I don't think my hubby knows what he is doing!

[justusnak]

Alaskan_crew.

Nope, we didnt have chickens in Anchorage. We didnt get into this " addiction" untill we moved here to Indiana. ( to take care of both of our parents) Wasilla is Soooo beautifull! I wish we was able to come back "home" but we are "lower 48" grounded it seems....due to family.Stress can cause them to feather peck. Take a small head of lettuce...and put a metal clothes hanger through it....hang it from the ceiling. This will provide them with fresh greens, and something ELSE to peck at.

If there is a way you can give them a safe run...probably should cover it to keep the Eagles out. They need to be able to get out in the summer months to get fresh greens, bugs and sunlight! Winter months...I wouldnt worry about letting them out. You can get a good grow light, and some cheap aluminum cake pans....grow them some grass for the winter months. They will love you forever! Just put the pan of grown grass in there for a few days, when they get it pretty low...or gone...replace with another. Always have 2 or 3 growing. Have fun with the addiction...and let us know how many more you get!

 

[alaskan_crew]

The lettuce idea and the grass plants in winter are such awesome ideas!!! Definetely gonna try them out! Thanks!

BTW, went to check on my girls today and found that one of them had somehow got out of the coop and was trying to find a way back inside!

I'm thinking of adding 2 more comets. I keep hearing that they are good cold hardy birds and are quiet and mellow. Also, heard that it's best to introduce in pairs...?

 

[justusnak]

Getting a few more hu? Thats great!! Yes, I would add them in pairs. Are you getting them from the same place? If so, you shouldn't have a need for quarantine for 30 days, but when you introduce them....either do this in the evening, at roost time, or just watch them very closely for fighting. If they came from the same place...they should be ok after a few minutes of reintroduction. Good luck...and, let us know how many you end up with!

 

[alaskan_crew]

I didn't realize chickens are so territorial. Thought I was gonna get Comets but now maybe B.O.'s or Barred Rocks. I've been talking to a couple from Soldotna who said that these would also make good winter layers. I paid $7.50 a piece for my pullets but am thinking (and hearing) that this may be too much. If I add from different flocks, does that mean I need to keep the newcomers in a seperate coop? Is this to observe for diseases or for social reasons?
Just for local news info for you guys in Indiana, the Matanuska Maid plants are heading to closure! Bummer! Also, Maggie (AK Zoo elephant) will probably be leaving us too!

 

[justusnak]

Alaskan_crew. Yup, you will want to keep there seperate for a few weeks if possible...to watch for disease...mites...lice. ( ewww)
I have Buff Orpingtons..they are only 13 weeks old now, so not laying yet. I have heard they are great layers, and will lay through the winter. They also have a tendancy to go broody. My comets dont. They lay and run! LOL
I cant believe the Matanuska Maid plants are closeing!! BUMMER!!!!

Why is Maggie leaving the zoo??? Jeesh! Not fair! That poor zoo doesnt have much as it is! Thanks for the updates...i sure miss home!!