The eldest son and I are working on his new 4-H Project - Poultry!
We have just young birds as it is our first year:
10 Speckled Sussex from Cackle Hatchery through the local feed store May 11 hatch (starting to look more like chickens)
From Whitmore Farm May 25 hatch (ugly adolescents)
5 Delawares
16 Welsummers
5 Ameraucanas
And 6 Corn/Rock broilers gifted to us through the project from the local industrial chicken producer June 9 hatch (still fuzzy butts)
I grew up on a farm with chickens, but this is the first batch I've had in 30 years. The children are enjoying sitting with them and petting them.
I really like these breeds so far and would like to hear others experience with them.
We are using homemade hoop-wire-tarp shelters surrounded by premier elctrified poultry net for predator protection. I would love to hear from others on their experiences with this set-up, and if there are cheaper alternatives. Also, is running rope or ribbon back and forth from the tops of the poles good for discouraging hawks?
It appears the long-suffering spouse is going to let us keep some over winter (great guy), so the kids and I may be here for a while!
We have just young birds as it is our first year:
10 Speckled Sussex from Cackle Hatchery through the local feed store May 11 hatch (starting to look more like chickens)
From Whitmore Farm May 25 hatch (ugly adolescents)
5 Delawares
16 Welsummers
5 Ameraucanas
And 6 Corn/Rock broilers gifted to us through the project from the local industrial chicken producer June 9 hatch (still fuzzy butts)
I grew up on a farm with chickens, but this is the first batch I've had in 30 years. The children are enjoying sitting with them and petting them.
I really like these breeds so far and would like to hear others experience with them.
We are using homemade hoop-wire-tarp shelters surrounded by premier elctrified poultry net for predator protection. I would love to hear from others on their experiences with this set-up, and if there are cheaper alternatives. Also, is running rope or ribbon back and forth from the tops of the poles good for discouraging hawks?
It appears the long-suffering spouse is going to let us keep some over winter (great guy), so the kids and I may be here for a while!
