First chicks coming this week! Looking for advice from senior chicken owners.

[OreoPlymothRock]

I'm in MA. Snakes are tiny, rodents are only a problem when they raid the coop for feed. The OP is also in New England.

Be that as it may, but I thought this was information for the Thread Starter, JessMorris.

 

[Chickenpen]

I have lost baby chicks to Hawks on my old run. I rebuilt my run and now it is just above 6 feet high with chain link fence and heavy steel post measures 30 feet by 40 feet. and I read on BYC to run string across the top to keep hawks out of my run. I ran bailing string about every 3 inches across the top. It took my wife and I about two hours to accomplish this. When my hens finish laying I let them out to free range but keep my chicks in the run. I just started mixing my chicks with my flock and it's only been about one day since they have come out of the coop to the outside run. They still lack confidence so they are slowly learning. It's too early to see if the string works but I see no reason it won't. Thanks BYC for the hint.

 

[JessMorris]

Thank you rides2far. I will get some chick grit today

 

[JessMorris]

Chickenpen. Thank you for sharing your advice. I have a 1/2 acre pen that my two fainting goats play in while I'm at work. When I'm home they free range. I have set up a chicken tee pee and the door to the coop will open all day. I will run string across a section to get it ready for my flock. They are coming tonight. I'm SO excited

 

[JessMorris]

Thank you everyone for all the advice

! I will post pics of the chicks as they grow.

 

[keesmom]

Thank you everyone for all the advice

! I will post pics of the chicks as they grow.

Where are the Faverolles coming from?

 

[JessMorris]

Keesmom- I got my chicks from my pet chicken.com, which i believe just gets there chicks from Meyer hatchery. Where did you get your chickens? Do you know anyone in western mass who has rare breeds?

 

[Texas4T]

For predators...slithering, slinking or flying...I recommend an Old-Time Scotch Collie dog. I have raised many differeng guardian dog breeds over the years of farming poultry, and these are the best for the small farmstead. They are not like other collie breeds at all, not high strung or nervous. They learn from you, watching how you manage the farm and animals, and do what is needed when it is needed. They are also great with family and children. A very rare breed in need of preservation...check them out!
http://www.scotchcollie.org/

If a dog is not possible, then the Nite Guard original protection light is what I have used in the past. They were $20 or less when I last got them, but it looks like they have new models now. I have one that still functions after 7 years.
Hope this helps.

 

[JessMorris]

It does Texas4T. Thank you so much!

 

[AUZLDY]

I'm hatching my first at home group of eggs and preparing the brooder, so I appreciate the comments! I have chickens and partner with the 1st grade at my grandson's school to supply eggs for their unit on the life cycle. This began when Alex was in first grade and the teachers couldn't obtain eggs due to very harsh weather in the north where they had purchased before. Alex raised his hand and proudly said "my Nana and granddad have chickens on their farm!" yay!!! They incubate in the classroom, candle to chart the growth, mark the calendar, and wait with thrilling anticipation for the arrival of THEIR babies! After a week of chirping distracting the kids, we take the chicks to their new home on our farm. Two weeks later the entire first grade had a field trip, 30 minute ride, for "farm day" which is noted throughout the school as the best event ever. Hey, I didn't say it, they did!

Since I'm getting off the subject perhaps I should put the details on a different thread and encourage others to share how they participate with the schools etc.. I know there are some great ideas out there!