Chickens for 10-20 years or more? Pull up a rockin' chair and lay some wisdom on us!

[carolsaucier]

Oh no, think I may have another girl going broody. She took over the nest from my broody and wouldn't let her back in. John had to pick up her and move her out of the way so Bitsy could get back to her babies. My coop built for 12 hens and that is how many I have, don't need anymore no matter how cute or loveable they are. What do I do now? Should I steal an egg from #1 broody and give to other hen? I have no roos,

I'm Carol in Palm Bay, Brevard County share home with DH, Nagger Kitty, 3 RIRs, 2 Dominques, a Black Copper Maran and Wobble a RIR mix (I think), 2 EEers. 2 Lavander Americaunas, 2 OEers, 1 very spoiled Black Copper Maran and 1 Splash Maran pullet.

 

[Beekissed]

Just separate her from the flock for a few days and it seems to get the notion of broody out of their heads.

 

[Leahs Mom]

I used 1/2" hardware cloth on everything on my henhouse. Is that ok rather than the 1/4"?

 

[stonykill]

I used 1/2" hardware cloth on everything on my henhouse. Is that ok rather than the 1/4"?

I would say so. My post earlier was assuming chicken wire was used. 1 inch or 2 inch chicken wire keeps chickens in, but won't keep predators out

 

[ldutch123]

  you want 1/4 inch hardware cloth. Chicken wire won't keep predators out of the coop

Oh no now I'm worried!! What kind of critters can get through the chicken fence? I will have to find the hardware cloth

 

[stonykill]

Oh no now I'm worried!! What kind of critters can get through the chicken fence? I will have to find the hardware cloth

racoons can tear right through it. A small weasle can squeeze through it. I lost 9 chickens in one night, that entire coop to 1 weasle who squeezed through a hole less than 2 inches in diameter. If a possum feels like it, it can tear into the coop as well.

Bee? other ot's, agree or no?????

 

[COUNTRYBOI]

i'd reccomnend useing the 1/2 my self the 1/4 just to easy to tear in my book ....

 

[ldutch123]

Oh my goodness I'm freaking out! So what do I get this hardware cloth? Does it look like chicken wire?

 

[stonykill]

i'd reccomnend useing the 1/2 my self the 1/4 just to easy to tear in my book ....

I said 1/4 at 1st. I meant 1/2. It is available in most any hardware store

this is what I use

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/buildi...9-gauge-galvanzied-hardware-cloth-198303.html

 

[ldutch123]

That seems very expensive. Does anyone know where to get this stuff for a couple bucks less? I'm always looking for ways to cut costs. Which also brings up this topic. Does anyone have any ideas how to save money on the day to day chicken keeping lol??