"Louisiana "La-yers" Peeps"

[Ron Skekel]

We hear coyotes nearby sometimes at night.  But, in the two years we have lived here, which is a couple of miles out of town, I've never spotted one on our property, night or day.  Also, haven't seen coons or possums, even though a large ditch that holds water is nearby which I would think would encourage them to be in the area..  Other than locking the girls and Rudy up, I've done all that I can to protect them during the day - electrified fence around the pen.  Ran fence around the large clump of trees where they can feed and hide.  And they are securely locked up in their coop at night, which I "think" is pretty secure.  During the day, I'm frequently outside doodling in the garden, working to add features to the coop, etc.  So, I have continued to hope that being seen is a deterrent to daytime predators.  Didn't work on this hawk though.

Have you herd the expression hawk eye? He knows they are there now so be vigilant especially at dusk. I would put them up before dusk. Just because you haven't seen other predators doesn't mean their not around. Now you have some of their favorite food. Pam

 

[Ron Skekel]

Thanks, Pam, that means a lot. I have threads for each of them in the emergencies forum. I like posting here, but sometimes I feel like the newbie pest that panics over every little hiccup.

You shouldn't feel that way. Their isn't one person on here who hasn't had the same questions. Everyone of us have been the newbe. No one has ever been a pest here. Ask any question anytime. That's for everyone. We have all thought at times we're asking a dumb question. We've answered their are no dumb questions. Pam

 

[Cody A]

Just love this. When they start to destroy the grass, you can use some old chicken wire to portion off an area inside the run. Plant it and when it's up, open it up to the chickens and portion off another little area and seed it. Just move it around.

I've got the run set up with the doors in the coop to divide it into three sections when the birds get to that point. I'm guessing I'll be dividing the roosters from the hens when needed and the new chicks from the older birds in the future. The ultimate goal is to let them free range in the areas surrounding the coop. I may build another run in the future. Right now I have to recuperate from the present build and let my pocket book take a break.

Cody

 

[LindaB220]

I contacted Nelson wholesale services. They have a $500 minimum order and total shopping was only $22. They have a large selection including organic feed and supplies. I think my saving were only $3-4 per bag. But that adds up when there are 40 ducks and chickens. I'm going to see if some friends want to do a small co-op to save on the cost of feed and supplies.

Where are you from? Maybe somebody in your area might be interested in going in with you. Something to keep in mind for later.

 

[Ron Skekel]

Where are you from?    Maybe somebody in your area might be interested in going in with you.   Something to keep in mind for later.    

She's in the bush area close to my area. Good to see you back on! You've been missed.

 

[Cody A]

Congratulations you have graduated from chicken math to chicken fever.

I'm happy to supply you with any of the breeds I have that you are interested in. Pam

Thank you Pam. I'll certainly keep your offer in mind.

It leads me to the question I've been wanting ask for advice or what would you guys do?

First, my goal is for eggs and meat using a dual purpose breed to free range. From what I've read the barred rocks are a good dual purpose bird.
Since I've started with the rocks albeit not my first choice but pickins are slim this time of year. I'm considering another order of rocks from a different hatchery to prevent inbreeding.
Right now I have a straight run of 32 from Ideal. I could order another straight run of 30 from another hatchery. I know I will have to do some heavy culling on the cocks and some of the hens will become table fare also. In other words I guess I'm trying to build a good base to work towards breeding. I've read that hatchery stock can be improved upon by introducing better blood lines(which I could do in the future).
I've also read that if breeding hatchery birds your just gonna have hatchery stock. I don't want to show the birds but I'd like to have good quality genetics to produce healthy, egg and meat producing birds. I've certainly got a lot to learn when it comes to picking out what I would want to breed for and understanding the different types of breeding methods.

Anyone have some input for what I should do? Or what would you guys do?

Cody

 

[LindaB220]

Here is a nifty little idea for lighting my coop with white Christmas lights.

http://www.clipzine.me/u/clip/4455595516199575589

 

[campingshaws]

I'm sure folks that raise large flocks of chickens wouldn't give this a passing thought, and probably just can't understand we backyard chicken keepers feelings about such.

I went Saturday to the TSC in DeRidder to get a few things I can't find around home. I found syringes but couldn't find tubing, so I asked if they had anything I could use to tube feed a chicken. They literally stood with their mouths open and finally one said "Well I've never even heard of tube feeding a chicken."

So, I totally understand.

 

[TerriLaChicks]

Victoria had her beautiful baby girl!! Congratulations!! Welcome little one!!

Wonderful news! Congratulations to her!

 

[TerriLaChicks]

Thanks, Pam, that means a lot. I have threads for each of them in the emergencies forum. I like posting here, but sometimes I feel like the newbie pest that panics over every little hiccup.

Better to panic than lose a bird! whatever we can do to help, we will.