Flock Update

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Hello, fellow BYCers,

I haven't been very vocal here lately because we are in "watch chickens grow" mode. I am thinking perhaps three of my hens are laying (not there when it happens so I kinda don't know). I assume it would be the buff orps and/or easter eggers for the eggs we have been getting are very light brown, light blue/green. Up until about two weeks ago we were getting about three a day. For the last week or so, none. Not sure if it's the cold (SE Georgia, some days below freezing) or something else.

I ran out of commercial feed last week (within three days) I was able to purchase more. During those 2.5 days without commercial they were given chicken corn/scratch from our local grocers (wonder if that is why no more eggs)? Also, our ladies and gents free range most of the day which brings me to my post reason.

Of all the breeds we have (no less than 13) the Neiderrheiners and Bielefelders roam SO far away. No, hubby has not clipped wings yet (besides they walk). Has anyone else noticed this trend? Of course, they come home to roost, but sometimes I get concerned about them going so far when all the others stay very close to coop/home.

 

[cavemanrich]

If the far away roaming is your concern,,,, easiest solution.. is to provide a fenced in area. I know it sounds easier said, than done, and cost also... Consider used fencing if you are budget minded. Chicken wire,,, although now quite pricey ,, even so,, will keep chickens in.
You may be loosing eggs out in the pasture from those far venturing hens.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[cavemanrich]

Just got another brainstorm
Build a movable tractor, and slip your far wanderers into there. You can build one for somewhat reasonable cash outlay.

 

[Acre4Me]

Chickens will wander, and some breeds are just more likely to do this.

Free ranging chickens may be laying eggs somewhere else. Many people who experience this will decide to keep the girls in a run, near the nest boxes, during the morning hours and allow free ranging for the second half of the day.

Egg production is impacted by many things. Feed/nutrition, change/stress, and water intake are common things that impact egg laying. So, the feed issue may have had an impact. Make sure they have cool water available to them always, as they prefer cool water, not warm or hot.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

If the far away roaming is your concern,,,, easiest solution.. is to provide a fenced in area. I know it sounds easier said, than done, and cost also... Consider used fencing if you are budget minded. Chicken wire,,, although now quite pricey ,, even so,, will keep chickens in.
You may be loosing eggs out in the pasture from those far venturing hens.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

For now they are too young to lay, thank goodness. Bless their hearts they walk through the Premiere fencing. Hubby wants to wait until they are larger before electrifying it. He feels they may get hurt if we do so now..

He is able to round them up so perhaps I am being a nervous Nelly for no reason.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Chickens will wander, and some breeds are just more likely to do this.

Free ranging chickens may be laying eggs somewhere else. Many people who experience this will decide to keep the girls in a run, near the nest boxes, during the morning hours and allow free ranging for the second half of the day.

Egg production is impacted by many things. Feed/nutrition, change/stress, and water intake are common things that impact egg laying. So, the feed issue may have had an impact. Make sure they have cool water available to them always, as they prefer cool water, not warm or hot.

Okie, thank you much.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Just got another brainstorm
Build a movable tractor, and slip your far wanderers into there. You can build one for somewhat reasonable cash outlay.

Boy, would I like a Chickshaw for them.

 

[3KillerBs]

For now they are too young to lay, thank goodness. Bless their hearts they walk through the Premiere fencing. Hubby wants to wait until they are larger before electrifying it. He feels they may get hurt if we do so now..

He is able to round them up so perhaps I am being a nervous Nelly for no reason.

Go ahead and electrify it. They won't get hurt and might learn to respect it.

If nothing else, it will serve the purpose of protecting them from ground-based predators.