NY chicken lover!!!!

[Aria]

We have a wterer and also nipples. AND we feed Agway 21% protein
grower pellets. I give them treats, heads of cabbage, any greens I have
and pumpkin, and scratch.

Wednesday I had 7 eggs Thursday 7 eggs. I have 10 Silkies.
I discovered Chickens do NOT like change. Change in living
quarters, new additions to flock and food. They do not
like CHANGE.

We keep the run opened for them to walk in the run and in the
Coop. The run door closes at night and they are all in the Coop.
Regards, Aria

 

[ke5hde]

Just went up to the shed to check on the silkies and refill their food bowl, etc. when I opened the door to their run my lavender hen came out so I went to pet her and she squatted down like a hen would who is getting ready to lay! Maybe she's going to start laying soon!?!

Let's hope. Her sister has been pretty regular.

 

[armorfirelady]

I have a question

Why do poeple lock up their chickens during the winter? I figure they will decide whether or not to go outside. Extreme weather conditions i can understand why you would lock them up, but all winter?

My hens are never locked up during daylight hours even if the hawk is nearby. I leave it up to them to decide if they want to go out or not. This morning the hawk must of been nearby they kept going in and out of their old run all morning.

As for weather I leave that up to them as well. They are out during thunderstorms, high winds, snow, hail, etc. I figure they know if they want to be out or not. They are not to fond of hail but I cant really blame them sometimes it hurts when its coming down.

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

My hens are never locked up during daylight hours even if the hawk is nearby. I leave it up to them to decide if they want to go out or not. This morning the hawk must of been nearby they kept going in and out of their old run all morning.

As for weather I leave that up to them as well. They are out during thunderstorms, high winds, snow, hail, etc. I figure they know if they want to be out or not. They are not to fond of hail but I cant really blame them sometimes it hurts when its coming down.

Ditto. My pop doors are open every day, no matter the weather. Mine go out into their runs every day, regardless of weather unless its really nasty out. Of course I must shovel if any evil white stuff falls into their runs and I will hear about it until it is shoveled out. Otherwise, they choose.

Aria--nice to see you pop in!

Changed my browser to chrome and voila! My pages are working beautifully now. I never said I was tech savvy. I do eventually figure these things out though!

 

[Aria]

pharmmom, THANKS. Hubby had his knee replaced and did NOT teach
this semester. I REALLY LIKE being home. Not sure I will go back to
College next semester?????

Love to be home. More time to bake and try new recipes and spend time
with my Silkies. Regards, Aria

 

[AQHAchick22]

Fermented feed question!
So I started a batch on Sunday afternoon...I forgot that I was leaving for a work trip Tuesday and just got back last night. Anyway long story short, is 5 or 6 days too long for the feed to sit? It has a bit of a sour smell and it bubbled like crazy when I stirred it up...

 

[miquwid]

My hens are never locked up during daylight hours even if the hawk is nearby. I leave it up to them to decide if they want to go out or not. This morning the hawk must of been nearby they kept going in and out of their old run all morning. 

As for weather I leave that up to them as well. They are out during thunderstorms, high winds, snow, hail, etc. I figure they know if they want to be out or not. They are not to fond of hail but I cant really blame them sometimes it hurts when its coming down.

Ok so that is what I've been doing except if we have to go some place we may lock them up a little early if we are not going to be home until super late. Or like fridays i work till 9 or 10 so my son gets a ride and and puts them away and collects eggs if he isnt going to be home.

Hail didnt stop my girls any and my roo ran out on the snow so happily lol.

Thanks everyone for your responses!

 

[armorfirelady]

Fermented feed question!
So I started a batch on Sunday afternoon...I forgot that I was leaving for a work trip Tuesday and just got back last night. Anyway long story short, is 5 or 6 days too long for the feed to sit? It has a bit of a sour smell and it bubbled like crazy when I stirred it up...

Nope thats perfect. just give it a stir and feed

 

[armorfirelady]

Ok so that is what I've been doing except if we have to go some place we may lock them up a little early if we are not going to be home until super late. Or like fridays i work till 9 or 10 so my son gets a ride and and puts them away and collects eggs if he isnt going to be home.

Hail didnt stop my girls any and my roo ran out on the snow so happily lol.

Thanks everyone for your responses!

I splurged and got a automatic door. My work hours vary from days to afternoons and when I get forced I could be here forever. So it just made sense to get it. (well that was my reasoning at least) I do have to say I like it a lot. Especially when its downpouring or snowing

 

[Lynzi777]

For some reason no wanted to go into the coop tonight. Went out there to lock up 15 minutes ago and they were all huddled together outside the door....so weird. And it's been wet and rainy out all day, which makes it even more weird that they weren't in there earlier. Same thing with the ducks. They've been going in to their new house since I got the new coop for the last couple of weeks and even they were a struggle tonight.