Montana

[CJW]

Thanks everyone!

If I don't find local chicks within the next couple days, I am probably going to order them online.

We are supposed to have nice temps these next few days, so we'll see!

I am hoping to have my coop done by the end of the week as well. (Well, and as soon as I am taught how to use a skill saw.) I have almost all the things needed for my brooder though!

Have a great afternoon!

 

[CJW]

Well, I think I have exhausted my online search for chicks this time of year...

So, I guess I am wondering, does anyone know where I can buy one or two fertile broody hens? Is this even a good idea? Should I get a hold of my local contacts and see if they would be willing to let their hens brood for me? I dunno. I don't want to loose my boys' enthusiasm toward this endeavor, and I am also a bit discouraged.

I have also narrowed my search to:

RIR
Chantecler
Buff Orpington
Buckeye
Dominique
Easter Egger

Mostly because of everyone's recommendations.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[SkyWarrior]

Quote:
Broody hens are kind of difficult to come by in my experience, because broodiness is bred out of most production lines. You might find some; you might not. What are you looking to do? Hatch chicks? Usually chicks aren't being hatched this time of year except by us crazies with incubators.

You'll also need a rooster if you want fertile eggs and chicks. If you want chicks, you may have to order them from hatcheries since the feed stores won't be bringing them in until March or April next year. Otherwise, if someone has some fertile eggs, you could probably incubate them and hatch your own. I've been doing that right now.

 

[CJW]

Quote:
I am looking to start raising day-old chicks asap. I am eager to get some chicken poop for my garden before I plant in the spring, and although full grown hens would be nice, I have two young boys and I want the chickens to be used to them from the start (and, I will be in control of their diet, etc.). I am not really interested in any roosters, because hens will lay without them, but the reason why I wanted fertilized broody hens is so that they will lay fertilized eggs that will hatch.

I haven't been able to find anyone in the area that I can get day old chicks from. (even if I got a few here, and a few there) The reason why I brought up the broody hens is at least that way they will lay and do the incubating for me, since I have no incubator. Most big hatcheries will not ship less than 25 chicks, and I only want a dozen. One other place that I checked will not ship up here at this time. I might try calling them on Monday to double check.

Do you ever sell your day-olds? What type of breeds do you raise/incubate? (I noticed on your chicken page you have quite a few different ones, but some seem to be abbreviated, and I am not as familiar with them!)

 

[cackleberrycoop]

Quote:
It has been my experience that moving a broody hen as often as not breaks her of being broody for a while. I think the stress of a new place, trying to fit into a new flock, etc and their bodies decide that it's too high risk to hatch out babies. Being that we are headed into winter, I would be surprised if a hen went back to wanting to hatch eggs at all in the cold dark months that are coming. Of course, if you did find a hen who held broody through a move, she would probably be one awesome momma! Also, when a hen is moved, she will almost always stop laying eggs for a while while she adjusts to her new home; I've had hens go off laying for a month after bringing them home. Of course, again, not all hens will stop, just most of the one's I've brought home.
With winter headed our way, you are choosing to raise baby chicks the hardest way possible - it will take some serious persistence on your part to shepherd them through the bad weather. Any female chicks that are hatched out this time of year will most likely take a whole lot longer time to develop and begin laying eggs than they would otherwise- they put so much energy into survival that their reproductive system does not get the same amount of attention.

This being said, it is done and I've done it myself. But it's best to know what you're getting yourself into I think. I no longer do any winter hatching myself. Have you been keeping an eye on Craigslist? It's not unusual for people who raised chicks through the summer to realize that they don't have the ability to get them through the winter and I've seen a number of really great deals on chickens under these circumstances.

Best of luck!
Megan

 

[CJW]

Quote:
I am new to chickens, however, I am a stay at home mom, and I will be home with the kids and the chickens all day. I know I am underestimating in my head what it takes to raise them, however, I am eager to learn. This will be a great learning experience, and trial and error will play a big part. I guess I don't want to loose the enthusiasm and willingness of my kids (and me), and maybe its because I have had my heart set on it for so long, that it is hard to accept any thing else.

I do have a local lady who has some pullets that I might buy. I have to get my coop done first, but my husband is home, and we are heading out right now to start cutting walls for the interior. (I put pictures of what I have on my little blog page.)

I have been keeping an eye on craigslist. Other than last month, there really hasn't been much. I might put a want-ad on there, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[SkyWarrior]

Quote:
CJ --

I don't know how old your kids are, but if you fear they are going to lose their enthusiasm for chickens, they may not be all that enthusiastic about it, other than it being a new thing. I've seen kids handle chicks at Quality Supply and leave a half dozen or so dying and mishandled chicks in their wake. I'm not saying yours will do that necessarily, but there is that possibility, even with the gentlest kids. The other problem is that winter is really hard on the little ones -- I just lost a 3 month old due to the cold and piling. Craigslist is always full of folks getting rid of chickens especially now. Keep looking daily and check the free ads in your paper. I find birds there all the time.

The chicken thing needs to be your hobby where your kids can help out. If you're unable to keep excited about chickens, then maybe you might want something else as a hobby that you can put up when your done and not have to worry about caring for them every day. A coop is a definite necessity -- as is a brooder. Where are you going to put them if some beamed in this instant? You'll want to have a brooder ready to go as well.

While chickens are low on the responsibility side, they do require some time every day. Pets can lose their charm quickly if you aren't fully committed to them.

 

[colowyo0809]

Howdy! Visiting Glendive Mt for a couple days, anyone in the area?

 

[CJW]

Quote:
I have been talking to them about them, and I think the thing they are most looking forward to is looking for eggs. My oldest is motivated because when we have enough layers, he wants to sell the extra eggs so he can earn money for whatever it is that he wants. My youngest likes to buy special treats when we go to stores (like a piece of cheese or an apple--the little cutie!) so he wants to spend his money that he gets doing that. I plan on teaching them about how to run a business, taking out expenses, buying food, etc. Then they get to use the profits (including getting more chickens, etc). Even though it will be my hobby, it will eventually be their "business". I don't think I will loose interest in them, just the loss of the excitement...that would bum me out.

I am one of those kinds of people that is very indecisive. However, after pondering the options, I make a decision to do something, that is when I do my research, prepare what is necessary, and get things accomplished. It drives my husband NUTS, but he has come to accept that part of me. My passion for things that I do decide to do, rarely dies off, it just simmers. Right now, after the move, and getting my home prepared for us to live in (there was about 4 weeks of work we had to do to the house itself), I am ready for the next step, which is becoming a provider. I don't "work", so my energy goes into raising my boys, maintaining the home, and providing good, healthy food to eat. Maybe I am needing to feel some sort of accomplishment when it comes to that. I know I won't always be "excited" about doing the daily chores, but providing---I am excited for that. My husband works hard to provide for us, and I want to be frugal. I want to contribute, and to that, I am fully committed.

I have kept an eye on craigslist in Great Falls for chickens. I haven't looked into outside areas unless they are chicks, since I would have to use my large kennel to get any chickens. I have a brooder ready. It is a large tote...(large enough for me to be in!) and all the equipment for feeding and watering, bedding, etc. I even have a little roost branch

.

Thanks again for your guidance.

P.S. I read your whole blog (I know, I am a fruitcake...it was 2:30-3am before I went to bed), and I LOVE the way you are raising your poultry, and I am hoping to raise mine the same way!)

 

[SkyWarrior]

Quote:
Great!

I wanted to make sure you were in it for the long haul. So many people do things on a whim anymore, which was why I asked.

Which blog were you reading? I have two: EatingWildMontana and my writer's blog. Don't forget to check out the articles too.