- Mar 31, 2010
- 12
- 0
- 22
I need to post a message to the "I have a problem" thread tonight 
and post pictures. My boyfriend decided he wanted some chickens so we could have/sell fresh eggs. I live on 5 acres, so after some debate, decided we could get "a few". Started off 3/24/10 with 6 pullets and 1 adorable roo from the feed store. They were so much fun that the next day we went back and bought more pullets, and a few s/r, bringing the total to 18. DD insisted she needed a duckling, so guess what else came home. Then we decided the duckling was lonely, so it got a friend. Figured out through research, watching behavior, etc. that we *probably* have 5 roos now - a few more than planned. If they really are roos, some will have to go when they reach 18 - 20 weeks. Of course, that means that we don't have as many hens as we thought, so I *had* to get some replacements, plus, after doing research on egg colors, I *had* to have some that lay blue/green eggs. Today, my EEs (they say they are Americaunas but I doubt it) come in at a store 45 minutes from the house!
I definitely have a problem.
I'm in CO, so the babies are in the house in brooders right now (one for ducks, one for chicks, one for tonight's new chicks). We've been lucky and only had one with pasty butt, haven't lost any at all (knock on wood).
The coop was going to be 6 X 8, but we are now building 8 X 10. A converted dog house will be home for the ducklings. Planning at least a 10 X 20 run. Construction has started but has been slowed by heavy winds - hopefully we can get it done in the next couple of weeks so the babies can spend some time during the day scratching around outside. I did LOTS of research on BYC to determine what I wanted to do for the coop and learned lots of things from you all - thanks!
Planning to post pictures of the coop construction and of the babies soon.
Oh yeah - the feed store had all the chicks just mixed up together, but I *think* I have some BOs, and maybe some Australorps and/or Black Sex Links. I have no idea what our roo is - hopefully an EE. Maybe I'll ask for opinions when I post the baby pics.
Just call me the crazy lady with TOO many animals - 5 dogs, 2 ferrets, 2 rats, and now - CHICKENS and ducks!
Lorrie
and post pictures. My boyfriend decided he wanted some chickens so we could have/sell fresh eggs. I live on 5 acres, so after some debate, decided we could get "a few". Started off 3/24/10 with 6 pullets and 1 adorable roo from the feed store. They were so much fun that the next day we went back and bought more pullets, and a few s/r, bringing the total to 18. DD insisted she needed a duckling, so guess what else came home. Then we decided the duckling was lonely, so it got a friend. Figured out through research, watching behavior, etc. that we *probably* have 5 roos now - a few more than planned. If they really are roos, some will have to go when they reach 18 - 20 weeks. Of course, that means that we don't have as many hens as we thought, so I *had* to get some replacements, plus, after doing research on egg colors, I *had* to have some that lay blue/green eggs. Today, my EEs (they say they are Americaunas but I doubt it) come in at a store 45 minutes from the house!I definitely have a problem.
I'm in CO, so the babies are in the house in brooders right now (one for ducks, one for chicks, one for tonight's new chicks). We've been lucky and only had one with pasty butt, haven't lost any at all (knock on wood).
The coop was going to be 6 X 8, but we are now building 8 X 10. A converted dog house will be home for the ducklings. Planning at least a 10 X 20 run. Construction has started but has been slowed by heavy winds - hopefully we can get it done in the next couple of weeks so the babies can spend some time during the day scratching around outside. I did LOTS of research on BYC to determine what I wanted to do for the coop and learned lots of things from you all - thanks!
Planning to post pictures of the coop construction and of the babies soon.
Oh yeah - the feed store had all the chicks just mixed up together, but I *think* I have some BOs, and maybe some Australorps and/or Black Sex Links. I have no idea what our roo is - hopefully an EE. Maybe I'll ask for opinions when I post the baby pics.
Just call me the crazy lady with TOO many animals - 5 dogs, 2 ferrets, 2 rats, and now - CHICKENS and ducks!
Lorrie
