- Sep 13, 2011
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Hi,
Just new on the bloc.
Back in March, my son who is a farrier, brought me a rooster and 2 hens Barbu d'Anvers. (as one knows, farrier sometimes end up bartering their way as in "Would you shoe this horse for a few chickens.."!!!) So we built a coop, fenced a corner of the garden and our experience in chicken nurtured!!
Well, the first think we learned was how to fence off a mean rooster ( That farmer had a good deal when he got rid of that rooster!!!) He has learned to stay away from me when I hold piece of water hose looped in my hand! (I tried water spray, but it rains too often in Ireland to work!).
Once a day, we leave them have the run of the whole garden... they were a great help to get rid of the leather-backs (crane fly larvae) and we were getting1-2 eggs each day (small, cute and tasty!).
Just over 3 weeks ago, one of the hen started to vanish every evening which meant only one think: "We have a brooder!!!". We mount guard and finally found her nest deep in the hedgerow. The 8 eggs and her ladyship(she was not happy!!!) were quickly transported into our glass greenhouse where I had prepare a makeshift nest with an overturned basket from our washroom and wood shavings for litter. The eggs were placed in the center. After the hen calmed down, she resumed "her position". I placed a 60 watt bulb in the greenhouse a couple feet above the "nest" and make sure she was fed and water... the wait had began... (By the way.. I am a grandfather but I was acting just like when my wife was about to give birth to our first child!!!!
After 23 days ( from the time we made the change) the first "piiip" came out... When we saw the chicks I said:" He looks like Happy Feet!!!". Next day, we had number 2. then now, 3 days and 5 eggs still there....
Maybe it is time for a decision!
Well this is my introduction to chickens!!! ( We had horses, Irish wolfhounds, now chicks!) I am married (42 years!), My wife and I are parents and grand parents. Apart of Ireland, we have lived in Luxembourg, Belgium, USA (Alabama) and Italy...
I have not figured out how to post pictures yet on here, so I will post "Happy Feet" on Facebook.
Slan!
Paddy
Just new on the bloc.
Back in March, my son who is a farrier, brought me a rooster and 2 hens Barbu d'Anvers. (as one knows, farrier sometimes end up bartering their way as in "Would you shoe this horse for a few chickens.."!!!) So we built a coop, fenced a corner of the garden and our experience in chicken nurtured!!
Well, the first think we learned was how to fence off a mean rooster ( That farmer had a good deal when he got rid of that rooster!!!) He has learned to stay away from me when I hold piece of water hose looped in my hand! (I tried water spray, but it rains too often in Ireland to work!).
Once a day, we leave them have the run of the whole garden... they were a great help to get rid of the leather-backs (crane fly larvae) and we were getting1-2 eggs each day (small, cute and tasty!).
Just over 3 weeks ago, one of the hen started to vanish every evening which meant only one think: "We have a brooder!!!". We mount guard and finally found her nest deep in the hedgerow. The 8 eggs and her ladyship(she was not happy!!!) were quickly transported into our glass greenhouse where I had prepare a makeshift nest with an overturned basket from our washroom and wood shavings for litter. The eggs were placed in the center. After the hen calmed down, she resumed "her position". I placed a 60 watt bulb in the greenhouse a couple feet above the "nest" and make sure she was fed and water... the wait had began... (By the way.. I am a grandfather but I was acting just like when my wife was about to give birth to our first child!!!!
After 23 days ( from the time we made the change) the first "piiip" came out... When we saw the chicks I said:" He looks like Happy Feet!!!". Next day, we had number 2. then now, 3 days and 5 eggs still there....
Well this is my introduction to chickens!!! ( We had horses, Irish wolfhounds, now chicks!) I am married (42 years!), My wife and I are parents and grand parents. Apart of Ireland, we have lived in Luxembourg, Belgium, USA (Alabama) and Italy...
I have not figured out how to post pictures yet on here, so I will post "Happy Feet" on Facebook.
Slan!
Paddy
