fuzzi's Chicken Journal

[fuzzi]

And this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ing-care-and-much-more.1205618/#post-19125101

 

[fuzzi]

Hoop Coop Build and More Timeline (updated 10/12/23)

1/14/23 - Purchased cattle panels (dh assisted): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26454653

1/19/23 - Zip-tied cattle panels: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26469743

1/21/23 - Purchased 2x4x16s, attached 4th cattle panel, attached panels to wood with 1 1/2" staples:

A. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26474136

B. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26475389

1/28/23 - Added 8' 2x4s to ends: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26496739

1/29/23 - Added frame braces, pallet support to west end, started adding HWC: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26500073

2/4/23 - Too cold, stayed inside, assembled waterer: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26517266

2/9/23 - Placed HWC over hoop (pm) (dh assisted): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26532873

2/10/23 - Attached end HWC to adjacent piece (zip-ties): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26535573

2/11/23 - Attached remaining HWC to frame & each other (dh assisted): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26538550

2/18/23 - Created door and door frame, attached to hoop frame:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26557799

2/19/23 - Added HWC to and around door, created door stop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26560487

2/21/23 - Finished HWC on door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26567034

2/23/23 - HWC added around door, added hasps, door handle: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26572834

2/24/24 - Finished HWC around door, strap attachment to reinforce door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26574491

Added tarps (dh assisted): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26575006

Added bungees, HWC apron by door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26575746

2/25/23 - Rain lines inside the coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26577881

2/26/23 - Created brooder with dog crate: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26581165

2/27/23 - CHICKS HATCHING! Finished brooder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26584216

2/28/23 - Final touches including power cord run under apron, mason jars for feeder and waterer, bought feed, created MHP: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26587205

3/2/23 - Chicks! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26591524

3/4/23 - Turnbuckle and large feeder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26596670

3/8/23 - Secured weak points around door, added hook & eye to inside of the door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26611842

3/9/23 - All chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26614419

3/10/23 - Dirt introduction: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26617440

Solar motion sensor lights installation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26617483

3/11/23 - Roost build: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26620026

3/15/23 - Chicks roosting on branch: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26633457

3/16/23 - Chicks first time exploring on ground: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26636331

3/17/23 - Finished west end (pallet): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26638548

3/20/23 - Chicks...opened door for day, first time, added leg rings: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26649735

3/21/23 - Removed waterer and feeder from brooder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26653394

3/22/23 - Most of the chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26656148

3/24/23 - Added 12" anchors: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26659439

Added dust bathtub: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26659452

3/24/23 - Left brooder door open all night.

3/27/23 - First pill bug treats for all: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26670080

3/31/23 - New intermediate waterers added: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-37#post-26685528

4/4/23 - MHP unplugged! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26705767

4/5/23 - Info from a Speckled Sussex breeder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26708519

4/6/23 - Chicks figure out the port feeder: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26712254

And the brooder is removed! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-41#post-26714345

4/8/23 - First taste of grapes: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26719853

4/14/23 - Dominique chicks arrive: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26739378

4/15/23 - FINALLY added a handle to the door: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26743963

4/18/23 - Sussex roll call at 7 weeks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-49#post-26755168

4/21/23 - Rearranging roosts, etc: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-50#post-26763950

5/3/23 - Speckled Sussex standards: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26803735

and

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/page-54#post-26805385

5/5/23 - Dominiques leave the brooder! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26811588

5/7/23 - Grow Out crate modified for Dominiques: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26817329

First crow: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26828812

Improvements to the coop: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26833977

Avoiding the Big Boys: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26836509

Sexing the Dominiques: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26840103

Integrating the Dominiques:
(different thread) https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...to-flock-at-4-weeks-old.1159151/post-26859213

More Rearranging: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26859316

And:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26880259

Dominique Selfies: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26882900

Practicing: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26898211

Heading to the Auction: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26919777

Roll Call! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26926818

Nest Boxes Preparation: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26940949

Fleck Goes to the Auction, Part 1: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26966189

Fleck Goes to the Auction, Part 2: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26966432

New Leg Bands (Sussex): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26967036

Shade Cloth: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26967476

New Leg Bands (Dominiques): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26986260

Snake! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-26990422

Coop Improvements: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27024562

Roost Improvement, Part 1: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27057880

Roost Improvement, Part 2: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27060515

Pullet Chatter: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27074828

FIRST EGG: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27090488

Snake #2: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27094131

Cleaning Up Outside the Coop: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27097529

Electrical Cord Project: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27103530

Adding Shade Cloth Over Tarp: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hoop-coop-retrofit.1593936/post-27112593

Snake #3: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27113079

Martha Goes Broody: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27130572

Ground Anchors: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27137639

Making the Door More Secure: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27147153

Egg Diary: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27170820

Martha's Broody Again: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27184623

Tropical Storm #2: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27195704

Roll Call! (video): https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/fuzzis-chicken-journal.1550586/post-27228939

I'm so glad I finally did this post last night, as my Premium Feather Member gift just ran out!

I can no longer edit older posts like the one from May that had earlier information.

The ads don't bother me, I can live with them.

 

[fuzzi]

Friday afternoon I attacked a project I'd been putting off, got it done: the removal of several small trees and stumps by my raised beds.

Looks better!

(there's just one stump I couldn't totally remove, but it's low enough for the mower to pass over)

In the process of cutting down and digging up I found several grubs. I walked over to the coop and offered them through the wire...

...FEEDING FRENZY!

Wish I had a photo.

 

[fuzzi]

Joel (handsome guy!)

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Friday afternoon I attacked a project I'd been putting off, got it done: the removal of several small trees and stumps by my raised beds.

View attachment 3661548

Looks better!
View attachment 3661549
(there's just one stump I couldn't totally remove, but it's low enough for the mower to pass over)

In the process of cutting down and digging up I found several grubs. I walked over to the coop and offered them through the wire...

...FEEDING FRENZY!

Wish I had a photo.

View attachment 3661554

Looks good!

 

[fuzzi]

The gardens are winding down, and the supply of fresh veggies and insects is dwindling. I have been thinking some about what to give the flock as treats supplemental feeding.

This afternoon while digging through the freezer I came across a small bag with a couple pieces of leftover pork roast, from one we had eaten earlier this year.



It had some freezer burn but otherwise looked okay. I thawed a small piece in a bowl, warming it slightly in the microwave, then cut the stringy bits into smaller pieces. I added a few crumbs of cheese that had broken off sliced Havarti. I took this mix out to the coop and dumped it in the feeding dish...



I missed a photo of the chickens jumping on top of each other in their frenzy, but you've probably seen something similar.

The one Dominique not in the photo grabbed a centipede that was underneath the dish when I picked it up. She ran with her treasure to the other side of the coop.



"Any more?"

Someone has been taking my lectures to heart:

Good girls!

 

[NanaK]

Mine will go crazy over bits of meat!
Like piranhas!

 

[fuzzi]

When I went to check on the flock this afternoon Joel ambushed me while I was filling the waterer. It wasn't a really hard peck but it wasn't a friendly peck, either. I turned around and threw my jug of water over him. He ran, shaking his feathers.

Bad Joel! Do you want to go to the auction?

 

[NanaK]

When I went to check on the flock this afternoon Joel ambushed me while I was filling the waterer. It wasn't a really hard peck but it wasn't a friendly peck, either. I turned around and threw my jug of water over him. He ran, shaking his feathers.

Bad Joel! Do you want to go to the auction?

Oh crap. I'm sorry he's being a jerk.

 

[fuzzi]

Oh crap. I'm sorry he's being a jerk.

Samuel is the understudy, the Roo in the Queue. If Joel starts being a jerk, I have options.