Peeps in Europe!

[Perris]

or anything worth seeing there?

the Irish tourist board have this https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/what-is-available/
'poultry shows' aren't listed as a specific 'type of thing to do', but it should give you a few ideas on how to pass your time there

 

[abpatchy]

the Irish tourist board have this https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/what-is-available/
'poultry shows' aren't listed as a specific 'type of thing to do', but it should give you a few ideas on how to pass your time there

Thanks!!! I'll check it out!!!

 

[Papa John59]

What, has winter sat in here in Europe? Everyone's really quite and I can't have that happen!

Last week, we had one of our neighbors come home only to see a fox walking across our yard in the direction of the coop and run. I'm not worried about the coop as it sits a meter off the ground and the bottom is enclosed. But I got to thinking that since our property is bordered by the woods, it is quite possible for a daylight attack. So after talking it over with the misses, I built a run that I can take out 5 boards and its ready for transport. Basically, a "tractor run" to go with our tractor coop! The ladies are not happy as they are now contained is a 5 meter by 3,5 meter run. Just need to drop the 4 end boards and the middle support brace and two people can move it to another location. Easy peasy! I know this because my 12 year old daughter helped me build it in our front yard and moved it to its current location, one wall at a time. We will be moving it again about November, before the snows begin to blow.

 

[abpatchy]

That's a really nice setup you got there. I like! I agree with you though... the fox might come during the daytime as well. I've heard some really crazy stories like that... people in the yard and he still attacked!
I am currently trying to get financing taken care of for a incubator... looking at a Heka 1+ since it's on sale atm. I wanted to get me a Brinsea 56 Ex but the Heka won since it has 3 trays as well as I can set more eggs at a time.

 

[Papa John59]

That's a really nice setup you got there. I like!
I am currently trying to get financing taken care of for a incubator.

Thanks for your kind words! Instead of foxes, I've got people now stopping by and looking at my ladies. Kids, riding their bikes, stop by and want to talk about the hens. My daughter is a talker, so she explains everything to them, even about how she had to rake up the poop every Saturday morning
I should start charging folks to watch them and help offset their feed cost. I even had one lady approach my son about building her a coop and run!!!

We are no where near getting an incubator! But I wish you luck in getting what you want! Have you looked on e-Bay or Kleinanzeigen? You may find a used one there.

 

[abpatchy]

That is cool... maybe you should!! Put a donation box there... voluntary for everyone. My neighbor has 5 geese right outside her house. There are always people stopping by looking. It has become a rare sight to see animals like that. Promoting the idea of chickens is fantastic!!!

Well, I have to since I am breeding for show or will be. I have no choice. So I don't want to mess with a used one that might have issues, fungus or other problems. Besides, most want almost new prices for their used Heka incubators. Might as well buy new.

 

[Erba]

Oh gosh, the heka 1 is a dream! I got their catalogue, but it's out of my price class and I'm not a breeder..(yet?) LOL. I ordered the no fuss BRUJA 3333A from them and I must say I'm loving it. Let's see if I get a better hatch rate with it, and I am really mad now that I'm going away for a week. I have had it on for week now and it's kept the temperature and humidity constant, with no extra insulation like others need. That is all I ask of an incubator and up until now none have managed even that. Going to need to air it 10 minutes a day on day 3 through 18 (still air) but that's ok with me because I only work half days.

 

[abpatchy]

I know they are really expensive... but from what I heard they are worth their money.
Have you tried a Brinsea? When you order from www.huehner-shop.com and use the code "happy huhn" you get 10% off. If I wouldn't get a Heka, I'd get a Brinsea. They are supposed to be real good as well. I opted for a Heka because of the trays it makes it easier to keep the brreding groups separate.

 

[Erba]

Expensive is relative. If I were a breeder producing meat birds or a breeder of a heritage birds selling commercially, then the 450 to 580 euros would be a good investment. Hemel also has a great incubators around in the 405€ class, you should check them out too.

 

[abpatchy]

Well, I did it! I ordered the Heka 1 plus... it has 3 trays and all the features I wanted. Digital, insulated glas, automatic turning. Now I just got to wait for spring.... soooo excting!!!