INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Too Fast]

My baby rooster is crowing! Of course, the one I just had to keep is the only one that has been crowing. He's pretty small but he sure makes a big sound! And the hope that he would magically turn into a hen is now gone.

Shawna, why did you keep the one that crows lol. Any video? Ours crowed 2 separate times this morning, about 12x each, about 8 minutes between crowings.

LOL that's what it is called a Poop board! hahahaha I really for the life of me couldn't remember. Still learning the chicken language. Yes I wanted a poop board. I figured the chickens wouldn't want to use that space under the roost the way it is, or will be, with all the poop. Then I would lose sq footage. Chicken math and all that, I want more chickens but had to finish the coop first, and I sure didn't want to lose 30 sq' to a dumb roost if it could have been placed higher and not lost any. Haha too funny! And yes I imagine it is nasty after 2 days. I clean their brooder box out daily, I see how much is there...yuk, but I'm sure my garden is gonna love it one day!

Anyway, they did wonderful last night, placed them on their roost at dark. Two EE's went down to check out the digs, all the others slept peacefully. I went out there this morning, and they are all up and scratching around talking so loud I could hear them 15' away. At first I thought something might be in there with them, nope, locked up tight and they were just having fun! Hopping around, flying around and scratching all over the place. The water container is up on a cinder block, its filled with bedding lol. Looks like they have been playing for a while.

They have the side yard which is like 75' x 130' + so its a large area. How long do I keep them in the coop so they know where home is?

Haha I can be so silly (blonde) sometimes. Poop board...I'll probably never forget "poop board" and never have one lmao!

Deb

edited to insert blonde

Ok blondie, poop board it is. And remember, chickens are not very smart. They will walk in their own poop, even fresh stuff. I've seen them peck at the dried stuff. Not too swift! So, they will walk under the roost no problem. My wife conveniently had to do some work today so guess who cleans the poop board. Wrong, not me, it's the DKs! (dear kids!) They don't know about that yet, but will oh-so-happily do it for us.


What I've learned is if you let them out near the coop towards dusk (8:30 or so now) they will learn where their coop is and naturally go back. I was worried they would all walk/ramble their own way, but at least our 8 stick together.

 

[Crafty chick]

.this last couple days must have been the new roo time for crowing. My little guy here started yesterday morning. Right on this antenna tower.... outside my bedroom window. My millie roo started 4 days ago. Only one left is my silkie. I think it's a boy by the fluff on it's head. Boy am I glad my only neighbor is hard of hearing!

 

[ShawnaScott]

Shawna, why did you keep the one that crows lol. Any video? Ours crowed 2 separate times this morning, about 12x each, about 8 minutes between crowings.

I've been trying to catch him, but so far he only wants to crow as I'm getting ready for work. I kept him because he is absolutely enamored with me and will sit on my knee and sing for me. Only now I suppose that his "singing" was him practicing crowing

But he didn't do any identifiable (at least to me) crowing until the day John came and picked up my other roos!

 

[animallover2202]

Lost a chicken :'( idk if its eaten or just hideing but all ik is that its gone neighbors mowing so I'm going towait tell he's done to ask if he's seen it

 

[animallover2202]

found her i guess she got lost in the feild next to my house (big tall grass like feild)

 

[ldymelissande]

what is the best ratio of hens to roos? in a small flock?

it looks like I have one porcelain D'uccle roo, two golden seabrights and one that is either an EE or old English, but I am guessing EE

I have(fingers crossed) 2 porcelain D'uccle pullets, one silver seabright and 1 EE

 

[strssdmom]

I just have to chime in and re-post a recent post of mine:

"My Chickens Have Changed My LIfe"
I must tell you another "My Chickens Have Changed My LIfe" stories. I went to the doc today for a check-up and all of my blood tests, etc. were perfect, lost weight, and had my lowest cholesterol count ever! It's my chicken therapy! I go outside everyday despite the weather and do yard work with my flock for an average of three hours. It was especially good for me to get out every day in the winter -- the natural light was very helpful for seasonal affective disorder.

That is just wonderful. I am hoping for some of the same changes in my life. I do NOT get out 3 hours a day, but I am getting out more than ever. I have a garden for the first time in 5 years and my whole family is getting involved in both the garden and chicken care. It is great for my mood to see my whole family getting behind me and supporting my spontaneous purchase of the chickens.

I seriously think "Chicken Therapy" is a great name for caring for chickens.

Keep up the great work and I hope you continue to have good reports from the doctor.

 

[instar8]

That is just wonderful. I am hoping for some of the same changes in my life. I do NOT get out 3 hours a day, but I am getting out more than ever. I have a garden for the first time in 5 years and my whole family is getting involved in both the garden and chicken care. It is great for my mood to see my whole family getting behind me and supporting my spontaneous purchase of the chickens.

I seriously think "Chicken Therapy" is a great name for caring for chickens.

Keep up the great work and I hope you continue to have good reports from the doctor.

Totally.. chicken therapy indeed. I say that I love "chicken vibes", my two little flocks of chooks just doing their instinctive things gives me an unreasonable amount of pleasure...

 

[hogster160]

The girls are all locked up for the night! Well I was gonna post pics but it won't let me

 

[hogster160]

Ok there we go!