INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[browncow15]

I can try that as I have some more red bulbs.  It was my preference not to use them as when I look out I see red light from the coop windows and something in me cringes like I was looking at a fire.

I had the same feeling when I had heat lamps on in my coop for the babies! My neighbor told me his wife looked out their back window one night and was worried we had a fire too.

 

[SallyinIndiana]

Quote:
I know fire moves so I just stand a little longer at the window and make sure the red glow is still. But I am watching it at night more often. But during the day not so much as the glow can't really be seen with the sun shining on the coop.

 

[Dex Holla]

Newbie Questions

1) leaves and grass--I read that several people collected up leaves and yard clippings in multiple bags (even from the neighborhood). interesting. Is that for using as "litter" or laying on top of the snow in the run? What precautions do you need to take? Wouldn't the leaves etc need to be dry to avoid mould and rot? Do the bags need air holes? Do you need to store them somewhere dry or just leave them bagged outside by the house?

2) Speaking of "litter" and chores etc. In addition to the coop & run, I need to plan for a shed. Somewhere to store feed, and litter and other things. (I am thinking of a lean to on the coop.)

what else do I need to have shed space for? A rake, my winter bowl heater (during the summer), what else. What do you regularly use for the upkeep of the flock? How much room do you recommend?

Thanks!
Dex

 

[Mother2Hens]

I am more concerned about the WATTLES dragging through the water and freezing (rather than combs). The waterer I used last year was great as the opening for water was very small and pretty much prevented that. Problem was that the necks on them froze even when the water was kept quite warm with a fish tank heater.

This year's waterer has more surface but still very restricted. I guess I'll see how "Mister" does with it as he has some good sized wattles on him.

Leahs Mom ~ That handsome fellow would make a lovely mate for my Jubilee, Adeline! What breed is he?



I think I will try this version of a heated waterer.

As far as combs, waddles, and legs/feet, last winter I periodically applied Vaseline depending on what they looked like.

It's nice and sunny today-- in the 30s, but as long as it's sunny, that's all I ask for.

 

[Leahs Mom]

He's a Swedish Flower Hen

 

[animallover2202]

I am back still don't have chickens again but I help out at my family friends farm when ever I can which is were my chickens went so what did I miss??? Anything exciting???

 

[bradselig]

Does anyone put a bowl inside the heated water bowls? I get tired of unplugging them, fishing the cord through the chicken wire, all to just dump them and get fresh water in. I have a plastic bowl that will fit but does not touch the bottom of the heated bowl. Im not sure it will work and nit sure if heater can overheat without water on the bottom. I also have a stainless bowl that fits but ill just have to stop adding ACV to the water. Comments, suggestions?

I may just take them apart like the pictures someone posted esrlier that I saw when I skimmed through the forum this morning

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

I am back still don't have chickens again but I help out at my family friends farm when ever I can which is were my chickens went so what did I miss??? Anything exciting???

Hey havent seen tou for a while! Thats cool that you still get ti see your chickens and hopefuly you will get to be abke to keep some soon again. I kniw everyone on here has been getting ready for winter in a hurry.

 

[SallyinIndiana]

Does anyone put a bowl inside the heated water bowls? I get tired of unplugging them, fishing the cord through the chicken wire, all to just dump them and get fresh water in. I have a plastic bowl that will fit but does not touch the bottom of the heated bowl. Im not sure it will work and nit sure if heater can overheat without water on the bottom. I also have a stainless bowl that fits but ill just have to stop adding ACV to the water. Comments, suggestions?

I may just take them apart like the pictures someone posted esrlier that I saw when I skimmed through the forum this morning

I think Leah's mom posted about trying glass bowls but they cracked when the top part got cold compared to the warm lower half.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Does anyone put a bowl inside the heated water bowls? I get tired of unplugging them, fishing the cord through the chicken wire, all to just dump them and get fresh water in. I have a plastic bowl that will fit but does not touch the bottom of the heated bowl. Im not sure it will work and nit sure if heater can overheat without water on the bottom. I also have a stainless bowl that fits but ill just have to stop adding ACV to the water. Comments, suggestions?

I may just take them apart like the pictures someone posted esrlier that I saw when I skimmed through the forum this morning

I did use glass like pyrex or anchor with no problem but my ceramic bowls both cracked exactly the same. The glass containers like the levtover type containers work very well but test size first. They have some mixing bowls that fit in really well.

Now..if you're not opposed to using plastic, one of the folks I know uses one of the plastic gallon buckets that you get ice cream in. It's very convenient as it has a handle that you can just pick up and carry to replace. She loves it and no messing around with unplugging, etc.

I'd honestly never put food or water directly in one of those heated bowls for that very reason. I want it to be easy to change out.