Hot and less chickens = a good thing

[Mrs. K]

We were 111 on Sunday, 114 on Mondday, and a cool 101 Tuesday...

Less chickens in a set up is less heat. Space, ventilation and shade are of vital importance in extreme weather. It was hard, but I am so glad that I have my flocked thinned out.

You really should not keep them all. Your set up is generally speaking a non-changing or very slow changing fact. Keeping too many birds does none of them any good.

Mrs K

 

[DobieLover]

We were 111 on Sunday, 114 on Mondday, and a cool 101 Tuesday...

Less chickens in a set up is less heat. Space, ventilation and shade are of vital importance in extreme weather. It was hard, but I am so glad that I have my flocked thinned out.

You really should not keep them all. Your set up is generally speaking a non-changing or very slow changing fact. Keeping too many birds does none of them any good.

Mrs K

Touché!
Oh the number of times I read about people asking "how many birds can I stuff inside my coop" or "gee, all my chickens went broody and there are babies all over the place, whatever should I do?"
All too often people never stop to think about all times of the year and all weather extremes before caving to the urge to get more chickens.
'What is in the best interest of the flock?' should be the first question asked about any changes to the flock or housing.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

I have a few that need to go. One hen has ascites and is very uncomfortable in this heat. I've been putting it off because I hate culling birds. But I think she's upsetting the flock, and definitely causes frustration at roosting time with her constant bawk-bawk-bawk-bawk-bawk and restlessness. Sigh. Yes, it's time to cull again, to identify the non-layers and poorly ones. Sadly, this list includes one of my only two roosters at the moment - he's 3 yrs old, has deformed feet, and lately he walks like he's climbing stairs in the air. Yesterday, he hid under the coop instead of coming out for evening treats. I've got several good cockerels coming along to choose from, so he won't be missed for long. Still, he's been one of my best roos and I'll miss him.

 

[Mrs. K]

It is hard, I know. Decisions, decisions, but peace in the flock is so worth it.