My coop build

[Jarhead]

Thanks for the compliments!

Ava - I thought about moving in myself, my wife might not like it if I lived in there with someone else

I would secure your coop at night with your hen in it. You may be able to get her in it by herself if you put a light in it to come on at dusk. I have heard that works to get them in the coop at night.

Ricks chicks - they are 3 weeks old and still in the garage - I think they will move in the coop in about a week. They go outside in a large net covered run during the day and they love it. I will rig up a heat lamp at night for them in the coop.

 

[ava]

When the remnants of Gustav got here yesterday ( an all day driving rain) - I finally picked up the litlle soaking wet hen and put her in the box. I even put her favorite pad in it ( sometimes I bring her in the basement in a padded crate). I tried to block the exit with a crate and this morning I went out in the dark to check on her. Unfortunately I see she is somehow snuck out to her ususal roosting spot. Will she eventually come in on her own do you think or is there something else I could do to make the box more attractive?

And what about mites? Are there any medications out there that will get rid of them , are they safe, where do you get them- can you take a chicken to a regular veterniarian?

One more stupid question ( I'm very new to this) - is there any way to train a hen not to make noise in the morning? I know where there is a wonderful silky hen, I even tried her with this one and they liked each other very much- only she practically started crowing ( cawing loudly)at six every morning. Since chickens are totally illegal here in NYC I thought it best to return her but the little oneseems so lonely now. Thanks for your kind advice!

 

[Jarhead]

Ava - I know how that rain from Gustav feels, we had 3 days of it. You may want to go to the hardware store and get a piece of wood for a door, a couple of hinges and a simple surface lock. You would be able to create a quick door that way and keep her secure. I am really worried about the predators (cats) you spoke of. Chickens especially your little one really need to be secure to be safe from predators.

As far as mites, I have no idea, I am new to this as well. I would get a good book on the subject or maybe search this forum https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=10 for info you need. If you can't find it I would start a new thread there and ask your question, there are many other on BYC who have much more knowledge and experience than I do. As for a vet I would assume all have the basic knowledge to treat poultry (most see pet birds). Since chickens are illegal where you are you may want to call around and check if the vets will treat them (who knows they may report you if it is illegal for you to have one). You may want to see a vet outside your area where chickens are legal, just a thought.

One piece of advice I can give is that chickens feel much more comfortable when they are with other chickens. They are social animals, and you really need more that 1 for them to thrive and be happy.

Good luck!

 

[johnmayersquare]

Just awesome! Great job......

 

[Their Other Mother]

Quote:
I know some guys who were never in the service and they still act like that.

 

[ava]

Thank You Scott for the kind advice- will build a door ASAP. Have posted on several threads hoping to adopt or buy another quiet silky hen to keep Friendly company. There was a gentleman in Howell, New Jersey who originally interested me in Silkies- I'm not sure he's a breeder per se but he has a magnificent flock of the most amazing birds. I'm hoping someone may know who he is- the friend who introduced us seems to have moved out of the area and I can't find my way out of a paper bag much less back to his home by myself. Thanks again- what kind of chickens do You have and how many and where?

 

[ava]

I just saw You live in Arkansas - that's a beautiful place. I had the great luck to drive across Your beautiful state two years ago when a friend and I decided to drive across the country. I bet You don't even have to insulate Your coop there because the weather is pretty temperate. I was actually thinking whether I should order the foil space insulation for the interior of my little roosting box for the winter - though its going in a sunny greenhouse and the hen(s) can come in the basement on really cold nights. But I wonder whether the reflections on the foil might freak them out. Thanks again for Your kind advice , Ava

 

[Jarhead]

Ava - You may want to check on the legal status of chickens in NYC. I read last night in Backyard Poultry that in NYC they are considered pets and are legal. Just FYI. Glad you are doing a door. I insulated my coop anyway, helps keep it cooler a little longer into the day as well as warmer on those few really cold days we get in winter. I don't think the foil would freak them out too much, mirrors work for parrots! I know these chicks I have now are every bit as smart as the parrot I used to have. Only difference is that the chicks can't talk... maybe I will teach them

We have 10 chicks that are 3 weeks old now - they will move into Cluckingham Palace in a week or 2. 5EEs, 2 White Leghorns, 1 Australorp, 1 BR, 1 Black Star. That's it right now, but the flock will soon grow I am sure. We want a diverse group, so we will probably end up with a few others, silkies included.

 

[ava]

Wow! They sound beautiful - and they sure have a gorgeous place to live. Thanks again for the advice - am working on it now. Ava:cd

 

[dangerouschicken]

Hi new peep Ava!

JARHEAD! THAT THING IS SO FREAKIN' HOT! I love the coop, dood! LOVE IT!