Need advice from experts

[streetriley]

I wouldn’t count her incubator failures as disease losses. Those are usually situations where there’s a learning curve with the incubator especially if there’s no automatic turner. I doubt she’s trying to use the ‘bator at this time of year, though.

It’s good that she is on six acres. From the 300sf coop, it sounded like she was on a tiny suburban lot. That’s why I guessed the place was small.

Maybe she needs better fencing to keep the sheep in their own pasture away from the chickens.

Just removing (butchering and eating) 2 or 3 roosters out of the 7-9 would be helpful for the hens if there are 50 hens or so.

Just improving the coop and run would be helpful. You and she might need to buy or obtain some sheet metal or galvanized to improve the roofing so the run isn’t so muddy.

Then, build a composting bin for the manure that is away from the chickens and closer to a garden area. The manure should be ready to be put on the garden after several months.

If she’s on six acres and you have any resources whatsoever, some fencing and building materials could help.

Vet bills and citations from animal control are awful expensive. Rather than being punitive, try to help her out maybe with a fencing or building project. Could family members chip in a bit for a roll of fence wire?

Also great advice! Thanks so much!

 

[streetriley]

Get everything ready, coop, feeders, waterers, chick feed (ideally medicated since you may have some sickly ones), and bedding. Lights too if they're little and need to be kept warm. I'm one of the save the chickens if you can, especially since you don't have to worry about infecting a current flock. You'll learn a lot, eventually have fresh eggs, and will be super ready to choose breeds and renew your flock in a few years time. Do it! Save the chicks!

Thanks for your input!!

 

[streetriley]

I just remembered the poop hammock! You could build her a poop hammock for ht chickens to use and it will keep them out of there poop! That will help a bit maybe! These two articles have two different approches on the poop hammock, that are good. You can look up images of them too and get a pretty good idea on how to build one! View attachment 2312479 View attachment 2312481
https://thechickenpoop.com/category/poop-hammock/
https://www.communitychickens.com/the-poop-hammock-keeping-your-coop-clean/

Excellent idea, lovin this poop hammock!! Thank you!

 

[streetriley]

Really not an expert here, but maybe if you were to get/make some feeders or waterers that could help the situation a bit? I know that there are some cheap ones out there that can be made using 5 gallon buckets and PVC. That could help with the feed issues/water issues. You can also make cheap nesting boxes out of 5 gallon buckets lids, cutting the lids to make a lip to keep bedding in. I don't know how helpful these ideas are, but I hope they can help a bit! @streetriley , you are so great to try to help these poor chickens out!

Thanks, all great ideas I can do!

 

[Pghelp]

I don't know how you feel about how-to books but 2 of the best ones that helped me learn so much are Hentopia by Frank Hyman and Anne Kuo's The Beginners Guide to Raising Chickens. She answers questions I didn't know I should have and after keeping chickens for several years I still refer to her book.

 

[streetriley]

P.S. Just curious what breeds and mixes does your mom have?

Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Polish, Brahma, Sapphire Gem, Americana, Easter Eggers, Wyandotte, and there are a few I'm forgetting right now....

 

[streetriley]

I don't know how you feel about how-to books but 2 of the best ones that helped me learn so much are Hentopia by Frank Hyman and Anne Kuo's The Beginners Guide to Raising Chickens. She answers questions I didn't know I should have and after keeping chickens for several years I still refer to her book.

Definitely into books! Thanks very much

 

[black_cat]

Thanks, all great ideas I can do!

Not my pics, but here's what I'm thinking about:

Nesting boxes ^ Don't have to be stacked. You could probably just put them on the ground. All you need is the buckets, the lids, something to cut with and a bit of duct tape to make sure that the edges aren't sharp.

A feeder using a bucket and PVC. There are others as well that are gravity fed, but this would minimize spillage, especially if you had the pvp up higher.

Bucket waterer. Just need something to make holes in the bucket. Can hang up so that chickens don't get it all dirty.

 

[streetriley]

Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Polish, Brahma, Sapphire Gem, Americana, Easter Eggers, Wyandotte, and there are a few I'm forgetting right now....

I dont think a single hybrid has lived except for maybe an Americana Hybrid to be honest

 

[streetriley]

I agree. Id take them. Give them chick start. Apple cider vinegar and honey are also great for them so add that to the water. You could give them corrid too just to be safe. Thats really sad. It sounds like the rest possibly won't make it if you dont take them.. and no harm since there is no risk of exposure to another flock!

Thank you!!