INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Leahs Mom]

@kabhyper1

Another "barn question" for you.

How do you keep predators from entering the barn when you have the doors open? I'm thinking like hawks flying right into the large doors, for example. Also, just regular every day birds. And you have to remember that I don't have other livestock in there so it's not like having the alpacas to scare away anything Not even a dog.

The barn that I will be using has 2 large sliders. The doors are never open because it has never been used for livestock before. If I use it in the winter I would put the kennels close to one of the sliders and if it's a decent day I'll partially open one of the sliders. But it seems like I'll be inviting in predators.

In the hen shed, the only doors that open to the outside are the pop doors so there isn't the same huge expanse of openness. I would only slike them open about 2 ft. or so, but there is still the overhead where birds could fly right in.

 

[kabhyper1]

@kabhyper1


Another "barn question" for you.

How do you keep predators from entering the barn when you have the doors open?  I'm thinking like hawks flying right into the large doors, for example.  Also, just regular every day birds.  And you have to remember that I don't have other livestock in there so it's not like having the alpacas to scare away anything   Not even a dog.

The barn that I will be using has 2 large sliders.  The doors are never open because it has never been used for livestock before.  If I use it in the winter I would put the kennels close to one of the sliders and if it's a decent day I'll partially open one of the sliders.  But it seems like I'll be inviting in predators.

In the hen shed, the only doors that open to the outside are the pop doors so there isn't the same huge expanse of openness.  I would only slike them open about 2 ft. or so, but there is still the overhead where birds could fly right in.

We don't really do anything. We have never had a hawk come in the barn. Imo they wouldn't go into an enclosed space like that. As far as racoons go I have seen them on camera lurking around the outside of the fences but wont go in the barn. Sorry I cant be of mor help. I really think its the alpacas keeping them at bay.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Looks awesome, Kab!! That should make this winter a little easier for you and your birdies (and other animals, too!).


Speaking of winter prep, my mom might be buying a snow blower from my aunt. I hope it happens--good-bye snow shovel! My back hurts just thinking about all that snow last year.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Looks awesome, Kab!! That should make this winter a little easier for you and your birdies (and other animals, too!).

Speaking of winter prep, my mom might be buying a snow blower from my aunt.

I hope it happens--good-bye snow shovel! My back hurts just thinking about all that snow last year.

That would be awesome!!!!

 

[Leahs Mom]

We don't really do anything. We have never had a hawk come in the barn. Imo they wouldn't go into an enclosed space like that. As far as racoons go I have seen them on camera lurking around the outside of the fences but wont go in the barn. Sorry I cant be of mor help. I really think its the alpacas keeping them at bay.

I'm probably "over-thinking" the whole thing.

I plan on putting tops on the kennels if I get enough panels. I was just thinking about critters going in when the door is open and hiding in there.

It would be great if we could really clean out the whole thing so there aren 't hiding places...but I don't think that's going to happen realistically

 

[SallyinIndiana]

2 more questions.

How early in the spring is the best time to find buyers?
Have you ever sold any in the late summer to fall? I imagine folks don't want to get them at that time of year.

Early spring before the feed stores get chicks in and after they start announcing the chick days. Lots of new to chicken people want or need eggs right away. I had one person tell me they need eggs from day one to share with the neighbor to keep everything on good terms. This person had been buying farm eggs to share with the neighbor to get the neighbor addicted before ever setting up the chicken coop.

Late spring to early fall, chicks sell the fastest. Still a few manage to grow up into laying hens and they sell when the weather clearly shows how hard it is to move chicks outside in winter.


On a sad note, the rooster and turkey pen door came open while we were out tonight. I'm now missing 2 sumatra roosters. The hawks and eagles are just too thick this year. We have fake owls and a radio on but still I see the birds of prey multiple times a day gliding overhead.

 

[browncow15]

Question for you @SallyinIndiana
and others that process laying hens...

Do you have a standard number of years that you keep layers before processing for stewing hens?  I've heard some folks say that they process at 3 years; others at 4.

Or maybe you don't have a standard and process by egg production?  Or perhaps by space?

I've processed a few layers this fall. I haven't cooked any yet but didn't find them any more difficult to process than the roosters. I've got a few more to do. Mine have been marked to cull for various reasons, but mostly to get down to the number I can overwinter comfortably. They've been offered here first if anyone is interested in buying them but I haven't gotten any takers so I figure the family can put them to good use as food. I personally don't trust CL and am not on FB so... my $0.02

 

[CharlemagneRoost]

Hey BYC-Indiana friends! I hope you've all had a wonderful, if very chilly, weekend! My Saturday was absolutely wonderful --- a chicken adventure ... I got to meet a wonderful lady, Candy, from Missouri who delivered two gorgeous pairs of Ayam Cemani to me while she was on a chicken train. Here I am holding one of my handsome new roosters:



I am thrilled with this breed's size and disposition ... my first impression is that is it similar to my Jaerhon, and I am in love with that breed. They have been very calm and friendly. No one has put up a fuss or tried to bite me when I hold them. Their iridescent black feathers make me think of oil and I think they have very sweet faces! I have six Cemani eggs in my incubator that are due to hatch in one week. The last time I candled, there were embryos in all six. I haven't been handling them much at all and won't candle again until Wednesday when it is time for them to go into lock down:



After I picked up my new birds, the DH and I headed out to purchase a small coop that was listed on Craigslist, with two of our grown kids in tow. We've hauled it back home and the DH is going to put down a foundation for it, after which it will be home for the Cemani.

I have so enjoyed meeting other people in person who share my passion for raising poultry. I was wondering if any folks in Madison County might be interested in getting together over coffee or tea somewhere every other month or so?

Since I have added Cemani to my flock, I have been considering selling my Serama. They are pet quality and would make great 4-H birds. I have really enjoyed this breed of chicken and it will be hard for me to give them up, but I think I would like to concentrate on just two breeds. My chicken-raising space is at a minimum. Here is my favorite Serama, Caboose (and I really don't know if I'll be able to part with him ... *sigh):



I have four males and five females. All but one of them are under a year old. I also have two eggs in the incubator with my Cemani and Jaerhon eggs that are due in a week. If anyone might be interested in some Serama, please send me a private message.

Hey -- is the weekend gone already???

 

[Faraday40]

Early spring before the feed stores get chicks in and after they start announcing the chick days. Lots of new to chicken people want or need eggs right away. I had one person tell me they need eggs from day one to share with the neighbor to keep everything on good terms. This person had been buying farm eggs to share with the neighbor to get the neighbor addicted before ever setting up the chicken coop.

Late spring to early fall, chicks sell the fastest. Still a few manage to grow up into laying hens and they sell when the weather clearly shows how hard it is to move chicks outside in winter.


On a sad note, the rooster and turkey pen door came open while we were out tonight. I'm now missing 2 sumatra roosters. The hawks and eagles are just too thick this year. We have fake owls and a radio on but still I see the birds of prey multiple times a day gliding overhead.

That sounds like what I did! Before we decided to keep the results from my science camp, I went around to all the neighbors to see how they felt about having chickens in the neighborhood. I talked about how great the fresh, organic eggs taste and how they'd have free compost for their flower beds - all while they watched our kids play with the adorable baby chicks. (Yes. It was a dirty but effective trick.) Our neighbors are awesome & helped build the coop, donated supplies, and often send some kitchen scraps our way. Our "egg tax" is high, so I had to make sure to build a coop big enough for a few extra hens. My children's friends all know how to pick up & hold a hen, so it's been very educational. Our chickens have been to 8 different schools and in the paper multiple times over the past 1.5 years. Even today, we were volunteering at the local museum. We brought 3 hens as chicken ambassadors, and another 4H group brought rabbits & a goat. (The hens are enough for us right now but those other animals are so cute.)

I'm so sorry to hear about your missing roosters. I've been seeing many hawks here too. Do the hawk fly-bys decrease? If so, what time of year? Last year, I always kept my chickens locked in the run. They've been free-ranging in the yard all spring/summer. I'm debating on limiting their free-time outside. I also have a few hens wearing chicken saddles. I put some large eyes on them to look back up at the hawks. I figure it doesn't hurt. Of course I always get asked why my chickens are wearing clothes.

 

[Faraday40]

The Ayam Cemani look so unique. Best of luck on your upcoming hatch.


This little serama is just adorable! (Not looking to add any chickens) I just am admiring his expression, confidence, & beauty.