Newbie Mistakes

[Tutter]

The ones that come to mind offhand are:

Not having your heat correct. Even when they are partly grown and leave the brooder. They will pile on one another if they are cold, and the ones on the bottom will not survive that usually. There's lots written on making sure they aren't too hot or cold....follow them carefully.

Deep water sources. I've seen even grown hens drown in 1/2 full tubs of water. Big birds, too.

Be careful of spaces. For example, a small space between a box or feeder and the wall, especially if it's wider at the top. They can get their neck's caught.

I know that you see chicken wire everywhere, even in books, but if there are any predators around at all, it won't likely be sufficient. I use hardware cloth. You can use it alone, over other wire, or for the bottom portion of your runs etc., depending on your situation.

If you are going to use a dirt area, rake it and look carefully for things like small pieces of glass. In the right light it shines, and they will grab at it.

Those may not be top mistakes, but they might help.

 

[Frizzledhen]

buy a pair of coop shoes and don't forget to take them off before going in the house.

 

[bamadominaker]

Yes I hadn't thought of coop shoes but that makes perfect sense.

I only have 30 pair of flip flops "DUH Aimie". Can't believe I have been sweeping my floors so much I have went and bought runners so they will catch some of that stuff; instead of tracking through the house.

Boy, don't I feel silly. thanks Frizzledhen

 

[aladatrot]

Thanks guys for your responses. We are going to start with a coop to take up half of one of my 12 x 12 horse stalls. The chickens will be in the barn , and it is very well ventilated without being very drafty. We are starting here so that I can see if I really commit to the chickens with all my other tasks (horses, goats, dogs, garden). The chickens will have to be inside the barn, and I have flourescent lighting. Is this lighting sufficient to keep the hens laying?
Thanks
M

 

[2boxers]

Quote:
I have learned this and learned it well. I would add that flip flops are not a good choice

 

[Dixiedoodle]

I am just learning about chickens and we have started the coop. The biggest mistake seems to be --not having the coop predator proof! No matter if it is you dogs or wild ones. I know things will happen but to me --it would just break my heart to go out and find my flock was attacked, inside the coop/run.. Good luck... Dixie

 

[chickbea]

Quote:
You aren't ever going to let them out? Don't forget that they make quite a mess...I'd build a nice strong pen for them to be in during the day...
You can also build a portable pen that you can drag around the yard.

 

[aladatrot]

I was going to do a tractor for their out time :O)

I did manage to get 8 hens and a Rooster (Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Reds, and some kind of Black Australops). The pen was USDA tested clean <whatever that means> last week, and I have already gotten 4 eggs!
M

 

[scrapmom5]

The biggest mistake I made (I am still a newbie and will continue on with my mistakes) was not building my hen house before I got my hens. The hen house is still 1 week away from being finished and now I have 7 6 week old hens flying around my laundry room. Aaaaaaarg. Oh I also have two very smelly but cute ducks who are not helping. They seem to be afraid of the chicks so the chicks sit on the edge of their pen and chirp.