Illinois...

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

How frequent are meat spots? My gold comets are great layers but I get a lot of meat spots. Probably 2 out of 4 eggs will have meat spots. They are 10 months old or so

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

Hope u are all safe

 

[Faraday40]

"My progress is slower than my desire.."
World's most precious words

Feeling that saying today!!!

I finally took the winter storm windows off the coop/run. The run flooded a few times, so it really needed the cross breeze to dry it out. (Guess today's rain won't help with that much)
I was able to hose off the collection of winter dust from roosts and ladders.

Since DH is feeling sick, my 10 yr old tried out the lawn mower. He doesn't quite understand the concept of straight lines. He got bored and started making crop circles.

I want to plant my garden and clean out the garage and then there's all the repairs and the chicken tractor project.

 

[SnootyHen]

Thanks @cavemanrich !! Great information!

I think building from a kit would work for me because I am pretty handy, I just don't have a lot of tools. I have a half-decent table saw, a drill and some basic stuff, but nothing that would impress anyone. And it would be me doing all the work with the help of my sons so the kits with pre-cut and pre-measured pieces are great so I don't have to worry about that part.

I keep looking at wood sheds and even the small ones are running close to $2K And that's before any modifications or foundation.

How hard is it to add nesting boxes and things to a plastic shed? That along with wind-resistance (how about those winds today!!!) are my biggest worry with plastic.

Man, these hens are going to be laying eggs before I get it together!

 

[SnootyHen]

Since DH is feeling sick, my 10 yr old tried out the lawn mower. He doesn't quite understand the concept of straight lines. He got bored and started making crop circles.

Life with boys!!!

 

[WhyDoILikeChickens]

Thanks @cavemanrich !! Great information!

I think building from a kit would work for me because I am pretty handy, I just don't have a lot of tools. I have a half-decent table saw, a drill and some basic stuff, but nothing that would impress anyone. And it would be me doing all the work with the help of my sons so the kits with pre-cut and pre-measured pieces are great so I don't have to worry about that part.

I keep looking at wood sheds and even the small ones are running close to $2K And that's before any modifications or foundation.

How hard is it to add nesting boxes and things to a plastic shed? That along with wind-resistance (how about those winds today!!!) are my biggest worry with plastic.

Man, these hens are going to be laying eggs before I get it together!

If you could assemble a pre cut shed you could probably just build your own. Just learn where u mess up and move forward.
Cutting isnt much more difficult than following someone else's instructions. Some years ago I built a 10'x 14' shed for $800ish. That's enough shed for 100 chickens.
For the record I only learn by making mistakes so if not for screwibg up I'd never lern. I've learned to embrace my mistakes.
Most people are much more capable than they give themselves credit for.

 

[Justso]

Thanks @cavemanrich !! Great information!

I think building from a kit would work for me because I am pretty handy, I just don't have a lot of tools. I have a half-decent table saw, a drill and some basic stuff, but nothing that would impress anyone. And it would be me doing all the work with the help of my sons so the kits with pre-cut and pre-measured pieces are great so I don't have to worry about that part.

I keep looking at wood sheds and even the small ones are running close to $2K And that's before any modifications or foundation.

How hard is it to add nesting boxes and things to a plastic shed? That along with wind-resistance (how about those winds today!!!) are my biggest worry with plastic.

Man, these hens are going to be laying eggs before I get it together!

It's okay, a saw will cut through plastic just fine. You should be able to secure outside boxes with no problems. Plenty of YouTube help out there!
If you're worried about it blowing, add an earth anchor: https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...arth-anchor/858708/p-1530858525840-c-5764.htm
Actually, add two on opposite corners

 

[cavemanrich]

You should be able to secure outside boxes with no problems.

SnootyHen is limited to the number of chickens,,, so no need for an exterior box. A larger communal nesting box inside would work well. It does not even need to be a traditional style. 2 nests in a shallow box upright., and filled with straw/hay, and removable on floor of coop work well.

 

[Justso]

I hope everyone had a good productive, and fun! weekend. I took a good hard look at my little single wild one, I think looking more and more like a cockerel. What do you think?

 

[Faraday40]

I hope everyone had a good productive, and fun! weekend. I took a good hard look at my little single wild one, I think looking more and more like a cockerel. What do you think? View attachment 2160031
View attachment 2160032

Breed & age?

Today was pretty hot, so sometimes birds (especially light feathered ones) may flush & give a false hint of cockerel.