***OKIES in the BYC III ***

[Fallenone05]

Hubby says it is hotter than blazes in central Oklahoma.
I will be home Friday from Florida.

It's been ranging 96-100 in eastern OK. :/ And that's not counting humidity. I can't imagine central Oklahoma or the panhandle

 

[dunnmom]

Strictly interested in them for pets sake.

What type of chickens are you interested in? My mom keeps seramas in Edmond as pets, and absolutely loves them. Watches TV with them in her lap sometimes. Lol! Her coops are tiny. You can't tell from the pic really, but there are itty bitty nestboxes at one end. Cute!

 

[dunnmom]

My stepdad says the double decker design sucks to keep clean, and wants to build them something else. I still think they're neat, though.

 

[TipihlowLadies]

Have a?on squash bugs is there any way to get rid of them other than smashing or poisoning them

 

[Poco Pollo]

Have a?on squash bugs is there any way to get rid of them other than smashing or poisoning them

Pick them off by hand, or dust the underside of the leaves using diatomaceous earth. A wet washcloth can be used to pipe the underside of the leaves to collect the bugs. You still have to dispose of them.

 

[pearson1662]

I don't know, yet. I realize that I need to get them soon, if I'm going to raise chicks. There's just so many to choose from. I think I'll most value chickens that are sociable. If they lay eggs, that would be good, too.

 

[pearson1662]

Speckled Sussex, Silver Laced Wyandotte, maybe Barred Rock. Would those be appropriate for a beginner in Oklahoma? Hardy, heat tolerant and social?

 

[Kassaundra]

Speckled Sussex, Silver Laced Wyandotte, maybe Barred Rock. Would those be appropriate for a beginner in Oklahoma? Hardy, heat tolerant and social?

I may be partial but I think Naked necks are the best chickens ever.

 

[dunnmom]

I'm a beginner as well. I have 3 Silver Laced Wyandottes. They seem to be hardy, and handling the heat just fine with some intervention. Mine are pretty standoffish, and seem to dislike being handled, although they aren't mean. My 6 Buff Orpingtons are way more friendly. They are all hatchery birds. We tried free ranging them all, but the SLW's were too hard to catch. Fast little suckers! And smart. If you go with SLW's, I might recommend making sure you handle them, and pet them a lot while they're small, food bribes are good too. I don't think we did that enough with ours, but I think I might still have a chance to tame them down a bit.

 

[ashtree]

My favorite backyard layer is a black austrolorp. Every one I've ever had has been a fantastic layer and so very sweet. As far as heat tolerance I don't do anything extra and I've never had an issue.