North Carolina

[atmaclean]

I hear ya about the ticks.  I found our first tick back in March  I was like this is going to be bad.  And it has until just recently I started letting the chickens out in the back of the house (all sides are heavily wooded) for a couple of hours before dark. But I have noticed less ticks.  Not sure if they are really eating them or what.  Sorry to hear the Guineas are going other places.  I wanted to get some guineas last year but was vetoed by everyone else in the house.  So compromise we got some chickens.  We have 32 acres but really 7 that the house is on and that we on very much.  and ticks are everywhere! 

I know there is a new flea/heartworm and something else preventative that the vet can give you.  I cannot remember the name right now but I know it is rather expensive.  My mom uses it for her lab that is always outside.  I will find out the name and I will let you know. 

That would be great! Thank you. Ive got 25 guineas just hatched so hopefully that will help in a few months. Found out tonite that our neighbor has a severe tick problem and is getting guinea hens this month too! Our dogs go over to her house because she gives them treats so I wonder if thats where they are picking them up!?

 

[Tiddbit74]

I have a question for everyone. I am trying to make a hurricane plan for my hens and I was wondering what everyone does. Has anyone been through a hurricane with their birds? I lived in Harnett County when Hurricane Fran came through and I couldn't imagine leaving them out in a storm like that. I'm much closer to the coast now, about 6 miles away. Any ideas that ya'll have would be great!

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

Good morning folks

We have not painted our coops but if we did
we would do it like RF and get paint from yard
sales and folks cleaning out the garage........
quite often they give it away.........you don't get
to pick colors but then again if you mix then
together you can get some surprising results

hope your day is a good one

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Good Morning, Happy Chicken People!

We're further from the coast, but still get some weather. All of my hen houses can be storm secured, although the big one needs plywood to do it. The entire building would have to be picked up to do anything. The barn has small drop-down panels to secure it. The only thing not secure-able is the rabbit barn, but I can move cages inside the feed room or on the hoof stock side.

 

[ramirezframing]

I have a question for everyone. I am trying to make a hurricane plan for my hens and I was wondering what everyone does. Has anyone been through a hurricane with their birds? I lived in Harnett County when Hurricane Fran came through and I couldn't imagine leaving them out in a storm like that. I'm much closer to the coast now, about 6 miles away. Any ideas that ya'll have would be great!

mine aint been through a big hurricane, but did have a tornado go through about a half mile away 2 years ago. All I do is nail down the tops to the nest boxes. The birds get in the nest boxes and ride out what ever they want to. So far it has worked well.

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

When Hurricane Fran went through here we just
let the chickens/geese continue to free range and
they took shelter in the trees/brush and did well. The
tornado 2 years ago went right past/over us and the birds
did well in the coops. I don't know that there is any really
safe area for birds in a storm if buildings or trees are
severely damaged but I would think a well anchored
sturdy coop would be best

 

[NewHomesteader2010]

Good morning everyone...

Chicks are getting bigger...Just about a month old. At what point in time do you think I can let mama and babies free range with the rest of the flock? I worry about the younger ones getting picked on, but I KNOW they are bored in their enclosure because they have already made dust of the grass that was there!! I am only planning on letting them out when I am outside (for fear of airborne predators) but I didn't know at what "age" you all would think it appropriate. I'm also "worried" that mama might go back into the large coop and her babies would get trampled upon or worse....left! Yes, patience is NOT my strong suit. LOL.

I hope everyone has a great day!! The weekend is JUST around the corner, right?!?

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Good morning everyone...

Chicks are getting bigger...Just about a month old.  At what point in time do you think I can let mama and babies free range with the rest of the flock?  I worry about the younger ones getting picked on, but I KNOW they are bored in their enclosure because they have already made dust of the grass that was there!!  I am only planning on letting them out when I am outside (for fear of airborne predators) but I didn't know at what "age" you all would think it appropriate.  I'm also "worried" that mama might go back into the large coop and her babies would get trampled upon or worse....left!  Yes, patience is NOT my strong suit.  LOL.

I hope everyone has a great day!!  The weekend is JUST around the corner, right?!?

I let mine join the flock immediately after they come off the nest, but I also don't keep chick-aggressive birds. And they don't have woods to go in. I think you'll need advice from someone who knows your conditions better.

Weekends mean Nothing to me right now! Nothing! I have no classes, no kids in school...no difference between Tuesday and Saturday in my world!

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

I let mine join the flock immediately after they come off the nest, but I also don't keep chick-aggressive birds. And they don't have woods to go in. I think you'll need advice from someone who knows your conditions better.

Weekends mean Nothing to me right now! Nothing! I have no classes, no kids in school...no difference between Tuesday and Saturday in my world!

Ahhhhhh.....the life of Reilly..........I can't wait for
it to arrive......3 1/2 days to go!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tiddbit74]

Good Morning, Happy Chicken People!

We're further from the coast, but still get some weather. All of my hen houses can be storm secured, although the big one needs plywood to do it. The entire building would have to be picked up to do anything. The barn has small drop-down panels to secure it. The only thing not secure-able is the rabbit barn, but I can move cages inside the feed room or on the hoof stock side.

mine aint been through a big hurricane, but did have a tornado go through about a half mile away 2 years ago. All I do is nail down the tops to the nest boxes. The birds get in the nest boxes and ride out what ever they want to. So far it has worked well.

When Hurricane Fran went through here we just
let the chickens/geese continue to free range and
they took shelter in the trees/brush and did well. The
tornado 2 years ago went right past/over us and the birds
did well in the coops. I don't know that there is any really
safe area for birds in a storm if buildings or trees are
severely damaged but I would think a well anchored
sturdy coop would be best

Thank you so much for the advice. I was worried that I wasn't doing enough. I am having my DH cut some plywood to cover some of the openings on the coop, since it is an open coop. I feel so bad to let them stay when I am super prepared for my family and would possibly go to a shelter if the need came about. I am definitely not a "worry wart" but this is the first year for my girls and I didn't want to leave any thing forgotten. I am also planning to use the plywood covers in case the weather get too cold over the winter, especially the wind.