Predator proofing my windows - suggestions welcomed!

[MiaS]

No chickies just yet. I have a very old (17.5yrs) dog who I keep thinking is going to leave us soon at which time I'd like to take a big holiday. Soooo, I'm debating. Do I get birds now and travel in the spring and hope I can find someone to chicken sit, or do I take a vacay either in the fall or the spring (depending on dog) and get chickens right after so I can enjoy them full time. Its a true dilemma. I'd like to have birds now, as I'm all set to go, but I also REALLY want a trip to Europe and this may be my only chance in the near future...
Did you go for the babies???

No chickies just yet. I have a very old (17.5yrs) dog who I keep thinking is going to leave us soon at which time I'd like to take a big holiday. Soooo, I'm debating. Do I get birds now and travel in the spring and hope I can find someone to chicken sit, or do I take a vacay either in the fall or the spring (depending on dog) and get chickens right after so I can enjoy them full time. Its a true dilemma. I'd like to have birds now, as I'm all set to go, but I also REALLY want a trip to Europe and this may be my only chance in the near future...
Did you go for the babies???

Your most recent pictures reveal a coop and run that is very close to ready. Great job methinks!

Yes, the only thing left to do is to add my peak cap on my metal roof. We've run into a bit of an issue but I think I have it solved, at least in theory. Nothing that would stop us from getting my birdies.

 

[Ted Brown]

No chickies just yet. I have a very old (17.5yrs) dog who I keep thinking is going to leave us soon at which time I'd like to take a big holiday. Soooo, I'm debating. Do I get birds now and travel in the spring and hope I can find someone to chicken sit, or do I take a vacay either in the fall or the spring (depending on dog) and get chickens right after so I can enjoy them full time. Its a true dilemma. I'd like to have birds now, as I'm all set to go, but I also REALLY want a trip to Europe and this may be my only chance in the near future...

Did you go for the babies???

My sister and husband will come probably September-October, I asked her to plan to bring a dozen birds with one rooster. Her landlord has 80 layers in 3 flocks. I need them well grown to survive the winter and produce, this is my best opportunity to source from a known, safe source.

I vote to go for it and get birds now. You have worked your tail off and deserve he closure and rewards. Life will unfold as it will, you will get your vacay when you need it. Your dog will enjoy new stimuli in his last moments.

 

[Ted Brown]

Initial Flock

I asked my sister to discuss with "landlord/5 acre animal farmer/Angela" my initial flock (last order date August 8th, arrivals begin September 13t) hoping Angela will select the roo and five "developing" pullets. I will buy six 19 week layers locally.

My start goal will be a dozen birds w/one rooster:

• 50% 19 week ISA Brown hybrid layers
• 50% day old chicks (2 RIRxColumbian, 2 Black sex link, 2 Plymouth Barred Rock)
• knowing I will lose some so 8-10 going into winter

Pressure is on to complete coop & runs.

 

[Ted Brown]

My sister and I, after she had discussed with Angela, decided:

• I will order tomorrow 6 or 7 ISA Brown Hybrid, 19 weeks old/ready to lay, delivery September 13th to me through local feed store (M&R Feeds).
• Sister and Angela will select a dozen fertilized eggs for sister to bring early September for our 1st incubation:
  • expect 50% pullets and 50% cockerels
  • select "best" cockerel to keep as the flock rooster and make broth from those remaining.