I need advice, suggestions, and Help

[Redsoxgirl]

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.

I'll try but they usually aren't very still. I'll see what I can get for a photo of some feet. Thank you, that would be great. : )

 

[Redsoxgirl]

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

I've had them 2-3 weeks. I was told they were close to a year old.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I'll try but they usually aren't very still. I'll see what I can get for a photo of some feet. Thank you, that would be great. : )

After dark they will be motionless and use a flash. my older hens have scaley build up and bumpy. At a year old, they should look fresh and vibrant.

 

[Redsoxgirl]

After dark they will be motionless and use a flash. my older hens have scaley build up and bumpy. At a year old, they should look fresh and vibrant.

When I was putting them in the garden I notice their feet looked & felt very smooth.

 

[Cntry1958]

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. : )

No I use my cell ... LOL or do a screen shot and print it off. There are so many great people here willing to help you. Where state are you from. I am sure if you ask around in the state thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/where-am-i-where-are-you.26/ you may find other member from your area willing to help you with your coop also. Chicken people love helping other chicken people and their flocks.

 

[Redsoxgirl]

When I was putting them in the garden I notice their feet looked & felt very smooth.

* noticed their feet* sorry misspelled. : )

 

[Cntry1958]

You may also want to check your garden and areas around it to see if your hens are hiding eggs. They love doing that especially if they free ranged before.

 

[biophiliac]

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.

Once you get the bigger run you could just take the current set up and enclose the whole thing making it into a bigger coop. Since the run is framed you could even use inexpensive OSB board which is very easy to cut and work with.

 

[bobbi-j]

You may also want to check your garden and areas around it to see if your hens are hiding eggs. They love doing that especially if they free ranged before.

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This is also something to keep in mind. If they're out of the coop and run, they could be hiding their eggs. My guess is still that it's likely a combination of the move and shorter days. You can add supplemental light to help encourage them to start laying.

Once you get the bigger run you could just take the current set up and enclose the whole thing making it into a bigger coop. Since the run is framed you could even use inexpensive OSB board which is very easy to cut and work with.

While this is true, and a good idea, not everyone has the equipment or skills to do something like that. Maybe OP knows someone who could help.

 

[lazy gardener]

Red, that small coop could very easily be converted into a coop that would most likely be large enough for them. Then, with your added run, you would be all set for space, AS LONG AS you don't add any more birds. Depending on your location, you could even use tarps to close in the whole coop. Better yet would be to put plywood siding on it, cause that will increase the strength of the building. Surely, you must know someone who has the required tools and skill set? Perhaps you could barter services, garden produce or eggs to get the panels cut to the right dimensions. Or, you could go to Harbor Freight and buy a skill saw. I'm a 61 y.o. biddy, and have more fun with shop tools than I ever do with indoor stuff. And, I still have all my fingers and toes. If you do close in the coop, remember that they need, must have, (not optional) lots of ventilation. If you oriented the coop so the open end of it faced south, you could even leave the entire south end open. Plan on allowing approximately 6 sq. feet of open space for ventilation. In order to get good ventilation, you must have at least 2 openings so that air will move into the structure, and still have somewhere to exit.