Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[Bleenie]

Quote: Thank you Willow. She was with me 24/7 through my treatment so i feel blessed to still be here and be there for her like she was for me.

 

[Triple Willow]

I have a question for you guys... In the next couple months I will be building a new coop and run. I hope to do it as efficient for me, as functional for the birds and as economical as possible. Right now I am in the planning process. Today I am thinking about roosts and nests. I have a question about nests. Would the hens be just as happy with the nests at ground level? When you think about it, in the wild a chicken wouldn't be building a nest and laying eggs up in a tree. lol What do y'all think and what has been your experience with this? Thanks!

 

[Triple Willow]

Thank you Willow. She was with me 24/7 through my treatment so i feel blessed to still be here and be there for her like she was for me.

Oh you're welcome. I know how it is and how things get put on the back burner as you said. Be sure to take care of yourself so you can take care of her. Best wishes and blessings galore to you both!

 

[Triple Willow]

@AletaG & ChocolateMouse (and others!)... Y'all are working me to death! I need to start LAB, meal worms, rabbits and now sprouts!!! hahaha I have learned sooo much on this website and I sure do appreciate each and every one of you LOTS!

 

[foreverlearning]

I have a question for you guys... In the next couple months I will be building a new coop and run. I hope to do it as efficient for me, as functional for the birds and as economical as possible. Right now I am in the planning process. Today I am thinking about roosts and nests. I have a question about nests. Would the hens be just as happy with the nests at ground level? When you think about it, in the wild a chicken wouldn't be building a nest and laying eggs up in a tree. lol What do y'all think and what has been your experience with this? Thanks!

I bought those black lidded, open sided totes for my birds and they love it. The price said 7.98 but it rang up as $5 at walmart. I also have one that will wait for me to clean the coop and makes her own nest right under the roost. She won't lay an egg until I clean there. I don't think it matters much to them. Just remember ease of access for you.

 

[Triple Willow]

Oh, I am sure you will all be excite to hear that my young white leghorn roo has found his big boy voice. LOL He was crowing his little heart out this morning. He's so goofy looking with that big comb falling over to one side. LOL ...it's just plumb cute!

 

[tcmstalcup]

I have a question for you guys... In the next couple months I will be building a new coop and run. I hope to do it as efficient for me, as functional for the birds and as economical as possible. Right now I am in the planning process. Today I am thinking about roosts and nests. I have a question about nests. Would the hens be just as happy with the nests at ground level? When you think about it, in the wild a chicken wouldn't be building a nest and laying eggs up in a tree. lol What do y'all think and what has been your experience with this? Thanks!

well, they don't really seem to care one way or another BUT you gotta few things to consider. Mine are higher so I can reach in easily and see in easily but I have to move broody hens on eggs because its to high for new chicks to get safely to the ground even with a ramp.

 

[Triple Willow]

I bought those black lidded, open sided totes for my birds and they love it. The price said 7.98 but it rang up as $5 at walmart. I also have one that will wait for me to clean the coop and makes her own nest right under the roost. She won't lay an egg until I clean there. I don't think it matters much to them. Just remember ease of access for you.

Thanks foreverlearning. I am also using totes from Walmart. I'm wondering if they are a little big - 18 gallon. Three birds could fit in there and I do see two sometimes. I believe they had rather have some "private time" while laying. lol These totes were a little under $5 each. I took a paper plate and drew a circle on the end (leaving the bottom part straight) then I used a box cutter to cut it out. I made the opening about three inches up from the bottom so shavings would stay in. I need to cut a piece of old water hose, split it long-ways and zip tie it on the bottom/straight part where they step in. I pop open the lid and reach in for the eggs. That way I can see what I am doing and won't reach in and find a snake. lol I figure being plastic I can take them out and give them a thorough washing when I need to and they should last as long as I do. lol It would be easier to gather eggs if they were up off the floor...hmmm. I think it will come down to space and arrangement in the coop.
I've also got one that lays on the floor every day. She doesn't have a certain spot though. I guess where ever she is when she gets the pain she just drops it. lol

 

[Triple Willow]

well, they don't really seem to care one way or another BUT you gotta few things to consider. Mine are higher so I can reach in easily and see in easily but I have to move broody hens on eggs because its to high for new chicks to get safely to the ground even with a ramp.

That is true. Up higher would be more convenient. I was thinking if I did leave them on the floor I may get one of those cheap grabbers and just leave it in the coop just for gathering eggs. And yep, a hen with chicks would need a different arrangement.

 

[Demosthine]

That is true. Up higher would be more convenient. I was thinking if I did leave them on the floor I may get one of those cheap grabbers and just leave it in the coop just for gathering eggs. And yep, a hen with chicks would need a different arrangement.

All of mine lay in the higher nesting box. They are the exact same size, one above the other. I have never seen an egg or even a nest in the bottom one. They even chose it over the more accessible nesting box that is in the brooders, located on the porch.

I have yet to find a nest or egg on the ground. Well, let me take that back, I did find one oopsie egg in the middle of the coop, from a brand new layer. But that doesn't count!