Hello to BYC!

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Ewe Mama

Ewe Mama

In the Brooder
Jun 15, 2015
81
3
33
Northern Ohio


I am actually not a total newbie on BYC. It has been so many years since I have posted, I just can't remember my username or password any longer, so I decided to start fresh, so to speak. I hope that is not breaking any board rules.

We had pretty much given up on keeping chickens due to predation. Blasted raccoons. We have one lonely little Speckled Sussex left who is shut up in the barn all day. She is over 6 years old now and still gives us an egg from time to time. Bless her heart, she is the smartest chicken ever.

My elder daughter has been asking and asking for chickens again. After removing two ticks from my scalp this month, I am ready to concur.

My dh has battled cancer over the past year and is currently in remission, but still lacks strength. I am going to be on my own in building a chicken tractor and I could use some advice, which is why I wandered back over to BYC.

We have five homeschooled children, two girls and three boys in the middle. The three eldest are adopted and the two younger are bio surprises. They range in age from 12 to 7.

We have a little over 3.5 acres, and mainly raise a few sheep now. We were down to four until one of our ewes surprised us on Friday with the two little darlings in my avatar.

We reside in northeastern Ohio, so face long, cold winters. I remember a couple posters from my early days, and I hope to meet many more new online friends.

Thank you in advance for your stories, practical advice, and slaps upside the head when needed.
 
Welcome Back to the flock, we saved a place on the roost for you. Actually guineas are great tick eaters, I am told, and alarm systems as well.
 
drumstick diva said:
Welcome Back to the flock, we saved a place on the roost for you. Actually guineas are great tick eaters, I am told, and alarm systems as well.
Click to expand...

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Were you able to identify the predator(s) that caused your previous losses? There are ways to maintain a flock while mitigating the risk of loss that are far short of the plight of your one lonely SS - knowing what took the birds can help with suggestions on ways to beef up the existing infrastructure to protect the new flock while allowing you to benefit from them being out and about to get the nasty ticks.
 
Thank you so much for the warm welcome! It feels good to find a spot on the roost. :)

To answer your questions: Our main problem has always been raccoons. There are weasels and hawks as well, but I don't believe we ever lost any to them.

We are mainly looking for plans for a raccoon-proof chicken tractor (or two) that can be winterized. We have a barn, but that mainly houses the sheep. In a pinch, we could put them in the barn together, but that is not my preference, for safety reasons.

I have been looking at plans and pictures for all types of tractors, but I literally need step by step directions, building for dummies-type directions. I will be building it/them on my own. I have basic tools, a miter saw, a Kreg jig, a nail gun, and a jig saw. I enjoy putting together Ikea furniture, and I have built a few beginner plans on Ana White's site. My bookshelves and night stands may not be perfect, but they function!

My daughter would like a flock of 10ish birds, and I would also like to raise some meat birds for the freezer.

I found a few ready-made tractors that look really nice, but. I can't swing the $1000+ price tag when we have so many medical bills still coming in. We aren't destitute, but I would like to keep it from getting too pricey.

If you could point me in a good direction to look, I would be very grateful!

Thanks again!
 
I have to say, the forum looks very different than it did when I was on before. It's nice, just a lot bigger and busier than it used to be. Chickens have gotten a lot more popular! :lol:
 
I was just reading through the how to be a Good BYM Citizen thread and I actually recognized some member names. Are any of these people still on?

Debilorrah

Mhonri

M to the Maxx

Miss Jayne

Terrielacy

I can't remember who this was, but she had a Sam Elliott avatar picture.

If you are here, I guarantee you wouldn't remember me, but I enjoyed seeing familiar names.
 
welcome-byc.gif


Glad you joined again! I'm not an expert on tractor coops, but many people on BYC are and you may consider posting in the "Coop and Run- Design, Construction, and Maintenance" section of the forum for a good starting point. :)
 

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