New in boise byc

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nucksnest

nucksnest

In the Brooder
5 Years
Sep 22, 2014
15
0
29
Boise Idaho
400


I am new to this forum. I have had chickens growing up but it has been 20 years since I have raised chickens! My son and I raised three chicks that started laying in August! I have a bunch of questions! I added a couple more chickens to our flock to have more body heat in the coop. It has been over 2 weeks. It is tough to get them to merge. Also the new ones roost in the tree which is new to me . And I am concerned about predators and the weather getting cold. If I can reach them I pluck them out if the tree and put them in the coop at night. Also I have clipped their wings one side and they grow back and I wonder is it a good idea to do this or will this make them vulnerable to predators? They also have flown over the fence a couple times and I don't want that either! Are birds of prey a big threat to them in boise? And how do you keep them laying eggs all year? I got advice already when it is colder get a higher protein mix and a white light bulb and I got probiotics and dried bugs. I am just nervous about winter coming. And making sure they are warm enough and the water doesn't freeze. I know there are Heaters to put in the water . This is not entirely new to me but first time as the adult! Lol. I also had other animals sheep goats ducks all sharing the shelter so I think that kept them more warm. This is the first time just chickens. Also after adding the new girls one of mine stopped laying. I don't know if she is moulting or egg bound or stressed. I am giving them high protein snacks. Think I will try lay mash
 
Welcome to BYC!

It's a good idea to be aware of predators before you have a problem. Here are some links that may be helpful to you:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock
http://www.raising-chickens.org/chicken-predators.html

As for chickens laying in the winter, here's an article in the Learning Center that might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chickens-winter-egg-laying-and-lighting

Hope all that addresses some of your questions. Always feel free to ask whatever you need to, there are a lot of helpful people here at BYC!
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC!
frow.gif


Yes, clipping wings does make them more vulnerable to predators if they can't fly as well. You might stop by your state thread and chat with your chicken neighbors on how they survive your winters and what to do about the predators in your area...https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/8042/idaho

Here is a nice thread on winterizing tips and you can also post questions here as well...https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/822765/winter-is-coming-checklists-tips-advice-for-a-newbie

Good luck and make yourself home here on BYC!
 
Yes clipping the wings or just one, does make them more vulnerable to predator attacks. The best way to keep them safe is to have a secure covered run for them, that will keep them out of trees, and keep predators away from them.

Chicken wire is useless against predators. 1/2" hard ware cloth is the way to go. Please check out predator threads to learn how they get in and how to best secure coop and runs. Welcome to the flock.
 
Thank you so maybe I should only free range them when I am home! I was wondering about that! The hen from the lot of hens I bought is really a rooster they lied!!! They were supposed to be juvenile pullets and I asked are you sure this one is not a rooster! None are roosters!!! She assured me they were all hens! I was asking about the tail and so on! It only crows in the morning and so far my neighbors like him no problem! But I may have to rehome him!
 
400


I have a coop and I am painting a mural on it. It has something fairly strong more like rabbit wire?! And thank you for the links
 
Welcome to BYC!

You will find a lot of good information here. Keep on asking questions and you will get many good answers.

You may also want to read the FAQ below.
 

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