***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[JacobH]

HHHHH. Baby chickens on the way. Was hoping to get them today, because I'm off work, but of course not. Hopefully sand springs PO will let me in at 6 am when they get there.

 

[Nuggetirl]

Quote: I don't have any materials laying around. I have a dog crate as my quarantine, but it's no good for long term. I'm renting, so I have to be careful what I do to the backyard. I've toyed with the idea of a chicken tractor, but I like my two current girls inside. They are so fun and tame. I could probably do an indoor 'flock' and an outdoor flock, but I haven't decided it it's worth it (also, if I give in to chicken math now.....

) I might try to just integrate her and see what happens (after quarantine of course) if she doesn't pick on my babies she can just join the fun of ranging in the evening with everyone. I don't have an outdoor run, just a backyard. It's not cat or hawk proof, but I'll risk that for as long as they are out there alone (which isn't long). Heck, I guess if she doesn't pick on the others she can be diapered in the house in the evenings and run around (gotta do some dog training. fun)
Basically I'm a worrier and I work all day. I know a ton of you guys leave your chickens outside during the day, but we don't even have a tree for shade and I like having everyone in the air conditioning! I'd have 4 diapered chicks if I was home all day.

 

[ashtree]

@Kyzmette the silkie you gave me is the absolute sweetest chick I've ever had. Everytime I sit down in the run he comes over waiting for lap time. It's the nicest feeling. If its a boy I'm starting a bachelor pad just for him.

I sure wish I could figure out a way to free range the silkie boys I'm not breeding. Any ideas @Ksane I'm not talking about total free ranging, but having a big uncovered run for them, with a coop for sleeping in. Maybe if I cut all their crests short? I can put them in an area with lots of trees and bushes? I don't have to figure this out yet, they won't be mature until winter/spring, but I'm definitely looking for ideas. How many bachelors do you house together? If I guarantee they never see a lady will they truly not fight? I guess that could be an individual thing.

I'm afraid my neighbors are going to hate us pretty early on. One of the neighbors has their house pretty close to the property line not far from where the silkie coops for breeding will be. I can't come up with a better spot. But we are planting lots of trees on the property line so that should be a sound buffer. Does anyone have any ideas or opinions? Unfortunately the plots are long and narrow so it's really hard to figure this out. Plus anywhere there are blackberries there are serious chiggers and I really want the silkies close to the house. Uhhh long rant, sorry. Lots on my mind.

 

[ashtree]

I just looked and I think the coops will be about 250 ft from the closest house and 50 ft from our property line. So not terribly close but still has potential to drive them nuts. I'm still looking at a couple other areas but the difference would only be 10-20 feet.

 

[MadamMim]

Hello everyone. As I am still very much in the learning phase of chickens I come to you all with a question...
How long until I can expect eggs? My girls turned 18 weeks yesterday and have spent the last month getting really red in the face. However, they don't squat for me and I have no clue what the difference between an egg song and normal "where's my treats" squawking sounds like. I've attached pics of the two I think look most ready (the pics are from 2 weeks ago).

 

[Kyzmette]

@Kyzmette the silkie you gave me is the absolute sweetest chick I've ever had. Everytime I sit down in the run he comes over waiting for lap time. It's the nicest feeling. If its a boy I'm starting a bachelor pad just for him.

Awww, I think I need a picture!

 

[ashtree]

Awww, I think I need a picture!

Ok Ill get a good one tomorrow. He's handsome, splash with just a touch of gold on the tips of his feathers. Comb says pullet but behavior says sweetest rooster ever.

 

[artsyrobin]

Hello everyone. As I am still very much in the learning phase of chickens I come to you all with a question...
How long until I can expect eggs? My girls turned 18 weeks yesterday and have spent the last month getting really red in the face. However, they don't squat for me and I have no clue what the difference between an egg song and normal "where's my treats" squawking sounds like. I've attached pics of the two I think look most ready (the pics are from 2 weeks ago).

since they are getting red, they are close, once they start squatting, you can expect soon





guinea question-
This evening mama took baby up to roost, all was fine till alpha female decided enough, i want my spot back- eventually the baby was on the ground, not quite sure what to do, then jumped up towards the rail and landed on mamas back, which took her by surprise, she screeched jumped across the pen and baby ended on the ground again, couldn't get back up, to her, laid a board so she could get back up, by this time all guineas are in their respective place without baby, so i turn the light off, scoop up the baby and he is in a cage near the other guineas, mama wouldn't come over or leave the favored roost- since baby is barely a month old, do i let him keep free ranging with mama during the day? He seems to keep up, but i sure don't want him hurt

 

[NanaKat]

Ashtree... I have Hovabators...three. I use one set as a hatcher and two for incubating. Like Betsy said...you just keep a close watch on the humidity . I add water when I add eggs or candle a set.

MadamMim...what breed are the Black ones? Are they Anconas? The red in the comb and wattles is a clear indication of reaching point of lay. Do they squat for the cockerel?

Robyn....can you reach the rail to set him close to his mother. Once he learns his place, he should be able to roost with the flock.

 

[JacobH]

Good morning Okies! These guys (and gals) came in at 6!

The goofy red girl refused to stand still for pictures. Tried to jump off the table!

I have to go ahead and plug Schlecht Hatchery here too! Awesome service, 0 DOA. Ordered 23 CX (they sent 26) and 2 Sex-Link (sent 3.) So cool!