California - Northern

[zooweemama]

Why do you think ranging may not work? All but my Polish (because I have an EE roo and can't risk mixing) free range daily. Our predators are nighttime threats except when they're really small, then the hawks are a threat. But my EE roo is a really good flock protector and whenever the hawk is around he keeps everyone under trees or in the barn.

Because I am being cautious and making sure I have a plan B in place. I figured it was wise. I've never had chickens or ducks or geese. This is the start of our second year in this home and out first with any kind of livestock. I feel it would be unwise to assume that this is a safe haven for free ranging chickens. My ducks are big and fat and on the pond and spend some time hiding in the thickets on the pond and in other shady coves. They have a couple loud mouthed sentinels in the flock who alert when eagles fly overhead. We do have raccoon and fox and my husband last year say a mountain lion in our yard and so did (I was driving from home late was about 11pm or so) on our dusty country road. So not a bobcat. Almost pooped myself. I know they all usually hunt at night but I will have 16-20 chickens running around at any given time and that might start looking tasty when my dog is not outside (my mil does not like him so he is not out all the time). I am just trying to be smart about it all. That's all.

 

[Meg2000000]

I need help! I have about a dozen quail eggs that need to get into an incubator ASAP. I was hoping to get the Hovabator 1588 or Brinsea Ecoglow. I can't seem to find anyone local that sells them. Everyone seems to have the Little Giant 9200 still air incubator. I would have to get the fan and auto turner attachment. Do you guys think this incubator is ok?? I want to buy one today!

 

[zooweemama]

Amy lives in the Foot Hills by Redding. There are a lot of predators there. They will probably be fine if the Dogs protect them. In some places it is not the best thing for the chickens to leave them out. My back yard in town is fine.

On several of the Heritage sites I am subscribed to I read things like: Lost 2 more today to the fox. Got them at 2:00 pm. I know the time so will be waiting with the gun to get him today...Lost lots of chickens and several house cats....Got my best SQ Rooster yesterday.....

It makes me sad to read stuff like that. I feel the same way about thinking the rooster needs to be with the hens all the time. If they need a saddle, get the rooster out of there for part of the day

The Hens will thank you.

Ron

There are quite a few predators here. But since I am newer here - I do not yet know which ones will become a nuisance. They may never. That would be awesome! I have read so many threads where people go years...nothing. Then in complacency - they lose their whole flock or half. I think for the most part they will be ok if the chickens do not hop the fence (separate us from our neighbors). I was hoping by getting some fat bottom girls (Orpingtons lol) this would help. There is quite a bit of room to roam- 2 full acres and 2 more if they hope our horse field fence. I am hoping they stick closer to the coop though and the surrending mini-orchard we have. *hope*

 

[zooweemama]

Off on a chicken mission! Meeting the breeder at the post office and picking up some pullets.

 

[MonsterClucker]

I wanted to share some pictures of the bantam chicks I rehomed. They were picked up this morning so I snapped some shots of their last night here Thanks everyone. Have a good day!

 

[ronott1]

I need help! I have about a dozen quail eggs that need to get into an incubator ASAP. I was hoping to get the Hovabator 1588 or Brinsea Ecoglow. I can't seem to find anyone local that sells them. Everyone seems to have the Little Giant 9200 still air incubator. I would have to get the fan and auto turner attachment. Do you guys think this incubator is ok?? I want to buy one today!

Hi Megan,

Those are ok but you should look for Chooks Chicks still air incubator instructions. She has links to those in her signature line. If you install the fan, then you have to follow the instructions for an incubator with a fan. It would not be a still air incubator any more.

You can keep the Little Giant and use it as a hatcher. You should still get the Genesis 1588 or one of the Brinsea Octagon 20 incubators. I use two Genesis 1588's and ran staggered hatches from January through June with them.

The Brinsea Ecoglow is a brooder heater

. I have two of the 20's but could probably use the big one sometimes. It's hard to get more than 15 under those after a couple of weeks.

I hope you find one for the Quail Eggs!

Ron

 

[BoutrosBoutrosGalusGalus]

I need help! I have about a dozen quail eggs that need to get into an incubator ASAP. I was hoping to get the Hovabator 1588 or Brinsea Ecoglow. I can't seem to find anyone local that sells them. Everyone seems to have the Little Giant 9200 still air incubator. I would have to get the fan and auto turner attachment. Do you guys think this incubator is ok?? I want to buy one today!

Hi Meg, my wife brought those eggs you have. We could send you some more if you don't get an incubator you want in time. We have 3 different incubators at the moment (2 Hovabators - a 1588 & a 1622- and 1 farm Innovators) and it seems like there's little difference between the 3 though they are all forced air.

I bet still air will be fine, quail seem pretty resilient. An egg turner helps alot though - better hatch rates than hand turning. If you have a broody bantam chicken they can mother the eggs too though we've never done so.

 

[cherylcohen]

Hi Meg, my wife brought those eggs you have. We could send you some more if you don't get an incubator you want in time. We have 3 different incubators at the moment (2 Hovabators - a 1588 & a 1622- and 1 farm Innovators) and it seems like there's little difference between the 3 though they are all forced air.

I bet still air will be fine, quail seem pretty resilient. An egg turner helps alot though - better hatch rates than hand turning. If you have a broody bantam chicken they can mother the eggs too though we've never done so.

I don't mind putting them in my sportsman - but do they hatch the same as chicken eggs?

 

[Chooklet]

Meg - I have an extra incubator that you can borrow. Fancy shmancy, lots of bells and whistles (and it plays a silly little song whenever it turns the eggs.)

I should be home from work by about 8:00 pm tonight if you want to come over and pick it up - I live in Orinda.

 

[BoutrosBoutrosGalusGalus]

I don't mind putting them in my sportsman - but do they hatch the same as chicken eggs?

Yup, same temps. Humidity at around %60, which is what one our books says is good for chickens so we incubate together.