intro - the WHY chickens.

[Javasuz52]

I used to buy my eggs in Oregon for $3 doz. or $4/18. Now that I've fled OR, and am in northern Georgia, I want to raise my own! However, after some stupid (by me) mishaps, I figure each egg I have gotten from my two hens are worth about $116 EACH!! LOL really, live and learn. I do love my two gals and the big rooster! I found this group by searching why do the birds fill their water and feeders with hay and shavings!! NO one has a good answer! They are hanging 10" off the ground! Still they fill em up!! Some kind of chicken filter!!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!!

We use a DYI 5-gallon nipple bucket. The little ones learn from Day 2 to drink from a verticle nipple bottle. No open water in the brooder or coop and no mess!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Chickens have magical powers and can dirty up a waterer 5 ft off the ground.

Welcome to our community!

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Chickens are busy. How much space do they have to scratch around?

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC!
Other chicken mysteries to consider:
Why do chickens drink from mud puddles when they have fresh water?
Why do chickens walk along the fence line trying to get across and just as they get to an open gate, turn and walk the other way?

 

[Stravager]

I used to buy my eggs in Oregon for $3 doz. or $4/18. Now that I've fled OR, and am in northern Georgia, I want to raise my own! However, after some stupid (by me) mishaps, I figure each egg I have gotten from my two hens are worth about $116 EACH!! LOL really, live and learn. I do love my two gals and the big rooster! I found this group by searching why do the birds fill their water and feeders with hay and shavings!! NO one has a good answer! They are hanging 10" off the ground! Still they fill em up!! Some kind of chicken filter!!

Welcome to chicken math and also to BYC! XD You could use a mat underneath the waterer to prevent so much mess (but that has dubious results, the feathered fiends....), but IMO either nipples or cups are a lot easier to keep clean. Nipples some chickens won't use and cups some people don't like since you have to wipe them out more often, but depending on your setup a nice blast with the hose cleans them right quick!

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC and Glad to have You here in this Poultry Loving Community.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

The answer to all the questions is: because they can.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out.
I use horizontal nipple on buckets outside they have a couple cat boxes I fill for them to put dirt in.

 

[Javasuz52]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Chickens are busy. How much space do they have to scratch around?

The rooster and hen have 6x12 ft. space and the single hen, who was being killed by the other two is in a 6x8. They are right next to each other so the single (Ruthie) still feels as though she has her flock. My dog had gotten hold of her and almost killed her, broke her leg then the rooster was mating with her but he was gouging and ripping up her back again. So, I got her healed from both near death experiences and she's laying the eggs!! I am going to set up the nipple feeders and water system. I'm learning on this great adventure and a new chapter of the last of my century of life! A free bird myself! With lots of blessings!!