Returning to Chickens: A few questions

[iBoodle]

Hello all!

I haven't posted on here in a while, but I am back! Hoping to be a much more active member.

Quick update:

Peep (white Leghorn) passed away in December. She made it to 2 1/2 years old, even after the raccoon toe eating experience, so I was surprised.
I gave Malachi (black Australorp) away to someone on craigslist the next day, as I did not want to keep her by herself, it would have been too lonely for her.

(Side note, I did not realize how many people want laying hens! I had 15-20 people contact me in the first 3 hours of her being on craigslist.)

After a 6 month break, I am planning on buying my new chicks next week after our local hatchery's last hatch date on the 24th.

I am (fingers crossed) getting 3 Seabright bantams, and I just had a few questions before I jump back into things.

1.) What water nipple system is the best and least expensive? I have very limited experience with them, so any feedback is welcome!

2.) What kind of roost is best for bantams? Flat 2x4s? Rounded dowels? Sticks from the yard?

3.) What do you recommend using for nesting boxes?


Any input is wanted!

Thanks!

Becca

 

[ChickenCanoe]

1. In Idaho, the horizontal nipples in a heated bucket is probably your best bet.
2. Chickens are chickens so flat is best. 2X3 small end up might be sufficient for bantams.
3 Standard 12X12X12 nest boxes will be fine.

 

[iBoodle]

Thanks!

I am looking out for plastic tubs, bins, etc, so I won't have to build a nesting box.

 

[jetdog]

Thanks! 

I am looking out for plastic tubs, bins, etc, so I won't have to build a nesting box.

Look around your local convenience store for milk crates just lay them over and screw a board across the front to keep bedding in and done.

 

[centrarchid]

1.) What water nipple system is the best and least expensive? I have very limited experience with them, so any feedback is welcome!

Nipple is less effort at first and best used in area with minimal light. Still need to keep water fresh.

2.) What kind of roost is best for bantams? Flat 2x4s? Rounded dowels? Sticks from the yard?

My preference is dowels / sticks from yard but cut lumber usually easier to come by.

3.) What do you recommend using for nesting boxes? 

Milk crates elevated above ground with a moisture barrier on bottom with about 1" of dirt or even oyster shell on top of that. Then place enough fibrous plant material in occupy about 1/3 to 1/2 crate volume before birds begin making nest. Make certain holes of milk crate are small enough to keep eggs from falling through sides. Also make certain crate is properly mounted so that it does not tip over when birds messing about.

Will hens he hatching eggs?

 

[iBoodle]

1.) What water nipple system is the best and least expensive? I have very limited experience with them, so any feedback is welcome!

Nipple is less effort at first and best used in area with minimal light. Still need to keep water fresh.

2.) What kind of roost is best for bantams? Flat 2x4s? Rounded dowels? Sticks from the yard?

My preference is dowels / sticks from yard but cut lumber usually easier to come by.

3.) What do you recommend using for nesting boxes?

Milk crates elevated above ground with a moisture barrier on bottom with about 1" of dirt or even oyster shell on top of that. Then place enough fibrous plant material in occupy about 1/3 to 1/2 crate volume before birds begin making nest. Make certain holes of milk crate are small enough to keep eggs from falling through sides. Also make certain crate is properly mounted so that it does not tip over when birds messing about.

Will hens he hatching eggs?

They won't be hatching eggs, just laying.

Thanks for the input; keep them coming!