INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[LocosHuevos]

Faraday40, those blowed out eggs are very awesome. Great holiday idea! Thank you for sharing.

MikeTodd, straw would be more inviting to them for sure. When my girls see me with fresh straw, they wait til I'm done cleaning the coops before laying. One time, I walked in the coop and WhoWho-Americana hen was about to lay realized I was about to clean and see decided she would wait. While I was cleaning, she stayed right in the coop pin area watching me, once I was done cleaning she walked right past me clucking away, went to nest box. Not even 15mins later, a egg was laid.

 

[HelloChickies]

Wow! Those are beautiful!!! Thanks for the wonderful idea. (You are a terrific artist!)

 

[HelloChickies]

I just have pine shavings in our nesting boxes. Would they be more inviting if I put straw in them instead?

I never thought about it, but you know, pine shavings might be just fine!... I think I had a picture in my head of a typical "bird nest", so I just bought some straw! LOL

I did watch her having fun, fussing around with the pieces of straw, and arranging them just as she liked them. (at least it looked like fun

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Howdy, I'm a NC chicken guy, but I have an ARMY buddy that just moved back to the Fort Wayne area and was asking me about chicken coop ideas. After I got done telling him about how I would build the coop & run it dawned on me that Fort Wayne gets more snow, longer winters, ect. Than I do here in southern NC and wanted to ask some local chicken folks if you cover your runs, build bigger coops to accommodate the winter, or make other adjustments for the birds. Here in NC I keep a big run to keep my birds safe and give them plenty of room, and thier coop is not huge but good size. 12' long 10 wide 12 high. 14 birds

Welcome to our thread!

More room the better! As far as wintering, mine did great even in the sub zero temps. I have several different types of coops and they all seem to work fine in their own way.

I just have pine shavings in our nesting boxes. Would they be more inviting if I put straw in them instead?

I have used both, the shavings wont stay in as long but they seem ok with either.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

We have a great start on my parents handicap ramp today between rainy periods. Oldest DB and I started on it early this morning and worked until 7pm. My Mom especially is excited, she will be able to go outside without steps. She is very limited in mobility now and with vertigo, is a huge fall risk. Dad was out often looking at what we were building. He is excited to have a hand rail too. A dear friend is helping us find a wheelchair that will go outdoors. Mom especially loves the babies, and its kinda hard carrying a calf indoors lol! I will be able to take both parents outdoors now once the ramp is done. Neither of them can walk much distance at all.

Chickens are really minding the humidity. The frozen bottles help a lot, some of my older birds are showing signs of discomfort. Will be getting a couple more kiddie pools for the waterfowl to keep them cool. I prefer summer over winter any time tho! Winter here is short but I hate driving in it, and dealing with frozen water for my animals. Anyways, egg laying is still down a bit. We had a storm roll through earlier and lots of cool air with it. You could sure see all the critters were happy it was cooling down.

Going into fall soon, whats your plan? We all keep a handful of chickens..more if we have space! Not going to add any new breeds this year.

I am keeping my goat kids this year. Adding hopefully a new buckling this spring from a local breeder. I will pick up 2 jersey heifers, both bottle calves sometime after Monday. Love the breed so its pretty exciting for me! I went through my vet to get these little ladies. He services several Dairy farms and knows. I want 2 cows for my herd that will be imprinted on us.

 

[Leahs Mom]

@MikeTodd

I've always used a bed of pine shaving with DRIED grass clippings on top.

Don't like using straw as the hollow shafts are great for harboring mites.


When I mow, I rake up some of the grass and spread it on the driveway in the sun until it dries. Then save it somewhere safe like a bucket or bag. I refresh it in the nests as needed.

So far it's been the most popular nesting material I've ever used. It also smells great...and it's free! it's nice and soft and they can easily make their nest to their liking with the clippings.

I also often add a dried herb mix to help deter mites as well.


PS/ETA
I primarily use the pine shaving under as a hopeful deterrent to mites because of the resins when it's fresh. However, I could just use the grass clippings only.

Also, I emphasize DRIED. You want them to be dry to avoid molds.

 

[Leahs Mom]

@jchny2000
Good to hear about the ramp!

On the goats, what kind of housing is adequate for 2 large goats for winter when they can't get out to run around?

 

[Finnie]

@Leahs Mom

I tried dried grass clippings in my nest boxes, and decided never again. The thin bits stick terribly to the wet eggs when they are laid. And then when I find them, they are stuck like glue. Maybe I have a different type of grass than you since you don't seem to have that problem. I noticed my clippings were very fine.

 

[Quinstar]

@Quinstar
we don't have barred Plymouth rocks , but we have a nice bielefelder/Legbar cross that we'd like to find a home - also have some Chantecler boys, "Dela-Felder" boys& some Cream Legbar pairs
(pictures on post #48885)

We pasture our flock(currently 24 hens) I need a boy that is going to be friendly with people but stick up for his ladies. They tend to roam all over when we don't have a rooster. I don't so much care about the breed as the temperament and size. Are barred rock rooster was hands-down the best rooster we have ever had which is why I was looking for that breed. Do you think any of the boys you have would be a good fit?

@Quinstar

I don't have BR roos but I do have 2 Swedish Flower Hen Cockerels that are 16 weeks old if you'd be interested.

Just replied to your message.

Thanks y'all! I knew some of you would have some boys that need good homes!

 

[Faraday40]

These particular eggs were done with my kids. One does not have to be a good artist.
Hint: STICKERS. Then a few layers of Modge Podge to strengthen the egg.