options for bedding for my chickens and i wanted to get opinion on what people use. I want a good option for the ladies that won't stink and good option for summer and winter.

 

[Lozuufy]

I had a question. I was researching options for bedding for my chickens and i wanted to get opinion on what people use. I want a good option for the ladies that won't stink and good option for summer and winter.

I use pine shavings or hay... I do not recommend hay, it gets super compacted and almost impossible to clean out. Pine shavings are OK, but get stinky. Soon I will be trying the "deep litter method" to see how that works. So I don't really have any advise except don't use hay

Oh, and here's a link to a thread on the deep litter method
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/70/deep-litter-method

 

[KrisCVT]

I use shavings in the coop- I scoop poop out with a cat litter scoop daily, and do a full change about every 2 weeks. In the run I use sand- love it.

 

[mkwilliams18]

I was thinking about the deep litter method but it is great to know. I heard hay didn't absorb much. I was think maybe sand or shaving. I'm not sure where to get sand but pine shaving I can find about anywhere.

 

[AlphaRooster]

I use pine shavings all year. But I'll be interested to see what some others say they use.

 

[drellbug]

Hello everyone! I'm another brand new chicken owner in Mass up near Essex. I'm getting my first chicks in a month, they're sexed females but I understand that there's still a 10% chance of getting a rooster. Has anyone here in Mass had any experience rehoming surprise roosters? I'm hoping I'll get lucky with all hens, but I want to start thinking about a backup plan if it doesn't work out that way. Nice to hear from other chicken owners in Massachusetts!

 

[mkwilliams18]

Hello everyone! I'm another brand new chicken owner in Mass up near Essex. I'm getting my first chicks in a month, they're sexed females but I understand that there's still a 10% chance of getting a rooster. Has anyone here in Mass had any experience rehoming surprise roosters? I'm hoping I'll get lucky with all hens, but I want to start thinking about a backup plan if it doesn't work out that way. Nice to hear from other chicken owners in Massachusetts!

Hi and welcome. The place I got my chicks will take back any suppose roosters but I have heard of success with Craigslist. Maybe a local farm

 

[Toi-toi]

I'd like to know about rehoming rooster, too! My one of last spring chicks from hatchery ended up as a rooster and I can't keep him

 

[AlphaRooster]

Welcome to the Massachusetts Chicken Group. When I got 12 chicks that were supposed to be pullets in the fall 3 of them were roosters! I really liked the roosters but couldn't keep them. I brought them back to where I bought them. The store was happy to take them back.

 

[keesmom]

There is a guy in Westford who takes any and all birds, male and female, from tiny cage birds all the way up to emus.