Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

Pics
Date sort Score sort
Last edited:
SO last night I finally got my fencing up for our temporary chicken coop, took the ladies out and let them explore. My hubby seems to think I am in love with them, since I wouldn't leave for about an hour and half..... I just wanted to make sure they were doing ok!! They were a little timid about the dirt and some of the grass patches, but my daughter and the neighbor girl dug up some nice juicy worms and grubs for their nightly snack, they really livened up after words! Tank (I have tried to get my Riley to re-name them with girly names but haven't had much luck) is our big girl, and boy is she bossy! Anytime one of my other girls wanted to drink or eat she butted right in and took their spot.

I ended up having to go outside after dark to put them INTO the coop, since they couldn't quite grasp the concept to walk up the ramp, let alone go down it.... I put them midway and they either chirped REALLY loud or flew off *sigh* Once I corralled all of them up (they sure do like to make me work for it....) and put them in the coop, they all chimed in with their loud chirping. Almost like they didn't like the dark? I am also concerned their little bodies won't keep them warm enough with this sudden cold front we got.... ***brrrr***

This morning, I went out to check them and make sure they survived their first night. All 4 of them were huddled in the back corner and since it was raining and cold, and they can't quite make it down the ramp (they do like to go to the doorway and scare the crap out of me when I pop my head in) I moved their food into the coop along with their water. Unfortunately I think I am losing one I think. I popped out there real quick before work (already late, thanks to a crabby 5 y/o) and there was one just sitting in front of the doorway, kind of weird like. Eyes were greyed over, legs sticking straight out but sitting on its butt. I didn't have time to pull her out, but called the hubby and told him to check her out. Hopefully she doesn't go.

Question: Do you think I should bring their heat lamp out there for at night/during this cold front, to keep them warm? Their coop is nestled in an L-shape corner of the heavy duty plastic fencing around our pool and they are dry inside, just Big momma being worried about her babies.


Sorry for the long one guys!
 
Ginger87 said:
That was a little far away from me!!
Click to expand...

Nahhhhhhhh..Not too far! I come up to Alma for the Highland festivals every year.. and for what. people blowing in bags and banging on drums........ and, and men in kilts!!
love.gif
 
Really? Well will you be there this year? Our store is having a float in the parade (hubby is excited- he bought himself a Mossy oak Kilt- btw it's an archery store) We love the highland festival, maybe its our Scottish heritage, but I usually have a smile the whole weekend listening to the bagpipes!
 
Ginger87 said:
SO last night I finally got my fencing up for our temporary chicken coop, took the ladies out and let them explore. My hubby seems to think I am in love with them, since I wouldn't leave for about an hour and half..... I just wanted to make sure they were doing ok!! They were a little timid about the dirt and some of the grass patches, but my daughter and the neighbor girl dug up some nice juicy worms and grubs for their nightly snack, they really livened up after words! Tank (I have tried to get my Riley to re-name them with girly names but haven't had much luck) is our big girl, and boy is she bossy! Anytime one of my other girls wanted to drink or eat she butted right in and took their spot.

I ended up having to go outside after dark to put them INTO the coop, since they couldn't quite grasp the concept to walk up the ramp, let alone go down it.... I put them midway and they either chirped REALLY loud or flew off *sigh* Once I corralled all of them up (they sure do like to make me work for it....) and put them in the coop, they all chimed in with their loud chirping. Almost like they didn't like the dark? I am also concerned their little bodies won't keep them warm enough with this sudden cold front we got.... ***brrrr***

This morning, I went out to check them and make sure they survived their first night. All 4 of them were huddled in the back corner and since it was raining and cold, and they can't quite make it down the ramp (they do like to go to the doorway and scare the crap out of me when I pop my head in) I moved their food into the coop along with their water. Unfortunately I think I am losing one I think. I popped out there real quick before work (already late, thanks to a crabby 5 y/o) and there was one just sitting in front of the doorway, kind of weird like. Eyes were greyed over, legs sticking straight out but sitting on its butt. I didn't have time to pull her out, but called the hubby and told him to check her out. Hopefully she doesn't go.

Question: Do you think I should bring their heat lamp out there for at night/during this cold front, to keep them warm? Their coop is nestled in an L-shape corner of the heavy duty plastic fencing around our pool and they are dry inside, just Big momma being worried about her babies.


Sorry for the long one guys!
Click to expand...

Are they fully feathered out? If not I would use the lamp, but make sure you triple secure the light. Too many coop fires from those darn lights in coops. If it were me and they were fully feathered, no I wouldn't use the light. They'll be just fine. they're far hardier than we give them credit for.

If you're having problems getting them to go into the coop, I would close them up in the coop for a few days.... like now with the crappy weather outside for the next few days. Get them used to being inside it. Eventually they'll get it.
 

This is my Tank, such a serious little lady


This is Henny, she was a little scared to get going


Riley and Shania, bringing them their evening snack


Enjoying the outdoors

Tank and Spot, munching on a grub


Tank of course, stealing the grubs

AND just because it made me laugh.....
 
SillyChicken said:
Are they fully feathered out? If not I would use the lamp, but make sure you triple secure the light. Too many coop fires from those darn lights in coops. If it were me and they were fully feathered, no I wouldn't use the light. They'll be just fine. they're far hardier than we give them credit for.

If you're having problems getting them to go into the coop, I would close them up in the coop for a few days.... like now with the crappy weather outside for the next few days. Get them used to being inside it. Eventually they'll get it.
Click to expand...

X2

Fully feathered = 6 weeks of age
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

GreatLakesFungi
    • Love
Introduction of 8 Pullets to a Mature Rooster (w/ no flock)
Replies
9
Views
3K
RcoM
R
casportpony
    • Love
    • Like
  • Locked
Ended 2025 BYC Calendar Photo Contest—We Need Your Pictures!
182 183 184
Replies
2K
Views
146K
casportpony
casportpony
Azhtann
    • Love
The Flock That Crowed
2
Replies
19
Views
4K
Daisy June
D
Squeeing_Onion
    • Like
Onion's Project Thread - Follow Along With Building and Quail!
Replies
6
Views
2K
Squeeing_Onion
Squeeing_Onion
Chicken poppy
    • Like
    • Informative
ALL you need to know about hamsters
Replies
9
Views
4K
Poultrybonkers
Poultrybonkers

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom