- Feb 7, 2011
- 37
- 1
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Oops, never mind -- after I posted that, I saw your link to your website. Meeker is quite far away from Salida, unfortunately, but if you DID have some birds for sale, well, it's a very nice trip! 
Colorado
- Thread starter tsgreer
- Start date
- Jul 5, 2011
- 1,102
- 12
- 136
I'm in the Falcon are near the county airport. I have a total of 11 chickens with 2 oopsy roosters. I have 3 RIRs, 1 Brahma, 2 buff orphingtons, 1 roo that i have no idea of, and 4 that I have from someone else so have no idea what they are. I am assuming that these 4 are mutt chickens? These 4 also are very small. I'm concerned that the little, little hens won't make the winter because they are very tiny. Think pigeon sized.
Mostly I am finding that free range isnt so great when your neighbors have dogs, that coops are, even when built for you are never quite what you want and that putting eggs in your pocket just long enough to free up the hands to do other things is never a good idea.
One of my RIR is laying now. One of my roosters has been making this congested sound and cough occasionally, no discharge, his poop is healthy and he eats and pranches normally. I did pick up some VetRx in hopes that that will make things better. If not, I understand that there is a chicken doctor in Ellicott?
I'm concerned about the winter. I hate when people say that a chicken is just a chicken and a learning process. They may be a learning process but they aren't just a chicken...at least to me. I've buried 4 because neighbors dogs have come into my area and taken them out on two occasions. Both times I found that chicken fencing just sucks even when fortified.
I enjoy my chickens and this is the first year Ive been able to have them since I was a little girl. One other bit of concern is they dont seem to like the pellets at all. They were raised on the stuff but after they were allowed to free range, they just didnt like the other stuff anymore. I keep their food areas filled but find they waste more than they eat. They love the peanut butter/rice/oatmeal mush I give them but dont seem to like strawberry yoghurt. Perhaps Ill try the whole grain diet that someone else had mentioned.
I'm trying to do the deep litter method and even put in compost starter but it just seems to be too dry and I end up with lots of dust. Any suggestions? Should I spray it down?
Anyways, that is about it for now. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Mostly I am finding that free range isnt so great when your neighbors have dogs, that coops are, even when built for you are never quite what you want and that putting eggs in your pocket just long enough to free up the hands to do other things is never a good idea.
One of my RIR is laying now. One of my roosters has been making this congested sound and cough occasionally, no discharge, his poop is healthy and he eats and pranches normally. I did pick up some VetRx in hopes that that will make things better. If not, I understand that there is a chicken doctor in Ellicott?
I'm concerned about the winter. I hate when people say that a chicken is just a chicken and a learning process. They may be a learning process but they aren't just a chicken...at least to me. I've buried 4 because neighbors dogs have come into my area and taken them out on two occasions. Both times I found that chicken fencing just sucks even when fortified.
I enjoy my chickens and this is the first year Ive been able to have them since I was a little girl. One other bit of concern is they dont seem to like the pellets at all. They were raised on the stuff but after they were allowed to free range, they just didnt like the other stuff anymore. I keep their food areas filled but find they waste more than they eat. They love the peanut butter/rice/oatmeal mush I give them but dont seem to like strawberry yoghurt. Perhaps Ill try the whole grain diet that someone else had mentioned.
I'm trying to do the deep litter method and even put in compost starter but it just seems to be too dry and I end up with lots of dust. Any suggestions? Should I spray it down?
Anyways, that is about it for now. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Quote:
Hi,
I didn't know there is a chicken Dr -do you know the name?
As for your neighbors dogs, we dont have that problem since our 5 acres are fenced off, our dogs have killed before but now that I am living with my sister full time I have put the fear of ME into them. We, well me really, are working on multiple coops for the winter-converting over 3 buildings, 2 of which were in bad shape (big holes in floors/doors off). I was lucky enough to find 13 big bags of free insulation on Craigslist. But I am also using carpet padding-figuring something is better than nothing.
Have you seen chicken tractors? I have made an insulated one made out of 60-70% used materials (most free from Craigslist), i have wire on the bottom also so my D'uccles can get out with uneven ground and also I hope it helps protect their featherd feet from wearing down. The benefit is they can still eat free range veggies and bugs AND no pen to clean!
We have a HUGE evil rooster I would love donate to you -to attack the neighbors dogs- problem is 'Army' is also evil to humans and other roosters.
Hi,
I didn't know there is a chicken Dr -do you know the name?
As for your neighbors dogs, we dont have that problem since our 5 acres are fenced off, our dogs have killed before but now that I am living with my sister full time I have put the fear of ME into them. We, well me really, are working on multiple coops for the winter-converting over 3 buildings, 2 of which were in bad shape (big holes in floors/doors off). I was lucky enough to find 13 big bags of free insulation on Craigslist. But I am also using carpet padding-figuring something is better than nothing.
Have you seen chicken tractors? I have made an insulated one made out of 60-70% used materials (most free from Craigslist), i have wire on the bottom also so my D'uccles can get out with uneven ground and also I hope it helps protect their featherd feet from wearing down. The benefit is they can still eat free range veggies and bugs AND no pen to clean!
We have a HUGE evil rooster I would love donate to you -to attack the neighbors dogs- problem is 'Army' is also evil to humans and other roosters.
- Jul 5, 2011
- 1,102
- 12
- 136
Quote:
Hi,
I didn't know there is a chicken Dr -do you know the name?
As for your neighbors dogs, we dont have that problem since our 5 acres are fenced off, our dogs have killed before but now that I am living with my sister full time I have put the fear of ME into them. We, well me really, are working on multiple coops for the winter-converting over 3 buildings, 2 of which were in bad shape (big holes in floors/doors off). I was lucky enough to find 13 big bags of free insulation on Craigslist. But I am also using carpet padding-figuring something is better than nothing.
Have you seen chicken tractors? I have made an insulated one made out of 60-70% used materials (most free from Craigslist), i have wire on the bottom also so my D'uccles can get out with uneven ground and also I hope it helps protect their featherd feet from wearing down. The benefit is they can still eat free range veggies and bugs AND no pen to clean!
We have a HUGE evil rooster I would love donate to you -to attack the neighbors dogs- problem is 'Army' is also evil to humans and other roosters.
Mimi is my Acona, not sure how he ended up in the bin of chicks but he was there. Aren't Acona's sex linked? He is a bit of a, dare I say it, chicken? The other roo, who I truly was in denial about being a roo for a long, long, long time has been attacked twice by dogs. The last attack left him with puncture wounds on both sides. I nursed him back to health then he became Lucky until he started to crow and found his new name Nemesis. He'd watch me, dance around and then try to peck my feet. So I'd chase him down, catch him and hold him under my arm for 15 minutes or so... this went on for about two weeks and now he gives me wide birth. Although when I let them out to range when I'm home, he peeps his head up over the screen glass door and just eyes me or he'll peek in through the fenced in area in the back. I think I'll stick with just my two roos. They get along famously together. Mimi still sounds a little congested but his poop is still fine and he eats wonderfully.
There are two chicken doctors in town. One is at the Calhan Veterinarian Clinic and I believed I spoke to Dr. DeAngelo. Their number is (719) 347-2702. The other is in town. I think near where I get the specialized things for the chicks off of Platte.
3 buildings? That sounds wonderful. I have two coops but they usually will end up in the newer one at night. I am going to enclose the tops of them with a tarp, held down with straw bales and ties. I figure that that should keep a direct wind off of them while still ensuring that they have adequate ventilation. The roof is the wavy metal that has the gaps where it meets the sides. I am not planning on sealing that off.
I know how sucky it is to have to do things alone. If you pm me, I'll come and help you weld a hammer. It's nice to find others that enjoy chickens. I never thought they'd be anything other than just an eggery to me. But I find they give me so much enjoyment just watching them fight over bugs and chase each other. I adore one of my little buffs as she comes to me and just waits until I pick her up.
Hi,
I didn't know there is a chicken Dr -do you know the name?
As for your neighbors dogs, we dont have that problem since our 5 acres are fenced off, our dogs have killed before but now that I am living with my sister full time I have put the fear of ME into them. We, well me really, are working on multiple coops for the winter-converting over 3 buildings, 2 of which were in bad shape (big holes in floors/doors off). I was lucky enough to find 13 big bags of free insulation on Craigslist. But I am also using carpet padding-figuring something is better than nothing.
Have you seen chicken tractors? I have made an insulated one made out of 60-70% used materials (most free from Craigslist), i have wire on the bottom also so my D'uccles can get out with uneven ground and also I hope it helps protect their featherd feet from wearing down. The benefit is they can still eat free range veggies and bugs AND no pen to clean!
We have a HUGE evil rooster I would love donate to you -to attack the neighbors dogs- problem is 'Army' is also evil to humans and other roosters.
Mimi is my Acona, not sure how he ended up in the bin of chicks but he was there. Aren't Acona's sex linked? He is a bit of a, dare I say it, chicken? The other roo, who I truly was in denial about being a roo for a long, long, long time has been attacked twice by dogs. The last attack left him with puncture wounds on both sides. I nursed him back to health then he became Lucky until he started to crow and found his new name Nemesis. He'd watch me, dance around and then try to peck my feet. So I'd chase him down, catch him and hold him under my arm for 15 minutes or so... this went on for about two weeks and now he gives me wide birth. Although when I let them out to range when I'm home, he peeps his head up over the screen glass door and just eyes me or he'll peek in through the fenced in area in the back. I think I'll stick with just my two roos. They get along famously together. Mimi still sounds a little congested but his poop is still fine and he eats wonderfully.
There are two chicken doctors in town. One is at the Calhan Veterinarian Clinic and I believed I spoke to Dr. DeAngelo. Their number is (719) 347-2702. The other is in town. I think near where I get the specialized things for the chicks off of Platte.
3 buildings? That sounds wonderful. I have two coops but they usually will end up in the newer one at night. I am going to enclose the tops of them with a tarp, held down with straw bales and ties. I figure that that should keep a direct wind off of them while still ensuring that they have adequate ventilation. The roof is the wavy metal that has the gaps where it meets the sides. I am not planning on sealing that off.
I know how sucky it is to have to do things alone. If you pm me, I'll come and help you weld a hammer. It's nice to find others that enjoy chickens. I never thought they'd be anything other than just an eggery to me. But I find they give me so much enjoyment just watching them fight over bugs and chase each other. I adore one of my little buffs as she comes to me and just waits until I pick her up.
Morning Chickengal and Paris! Welcome to the CO thread and
Ok, so did anyone else besides me freeze thier hoo haw off during the night
I woke up so cold and stiff from being to cold and trying to stay warm. We're currently living in a travel trailer on my MIL property until we can get out house built and I am actually fearing this winter. Heck I'm fearing this next weeks cooler weather.
Ok, so did anyone else besides me freeze thier hoo haw off during the night
I woke up so cold and stiff from being to cold and trying to stay warm. We're currently living in a travel trailer on my MIL property until we can get out house built and I am actually fearing this winter. Heck I'm fearing this next weeks cooler weather.
- Jul 5, 2011
- 1,102
- 12
- 136
Quote:
How are you insulating the travel trailer? I would suspect that the ways in which we insulate the coops would almost work for insulating the travel trailer.
One year we lived in Manitou in an old house and my sister visited and the heating bill went from a little to a lot. So when she left, I literally turned off the heat so I could pay down the bill. I'll remember how cold it was in most of the house but in the one room where we spent most of our time, it was cozy. Plastic on the windows to keep down drafts. We left the vents open on top of the walls going into other rooms. I ran yards of fabric on the wall. I enclosed our beds in heavy fabric, almost like a canopy. Used candles, hot water bottles in beds. We went almost three months like that until the bill was paid and then we put the heat back on. By then, we didn't need it so much, if at all. My poor doxies hated going outside even with doggy sweaters on.
I found that as long as the drafts were at a minimum, we could stay warm. I'm using the same logic this winter with my chickens. I just hope it works as well for them as it did for me.
How are you insulating the travel trailer? I would suspect that the ways in which we insulate the coops would almost work for insulating the travel trailer.
One year we lived in Manitou in an old house and my sister visited and the heating bill went from a little to a lot. So when she left, I literally turned off the heat so I could pay down the bill. I'll remember how cold it was in most of the house but in the one room where we spent most of our time, it was cozy. Plastic on the windows to keep down drafts. We left the vents open on top of the walls going into other rooms. I ran yards of fabric on the wall. I enclosed our beds in heavy fabric, almost like a canopy. Used candles, hot water bottles in beds. We went almost three months like that until the bill was paid and then we put the heat back on. By then, we didn't need it so much, if at all. My poor doxies hated going outside even with doggy sweaters on.
I found that as long as the drafts were at a minimum, we could stay warm. I'm using the same logic this winter with my chickens. I just hope it works as well for them as it did for me.
Quote:
Enclose the bottom of the trailer so no drafts flow under it. Straw bales work and then you can mulch them into your new yard. At least you have goose down!
Enclose the bottom of the trailer so no drafts flow under it. Straw bales work and then you can mulch them into your new yard. At least you have goose down!
I know DH is going to enclose the bottom. And straw bales would be a great idea too especially on the northern perimeter. I just couldn't believe how cold I was. Was not expecting that at all. And CGal I'm with the doxies on this one
Quote:
I'm just on the other side!!! Towards Avondale!
Well, We managed to get the coop / run about 80% complete....this weekend was more friends and family....
I should get it completed soon. I will be getting some chicks soon.
When I get the pics from the camera, I'll get a thread started on the Coop/ run threads....What is making this coop/run so difficult is I am making a tractor from a 12' X 12' dog fence with a 12' X 5' X 5" coop. All on runners to be moved with my Tractor. I have 1 cleanout door and 1 poop door to complete, then I have to install the roof.
Hope to meet up with some of you soon to get some starters or swap some stories.
Joe
I'm just on the other side!!! Towards Avondale!
Well, We managed to get the coop / run about 80% complete....this weekend was more friends and family....
I should get it completed soon. I will be getting some chicks soon.
When I get the pics from the camera, I'll get a thread started on the Coop/ run threads....What is making this coop/run so difficult is I am making a tractor from a 12' X 12' dog fence with a 12' X 5' X 5" coop. All on runners to be moved with my Tractor. I have 1 cleanout door and 1 poop door to complete, then I have to install the roof.
Hope to meet up with some of you soon to get some starters or swap some stories.
Joe
Sounds like it was a coop/run weekend! I spent much of yesterday re-staking post hole locations, actually making the run bigger!
Added another 8 feet. Looks and feels better. Dug some post holes as well. Should have all of them dug by next month.
Added another 8 feet. Looks and feels better. Dug some post holes as well. Should have all of them dug by next month.
Last edited:
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