Kristen’s Chickens and Farming Ventures

[pspatbyc]

The matting was absolutely amazing... it was chicken feathers and moss all glued together with cement like poop completely encasing the wire floor. The way it was clinging to the wire was something else. I briefly considered the wire brush for cleaning the BBQ, but was worried about tearing the hardware cloth up. It’s 1” mesh and not the most solid. It was an all day project. But not that bad all things considered. Now I know I Need a solid bottom board for molting and winter, because I never want to have to do that again!

I am using a similar plastic product (see attached) on the floor of one of my chicken tractors (designed to be a starter space for young chicks so only 40'x84") . I'm not sure what is available to you but something similar may work. I found it in the wall panelling section of our super home center (HD) and is used for bathroom walls. it was about $20-30 US. It comes in a 4x8 sheet. it has some flexibility so it could be rolled to fit thru the door and then made flat again. I am able to use a shovel on it without destroying it and thus far it has not degraded being out side. The down side ? There is no foraging as its a solid surface. It will need periodic cleaning. If used only during the Molt then not so much of an issue.

 

[Kris5902]

I am using a similar plastic product (see attached) on the floor of one of my chicken tractors (designed to be a starter space for young chicks so only 40'x84") . I'm not sure what is available to you but something similar may work. I found it in the wall panelling section of our super home center (HD) and is used for bathroom walls. it was about $20-30 US. It comes in a 4x8 sheet. it has some flexibility so it could be rolled to fit thru the door and then made flat again. I am able to use a shovel on it without destroying it and thus far it has not degraded being out side. The down side ? There is no foraging as its a solid surface. It will need periodic cleaning. If used only during the Molt then not so much of an issue.

that’s essentially what I’m thinking, so the poopy feathers don’t cling to the wires. Normally the poops fall through 90% or better, but once the feathers Start falling its a whole new ballgame. Also, it will cut down on the drafts A bit In winter. I basically did something similar this year in the other two tractors with the cedar siding I had around, and it helps a lot. The Coop I cleaned yesterday though already had so much feather and poop accumulation it essentially had a full floor on its own. I did clean it out throughout the winter some, but was never able to get fully down to the wires under the whole roosting area. The nice thing is the sides of the coop part of the chicken tractor are pretty much completely removable, so it’s not too hard to put something under there (heck even a heavy sheet of plastic might work!)

 

[Kris5902]

So a little crisis tonight, the “it’s working I checked it” from my mother was not reliable in regards to the egg turner! I’m not sure how long the eggs have been stationary but I think that could account for the crummy hatch rates the last few hatches. I kept asking because it was always facing the same direction when I check in on it, and what are the chances? Well tonight the turner wasn’t making any noise... and sure enough the motor Wasn’t even running! Looks like I’m going to need to sit down At the farm watching it for several hours To see if it was just not plugged in properly or if it is broken. I also managed to break an egg (infertile) on my mother’s bed and my jacket, so she’s now very grumpy with me. It was an accident, it wasn’t stinky, and I got most of it scooped up and outside. Still I’m an awful child.

 

[rjohns39]

Good morning Kris

 

[Kris5902]

Good morning Kris

Good evening Bob!

 

[Kris5902]

Today’s fun began with awaking to the sound of snapping wood. There was some adult language, and I was out the door in my pajamas and face to face with Gus... scolding him firmly until he started licking my hand (such an adorable boy). He squashed more parts of the hospital tractor and was tossing Barney’s housing looking for “tasty”. No chickens were harmed, thankfully. So, I finally fixed that gate I’ve been thinking about for the last few years and all the chookies are now in the field safe from the marauding cows.

Yesterday I made a batch of soap with the kiddo (chemistry lessons? In our new homeschooling adventures) and it went very well here’s the shots I will use for marketing our products (with a little cropping):

But the reality of the process was more this:

we had almost hit the tracing point when Mrs B started really straining with her prolapse, so I’m holding the chickens bum in for her, stirring constantly, and the kiddo was playing with my phone and taking pictures. She is doing better today.

We also have a new owl, which the chickens are reacting very strongly to in the mornings. So, it’s been long days but we are doing well overall. I put eight eggs into lockdown tonight, and one was chirping and rocking already. I’m thinking due to the turner mishap perhaps? Buyer #1 will be picking up his 6 chicks sometime this week at $20 each for 1 month olds, sexed and off of heat.
Tomorrow I have a friend stopping by for a coop building “party” sort of, of two... because we have been in close contact since before the social distancing I’m including her and her baby in our “household” for quarantine purposes. We have also been sharing grocery and feed runs.

 

[Ribh]

Today’s fun began with awaking to the sound of snapping wood. There was some adult language, and I was out the door in my pajamas and face to face with Gus... scolding him firmly until he started licking my hand (such an adorable boy). He squashed more parts of the hospital tractor and was tossing Barney’s housing looking for “tasty”. No chickens were harmed, thankfully. So, I finally fixed that gate I’ve been thinking about for the last few years and all the chookies are now in the field safe from the marauding cows.

Yesterday I made a batch of soap with the kiddo (chemistry lessons? In our new homeschooling adventures) and it went very well here’s the shots I will use for marketing our products (with a little cropping):View attachment 2094932View attachment 2094933
But the reality of the process was more this:
View attachment 2094940View attachment 2094948
we had almost hit the tracing point when Mrs B started really straining with her prolapse, so I’m holding the chickens bum in for her, stirring constantly, and the kiddo was playing with my phone and taking pictures. She is doing better today.

We also have a new owl, which the chickens are reacting very strongly to in the mornings. So, it’s been long days but we are doing well overall. I put eight eggs into lockdown tonight, and one was chirping and rocking already. I’m thinking due to the turner mishap perhaps? Buyer #1 will be picking up his 6 chicks sometime this week at $20 each for 1 month olds, sexed and off of heat.
Tomorrow I have a friend stopping by for a coop building “party” sort of, of two... because we have been in close contact since before the social distancing I’m including her and her baby in our “household” for quarantine purposes. We have also been sharing grocery and feed runs.

Oh, Kris!!!! I love, love, love the reality shots!

 

[BFen]

You've been through it all (and I only read page one). Sounds like a hallmark movie I would actually watch. I will read through the rest of the comments, but thank you for sharing your journey. It is not always easy being a chicken mom! #Props!

 

[Aussie-Chookmum]

Today’s fun began with awaking to the sound of snapping wood. There was some adult language, and I was out the door in my pajamas and face to face with Gus... scolding him firmly until he started licking my hand (such an adorable boy). He squashed more parts of the hospital tractor and was tossing Barney’s housing looking for “tasty”. No chickens were harmed, thankfully. So, I finally fixed that gate I’ve been thinking about for the last few years and all the chookies are now in the field safe from the marauding cows.

Yesterday I made a batch of soap with the kiddo (chemistry lessons? In our new homeschooling adventures) and it went very well here’s the shots I will use for marketing our products (with a little cropping):View attachment 2094932View attachment 2094933
But the reality of the process was more this:
View attachment 2094940View attachment 2094948
we had almost hit the tracing point when Mrs B started really straining with her prolapse, so I’m holding the chickens bum in for her, stirring constantly, and the kiddo was playing with my phone and taking pictures. She is doing better today.

We also have a new owl, which the chickens are reacting very strongly to in the mornings. So, it’s been long days but we are doing well overall. I put eight eggs into lockdown tonight, and one was chirping and rocking already. I’m thinking due to the turner mishap perhaps? Buyer #1 will be picking up his 6 chicks sometime this week at $20 each for 1 month olds, sexed and off of heat.
Tomorrow I have a friend stopping by for a coop building “party” sort of, of two... because we have been in close contact since before the social distancing I’m including her and her baby in our “household” for quarantine purposes. We have also been sharing grocery and feed runs.

The reality shots are a hoot Kris! Though I imagine it was more like juggling at the time.

Just as well Gus likes you. I can't imagine scolding something so much bigger than me.

I'm getting excited for your hatch! Good luck!

 

[rjohns39]

Good morning Kris Love the pics and your little helper.