Never did I think I would have chickens, or a rooster in my care. My son started his flock from twelve and found himself with two Silkies and two Barred Rock roos, the rest are Rhode Island Red hens.
He convinced me to help him out by adopting one BR roo and two hens.
My husband had built a wonderful 12 x 14 dog barn/shed for our (5) Keeshonden, however, over the last fourteen years they have all gone to Rainbow Bridge......so, why not convert the barn for chickens!
We spent several days inside and out taking care to give our new adoptees plenty of room and safety. Thanks to several websites, I do believe we were successful! The chickens adapted quickly and Roody Rooster has become extremely vocal over the past two weeks.
One hen decided it was unseasonably warm, so jumped into "broody", but we were successful in nipping that in the bud. We have two nest boxes, but they aren't interested at this point. They have explored everything else in sight. The lush green run is now a dust bowl.
I haven't let them free roam yet because of the many hawks we have in the neighborhood. My outside cat, Mr. Snickers, is not too fond of Roody, but he is still trying to figure out why there is so much noise coming from the dog barn where he used to visit up in the rafters from time to time. He keeps checking them out, but stays his distance.
I suppose the best is yet to come. I'm not certain if this adventure is for me or if I want just eggs or chicks......as it has come upon quite quickly. I suppose by Spring I will know. So far, life is good!
P.S.
I used sand on one end of the barn, under the roost bars (draped a poop tarp under the roost bars) and on the other end I used pine flakes. I love how easy it is to keep clean....I have made it my morning chore and the sand is the best! I highly recommend the poop tarp, as well. My husband took a metal cat scooper and attached it to an old broom handle....wow, makes clean up a breeze!
He convinced me to help him out by adopting one BR roo and two hens.
My husband had built a wonderful 12 x 14 dog barn/shed for our (5) Keeshonden, however, over the last fourteen years they have all gone to Rainbow Bridge......so, why not convert the barn for chickens!
We spent several days inside and out taking care to give our new adoptees plenty of room and safety. Thanks to several websites, I do believe we were successful! The chickens adapted quickly and Roody Rooster has become extremely vocal over the past two weeks.
One hen decided it was unseasonably warm, so jumped into "broody", but we were successful in nipping that in the bud. We have two nest boxes, but they aren't interested at this point. They have explored everything else in sight. The lush green run is now a dust bowl.
I haven't let them free roam yet because of the many hawks we have in the neighborhood. My outside cat, Mr. Snickers, is not too fond of Roody, but he is still trying to figure out why there is so much noise coming from the dog barn where he used to visit up in the rafters from time to time. He keeps checking them out, but stays his distance.
I suppose the best is yet to come. I'm not certain if this adventure is for me or if I want just eggs or chicks......as it has come upon quite quickly. I suppose by Spring I will know. So far, life is good!
P.S.
I used sand on one end of the barn, under the roost bars (draped a poop tarp under the roost bars) and on the other end I used pine flakes. I love how easy it is to keep clean....I have made it my morning chore and the sand is the best! I highly recommend the poop tarp, as well. My husband took a metal cat scooper and attached it to an old broom handle....wow, makes clean up a breeze!
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