I need advice, suggestions, and Help

[Redsoxgirl]

I'd say about 3-6 eggs. Scramble them, then let them cool, them mash them to little bits. If you sprinkle them on the ground, your girls should all be able to get a good amount. I would not recommend this long- term, but they will enjoy the healthy treat. My go-to vitamin supplement is Vi-tal by Ideal animal health. Can find it at fleet farm. Very easy to use, no need for calculating doses like some other vitamin solutions. I have saved three hens from deficiencies. I give this stuff whenever someone looks a little under the weather. If you follow the dosing, you should have no problem. It also helps in stressful situations. I hope this helps you!

This is fabulous! Thank you so much!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

how were they rescued? How sure of the age if said rescue?

 

[Redsoxgirl]

Although your coop is small, they are able to get out into the run. That helps. (For future reference, when you see a coop advertised to hold x number of chickens, divide that in half. You'll be closer to the amount they really hold.) It's good that you're building a bigger run for them. That should make them happy.

I'm actually getting a 12'x12'x6'H pen for them. That should give them enough room to dust themselves and get a good amount of excercise. Honestly they love my garden, and always try to take my cherry tomatoes. They're not interested in the tomato leaves, just the tomatoes. I know the leaves aren't good for them at all so I watch them carefully. But I have given them some tomatoes as a treat.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

how old were they when u got them. how long have you had them,?

 

[Redsoxgirl]

how were they rescued? How sure of the age if said rescue?

The people who had them said they were close to a year old, & still laying eggs. I told them that (which I didn't mean) if they didn't lay eggs, I'd be returning the hens. But I think the move to my house was a lot for them. And I didn't see the coop they lived in.

 

[Redsoxgirl]

Although your coop is small, they are able to get out into the run. That helps. (For future reference, when you see a coop advertised to hold x number of chickens, divide that in half. You'll be closer to the amount they really hold.) It's good that you're building a bigger run for them. That should make them happy.

Ok, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you so much! : )

 

[Cntry1958]

Another idea is look on Craigs list of old sheds. Then convert it. Also Home Depot cuts lumber to size if you want to add a larger coop to your run. With the coop you have now just measure it and it could be used as a pattern of sorts. Add the new coop and run to the far side of your existing coop. Remove the side wall on old coop adding the new coop and securing it to each other. Also pallets that are used on trucks can be turned into a coop. Just a few idea to toss your way. Enjoy your flock and welcome.

 

[Redsoxgirl]

I would not suggest to split them a flock likes to be together if your able one of the basic garden storage type buildings can be great coops with very little effort

I'm not sure where to find those... Usually Home Depot is a lot more money than Walmart. I'll have to try to search for them & see what I can find. Thank you : )

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I hatch and raise chickens. So when my mom got some birds off of craigslist dirt cheap instead of calling me, I was kinda hurt. But anyway, mom calls me 2 months later and says her birds haven't gave her any eggs yet, I went over to check them out. The people lied to her saying they were a year old but I could tell they were at least 5 or so. People sell off hens once they stop producing, it's a dirty trick. Not saying it is your case, but I hear about it all the time. Post a clear photo of one of the hen's feet and I try to age your birds.

 

[Redsoxgirl]

Another idea is look on Craigs list of old sheds. Then convert it. Also Home Depot cuts lumber to size if you want to add a larger coop to your run. With the coop you have now just measure it and it could be used as a pattern of sorts. Add the new coop and run to the far side of your existing coop. Remove the side wall on old coop adding the new coop and securing it to each other. Also pallets that are used on trucks can be turned into a coop. Just a few idea to toss your way. Enjoy your flock and welcome.

Thank you so much! Ever have the feeling that you just want to email yourself all the amazing help, suggestions & advise you get here? LOL cause that's how I'm feeling right now. : )