Wow! Your weather extremes make me happy I'm not living wherever you are -- although they are threatening minus-28-degree wind chill here tonight!
I tried digging down 2 feet to bury my hardware cloth and quickly came to the realization that a 2-foot apron, just under the soil or with concrete blocks or bricks laid on top of the apron was much easier. I have also added solar-powered Nite Guard lights that may or may not deter predators, but they make me feel better. And, no, I don't get any sort of commission for promoting the brand.
I had good luck with a chicken tractor that could be moved around the yard when I had my first hens; it has since been converted for another use. It was about 3 foot by 10 foot and totally overbuilt with 2 by 4's that made it safe but Way Too Heavy to pull around, even with the wheels.
I LOVE my Buff Orpington. She has survived frigid winters, pretty hot (thought not as hot as yours, only mid-90s) summers and was the only hen smart enough to evade a killer mink invader. She is the top hen here, but I've only seen her give warning pecks to the others, never vicious. And, with a couple of grapes in my hand, she will follow me anywhere -- and knock on the glass door if she feels she did not get her fair share.
Good luck with your chickens. Yes, things can and will go wrong. But you will get things right more often than you think, and both you and your chickens will have a great time. Welcome to BYC chickens!!
I tried digging down 2 feet to bury my hardware cloth and quickly came to the realization that a 2-foot apron, just under the soil or with concrete blocks or bricks laid on top of the apron was much easier. I have also added solar-powered Nite Guard lights that may or may not deter predators, but they make me feel better. And, no, I don't get any sort of commission for promoting the brand.
I had good luck with a chicken tractor that could be moved around the yard when I had my first hens; it has since been converted for another use. It was about 3 foot by 10 foot and totally overbuilt with 2 by 4's that made it safe but Way Too Heavy to pull around, even with the wheels.
I LOVE my Buff Orpington. She has survived frigid winters, pretty hot (thought not as hot as yours, only mid-90s) summers and was the only hen smart enough to evade a killer mink invader. She is the top hen here, but I've only seen her give warning pecks to the others, never vicious. And, with a couple of grapes in my hand, she will follow me anywhere -- and knock on the glass door if she feels she did not get her fair share.
Good luck with your chickens. Yes, things can and will go wrong. But you will get things right more often than you think, and both you and your chickens will have a great time. Welcome to BYC chickens!!
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We are glad you joined this flock!
