NY chicken lover!!!!

[Pyxis]

I have too much to do before winter sets in and it actually snowed here today. I started the birds on their before winter worming today, I need to replace the plastic over the cemani coop's run, and I need to build a new gate for my other run. I also need to do one more big coop cleaning. Where did the time go?

 

[shodack]

Got zero eggs today after getting 2-3 daily for the past few weeks and at least 1 a day for the past six weeks. I have four chickens. I saw one of them on the nest for a while, but never did get an egg. I'm assuming it's a response to the freezing weather of last night and today, does that sound right?

 

[Gramma Chick]

Well had my first attack by believe a skunk (what yard wrecks of ) burrowed under the cage got my best laying lavender orp.

Sorry about your favorite chicken ...this is the 1st I heard of skunks getting chickens ..everything is a opportunist

 

[rancher hicks]

Well had my first attack by believe a skunk (what yard wrecks of ) burrowed under the cage got my best laying lavender orp. Yes this is war I will catch the little --------- in pet friendly trap bated with chicken. Enforcing the bottom of runs with thicker wire bottoms on all the cages and game camera will be setup. 15 years I've never lost an animal to an attack thinking that stray black cat should be caught relocated to my Aunts (crazy cat woman). Does anybody have any small breed laying ducks for sale only need two must be mellow in nature yes I have a bath tub for a pond.

I believe other animals smell too. Not quite sure of your set up, but I recommend keeping chickens in cages on the ground. Nor in the runs at night. Still a predator that is determined will do what they can.

You have my sympathy.

I've been reluctant to use meat to catch a predator for fear of attracting more.

I did have a weasel last winter after mice. Just another reason to trap and rid the place of mice and rats if there are any.

I've seen a rabbit in the evening a couple of times. A good sign I think. I don't mind them.

 

[Gramma Chick]

Got zero eggs today after getting 2-3 daily for the past few weeks and at least 1 a day for the past six weeks. I have four chickens. I saw one of them on the nest for a while, but never did get an egg. I'm assuming it's a response to the freezing weather of last night and today, does that sound right?

Could be ...a lack of daylight too ..they just take a day off sometimes

 

[rancher hicks]

All of you with dreaded home repairs have my heart felt sympathy. We purchased 9 acres with a 1980 mobile home and a delapitated garage with a floppy barn 3 years ago. I hate fixing things but even more than that I hated paying someone else's mortgage.

I'd rather have a small house paid off than a mansion mortgaged. Sounds like you're off to a good start.

I reckon even landlord have their stories. After all they have to keep things up so tenants have a roof over their heads that doesn't leak.

 

[rancher hicks]

I have too much to do before winter sets in and it actually snowed here today. I started the birds on their before winter worming today, I need to replace the plastic over the cemani coop's run, and I need to build a new gate for my other run. I also need to do one more big coop cleaning. Where did the time go?

Oh I'm sure you'll get it done. One thing at a time. I've got the wheel barrow and shovel in front of one hoop coop, but today was cold and I spent it doing laundry and waiting on DW. She has two or three appointments this week.

I expect to clean this coop and just dump it in the run then top it with clean shavings and hay before spring. Come spring it should be pretty good. I used a lot of the cleanings this fall for mulch. I did all the berry bushes. It was broken down pretty good. I'll also dump any leftover peat moss. They work it over really good, scratching for scratch I toss in. The plastic cover keeps things warmer than not.

 

[rancher hicks]

Got zero eggs today after getting 2-3 daily for the past few weeks and at least 1 a day for the past six weeks. I have four chickens. I saw one of them on the nest for a while, but never did get an egg. I'm assuming it's a response to the freezing weather of last night and today, does that sound right?

Could be ...a lack of daylight too ..they just take a day off sometimes

I had this same thing happen in the marans coops. They lay about 50% everyday. One day nothing. I was surprised.

One thing I've noticed is if they run out of water they don't lay well. I try to keep plenty of water in the runs. (none in the coops)

I'm dreading having to pull a wagon full of milk jugs with hot water soon.

 

[Chicken girl 15]

We are off to a great start for beginners. 3 years of cleaning the property though and we have only got enough done so far to get chickens. Hopefully before I'm 40 we will be on our way to full scale homestead. We have maybe 2 acres barely cleaned and 7 more that no one has touched in at least 30 years. Its all good though. I love my messy little chunk of earth.

 

[shodack]

I had this same thing happen in the marans coops. They lay about 50% everyday. One day nothing. I was surprised.

One thing I've noticed is if they run out of water they don't lay well. I try to keep plenty of water in the runs. (none in the coops)

I'm dreading having to pull a wagon full of milk jugs with hot water soon.

Funny you mention the water. I check it every day, usually only have to fill it twice a week. The last week I've had to fill it every day. No leaks I can find. Thinking I need to get a bigger waterer so I know for sure they aren't running out.
Their appetites seem to have increased too with the drop in temperature. Learning every day!