North Carolina

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

Just popping in to say hello. Hope everyone is staying safe and warm!

Question for you guys... Chickens have a coop that is 64sf, and will have a run that is 100' x 50' (I think). They'll be spending most of their time outdoors, weather permitting. How many chickens (hens only) would you keep in that set up?

I know I want at least 6-8 more to go with my current 9. Not sure 17 hens wouldn't be too much for that coop. Everything is up off the floor, roosts, nesting boxes, food/water etc. Would appreciate y'alls thoughts on that one. Trying to get all my spring builds planned.

If you allotted a generous 3 sq ft per bird you could put in 21
birds depending on how much roost space you have. I think
you will be ok with 17 and not crowd them.

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

[COLOR=008000]I for one am glad the schools are closed. Most schools have only 1 grounds keeper if[/COLOR]
[COLOR=008000]they are lucky and that is a lot of area to de-ice for 1 or even 2 people....just not safe[/COLOR]
[COLOR=008000]to try to walk in the parking lots, sidewalks and steps much less try to wheel a bus on[/COLOR]
[COLOR=008000]slick roads with other drivers who have little idea of how to keep a BIG distance away[/COLOR]
[COLOR=008000]and go slow. Another reason is I fell again today and this time I managed to over stress[/COLOR]
[COLOR=008000]my artificial knee and need to rest it a bit.......would be nice to not have to walk on it much. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=008000]I hate being so klutzy to fall twice in one day and I was being careful........I need airbags and[/COLOR]
[COLOR=008000]not the ones in the bra ( I know what them guys are thinking ) [/COLOR]

CSB, hope a bit of rest fixes you up. Sorry you fell...twice! Ouch!

The temps yesterday got a lot of stuff melted here. Today should clear most of the white stuff.

The worst part is adding to my schedule to make sure everyone has water. Water is usually a twice-a-day thing here. Freezing temps mean four times a day. And I HATE cold, so I have layer after layer to put on each time. But, it's the responsibility I took on when I chose to have animals. Can't just tell them, "Too bad, so sad....I don't want to be cold for thirty minutes, so you can go without drinkable water."

Edited to add....the footing in bad out there this morning. Everyone be careful! Hubby ran and did water for me, as he's heading to work and didn't want me out there with my stick. I'll keep him!

 

[Coop Scoop Boogie]

CSB, hope a bit of rest fixes you up. Sorry you fell...twice! Ouch!

The temps yesterday got a lot of stuff melted here. Today should clear most of the white stuff.

The worst part is adding to my schedule to make sure everyone has water. Water is usually a twice-a-day thing here. Freezing temps mean four times a day. And I HATE cold, so I have layer after layer to put on each time. But, it's the responsibility I took on when I chose to have animals. Can't just tell them, "Too bad, so sad....I don't want to be cold for thirty minutes, so you can go without drinkable water."

Edited to add....the footing in bad out there this morning. Everyone be careful! Hubby ran and did water for me, as he's heading to work and didn't want me out there with my stick. I'll keep him!

Good morning folks

Hollow.........That is sweet of your DH and he is right........too slick out
for you and bum legs........that is what got me yesterday. Needless to say
DH is not letting me do any chores this morning and I'm not going to
argue with him. A night of elevating the knee has helped but I am reduced
to being back on crutches or maybe my cane for awhile.

hope everyone has a good day

 

[ramirezframing]

Glad you are feeling somewhat better Coop Scoop. You and Meg both ought to let them do it so you don't end up on wheels. Through if you do end up on wheels, you two ladies could have a race then

I'll set the course up and take bets

 

[BHep]

The sun is out !

 

[Hollowoakfarm]

Yay for Scottcaddy, too! Keep CSB safe!

RF...I have wheels I can borrow if you want to go ahead and set up that race track. They're motorized, though! I win!

The sun is an awesome sight! I'm waiting for the crust to thaw a bit, then I'll go refill feeders. Everyone has plenty, so I'm in no rush to get broken. I might pull out my second crutch just to be safe. The crust still isn't breaking under Levi!

 

[ramirezframing]

lol In my track I don't think being motorized would work well

I feel you on the crust on the snow, the kids little dog was skating on it yesterday, poor thing

 

[The Howards]

Hey folks. Hope everyone enjoyed their snow days, I know I did - critters not so much.
Our broody successfully hatched 2 chicks (the others did not develop) and has been inside since she started sitting (and will stay till the babies can go out-warmer weather). Chicks are happy and healthy for the most part but now mama appears to be molting. Is it normal or is it just because she is inside the warm house.

 

[Tikkijane]

Hey folks. Hope everyone enjoyed their snow days, I know I did - critters not so much.
 Our broody successfully hatched 2 chicks (the others did not develop) and has been inside since she started sitting (and will stay till the babies can go out-warmer weather). Chicks are happy and healthy for the most part but now mama appears to be molting. Is it normal or is it just because she is inside the warm house. 

Was it breast feathers? If so, that is normal.

My mama and her three hatchlings are still inside. I have 4 broodies on 8 eggs outside. We'll see!

 

[The Howards]

Was it breast feathers? If so, that is normal.

My mama and her three hatchlings are still inside. I have 4 broodies on 8 eggs outside. We'll see!

Na, it's all over, wing, chest, back. An actual molt. She is not trying to line a nest, she actually will not stay on a nest. She is happy to hunker down on the floor and have them under her where ever she feels like sitting.
Good luck with the broodies. That's a lot of grumpy attitude in one yard.