FLORIDA!!!!!ALWAYS SUNNY SIDE UP!!!

[Seatrout00]

I have been fighting with flow pox this year and finally the ones that survive are getting better and eating more. This morning I was in despair when I saw that some animal got into one of my coop and killed the 7 juvenile hens in it. Just yesterday I was telling my family that soon they were going to start laying.

I'm so sad

Man, that sure stinks. Any way you can predator proof your coop?

 

[DRGLENNON]

I have been fighting with flow pox this year and finally the ones that survive are getting better and eating more. This morning I was in despair when I saw that some animal got into one of my coop and killed the 7 juvenile hens in it. Just yesterday I was telling my family that soon they were going to start laying.

I'm so sad

I'm sorry, I know how disappointing it can be.

 

[dolfi]

Man, that sure stinks. Any way you can predator proof your coop?

How? I don't even know what got to them. I think I'm going to try to put sensor light.

 

[ReganBond]

Hello! Happy Wednesday!

So, I'm new to the chicken owning experience. We Just started on building our coop. With that said I'm trying to compile info so I'm ready to move forward when time.

As a new chicken owner, would you recommend starting with baby chicks or adult chickens? When we are done with the coop we will be able to accommodate either/both.

Thank you!

Regan

 

[Seatrout00]

How? I don't even know what got to them. I think I'm going to try to put sensor light.

I am no expert on building coops, but I have learned from reading and listening to other's experiences with chickens that if the coop isn't predator proof, you can count on something getting in and killing them.

Hardware cloth - like 1/2 inch, works great for keeping predators out and needs to be used over all open areas of the coop - chicken wire does nothing but keep the hens inside - it will not keep animals out.

Shade helps keep a flock safe from hawks if they are free ranging.

Other than this, perhaps researching predator proofing your coop will help in the future - I sure hope so! Losing hens is horrible!

 

[ReganBond]

Here are some websites that might help you.


http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html#Chickens
http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

These are some great sites! Thank you so much! I officially bookmarked them.

 

[AlHawk]

ReganBond,

I started with chicks (day or 2 old). I've enjoyed watching them grow up. They are funny to watch. if you want eggs faster and are willing to pay $6-9 for each common breed chicken, get the 6 week olds. I found this decision was primarily made for me when i couldn't get 6 week olds in the timeframe I wanted and from a reputable place.

 

[ReganBond]

I do really want to start with Chicks. Eggs are my primary objective, however I would love to watch them grow. Thanks for your input!

Regan

 

[getaclue]

I have been fighting with flow pox this year and finally the ones that survive are getting better and eating more. This morning I was in despair when I saw that some animal got into one of my coop and killed the 7 juvenile hens in it. Just yesterday I was telling my family that soon they were going to start laying.

I'm so sad

You might consider a Parmak electric fencer.

 

[dfr1973]

How? I don't even know what got to them. I think I'm going to try to put sensor light.

Work with the idea that just about everything likes a chicken dinner as much as we people do. Hardware cloth, even openings you think are too small need to be covered, and if your predator is big enough, you may just need to go electric (we have bears).