***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[2A371]

Hey, my chickens had been stayin on the roost pole outside all night even in the cold that we've had recently. I thought it might have been because of the light produced by the 100 watt bulb I had for heat in their shelter. The shelter is pretty small so it doesnt take much to keep it comfortable. I bought a terra cotta pot and hung it over the bulb to get rid of most of the light but still radiate heat. Well, it works great. It's actually warmer in there than before. I'm guessing because of the larger surface area doing the heating. They now use the shelter at night now. I was pretty worried about them being on the outdoor roost. Anyhow, I was amazed at how well it worked and thought I would share this solution incase it could help anyone else. I can post pics later if anyone is interested. The light fixture is mounted on the side wall of the shelter so I used one of those things you use to hang plates on the wall an modified it a bit. It was like it was made for that purpose. Ok, I will stop bragging now. Lol

 

[jcatblum]

Mitzi I wondered if you still had Channing, he is one spoiled bird! Our Pyrenees tries to howl like one of the other dogs sometimes. It is the funniest sound.

Robin I am jealous! I don't know what has happened with my dumb guineas!!! They have access to 2 separate fully enclosed coops, the only open spot is the doggie type door. The best guess I have is each winter storm has given us mixed precip so perhaps they are getting to wet?? Last nights snow was the first snow that didn't come with some sort of rain or sleet or ice. I think I am going to let their pen be for more call ducks, personally find the ducks more entertaining! I can sit for hours & watch them play.

Nana be careful! I know there are still farm chores to be done, but ouch!

 

[cathiesue]

Hey, my chickens had been stayin on the roost pole outside all night even in the cold that we've had recently. I thought it might have been because of the light produced by the 100 watt bulb I had for heat in their shelter. The shelter is pretty small so it doesnt take much to keep it comfortable. I bought a terra cotta pot and hung it over the bulb to get rid of most of the light but still radiate heat. Well, it works great. It's actually warmer in there than before. I'm guessing because of the larger surface area doing the heating. They now use the shelter at night now. I was pretty worried about them being on the outdoor roost. Anyhow, I was amazed at how well it worked and thought I would share this solution incase it could help anyone else. I can post pics later if anyone is interested. The light fixture is mounted on the side wall of the shelter so I used one of those things you use to hang plates on the wall an modified it a bit. It was like it was made for that purpose. Ok, I will stop bragging now. Lol

I'd love to see photos of your set up and how to's.

 

[mjgigax]

Love the truck dance! Just got back in myself from taking care of all the chickens and the backyard cows. Had to carry water - I thought that those frost free tall spigots were supposed to work in freezing weather! NOT!!!

I have a system for carrying water to my flock and then Jack's. I have this great, 2-wheeled garden cart that can carry 50lbs. of feed or 9, 1 gal. jugs of water. Today I wheeled it right into the kitchen to fill the jugs. I mopped the floor after I was done.

One of Jack's ewes looks ready to deliver with in the next couple of days. She is the one that has tripplets and I have had to help her the last two years. Hopeshe doesn't need help this time. My right shoulder and arm is sore and this cold isn't helping.

 

[mjgigax]

MJ, "Cat" was the hen's name? lol She sounds like a real Ma Kettle :-D (dating myself again)

My cat was named Shuggy. Her tenacity was like a broody hen's.

 

[2A371]

I'd love to see photos of your set up and how to's.

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I had to clip a little off the end of the hooks on the plate hanger so I could hook them on the eye bolts that I screwed into the wall. The light underneath is a round porcelain light fixture and has a 100 watt bulb.

 

[2A371]

 

[2A371]

 

[eddieokie]

Note to self.
When feeding chickens take egg basket.
Do not put eggs in coat pocket .:

 

[Cjarvis]

Note to self.
When feeding chickens take egg basket.
Do not put eggs in coat pocket .

:

Been there more than once, I have yet to have learned from the previous experience.

Chickenfan, if you ever need any genetic help with poultry feel free to say something, I would be more than pleased to help you out in any way I can.