Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[smkchick]

I made up a coop page for the coop construction. I don't want to keep boring you all with every detail. It's called "Coope Diem". I have to work at 10 but we're gonna make a quick HD run for more supplies. Want to get the nesting boxes, etc. set up so the girls can move in soon. We'll have to get the run done to have lockdown for them, but we'll see how things go.

I can believe how much the chicks have changed already. Very pronounced wing feathers already! Where does the time go? These kids grow up so quickly nowadays...

 

[smkchick]

Greetings lower New Yorkers

I'm in Orange County. I hope to have a coop ready, with a secured run, by late summer but most likely the early fall. I was thiking of picking up a few Barred Rocks, a couple of Golden Comets and maybe an Americauna. Can anybody tell me how these fair in our climate? Also, how "needy" are they? Working full time I want to make sure I can give them what they need while I'm out.

-Mike

Welcome, Mike. This is a great thread. Lots of support and fun here!

I have a Barred Rock, a Golden Comet and an Easter Egger. Fantastic layers, and cold hardy, I understand. Not that this winter was any test! My Barred Rock is a little more standoffish than the others, but the Golden Comet sits on my lap and lets me carry her around.

One thing I love about chickens is how low-maintenance they are. Not needy at all. They go about their business tearing up the yard all day and when I get home they give me a big welcome. They are great at keeping themselves occupied and at keeping up a steady stream of chatter amongst themselves. I plan to free-range my girls less often once the new run is finished, and will give them lots of things to play with and climb on.

They're not like dogs - no separation anxiety here! I'm sure the others on this thread will share their insights with you. I've only been a crazy chicken lady for about 9 months.

Suzanne

 

[ChickenAl]

Greetings lower New Yorkers

I'm in Orange County. I hope to have a coop ready, with a secured run, by late summer but most likely the early fall. I was thiking of picking up a few Barred Rocks, a couple of Golden Comets and maybe an Americauna. Can anybody tell me how these fair in our climate? Also, how "needy" are they? Working full time I want to make sure I can give them what they need while I'm out.

-Mike

Hi Mike, and welcome. Like Suzanne said, the Golden Comets are great. Wonderful dispositions and if you hand raise them it will never be a problem when you have to pick them up. And they do love sitting on laps, shoulders and other body parts, like heads. LOL. Good luck getting the coop set up. Please put up some pics and progress reports as you get working on it. Al

 

[smkchick]

Anyone out there use sand in their chicken run? I saw it mentioned on a few coop pages and I was thinking about it for the new run. The run will be approximately 5'x8' and on ground that has been picked completely clean. People have said that the sand dries faster than dirt, and since we're not putting a roof on the run, I thought sand might work well.

I plan to include a dusting box, which will be under a shelf I'm going to put in the run to give them more places to "travel" to when locked in. I'm also including a swing and a ladder. Maybe a half-court basketball court and foosball table too...

 

[Imprfctme]

Anyone out there use sand in their chicken run? I saw it mentioned on a few coop pages and I was thinking about it for the new run. The run will be approximately 5'x8' and on ground that has been picked completely clean. People have said that the sand dries faster than dirt, and since we're not putting a roof on the run, I thought sand might work well.

I plan to include a dusting box, which will be under a shelf I'm going to put in the run to give them more places to "travel" to when locked in. I'm also including a swing and a ladder. Maybe a half-court basketball court and foosball table too...

Suzanne, you crack me up. Why not add a mani-pedi station while you're at it? I can't believe you finished the interior already, you work so fast! Donna those pictures of Mrs C with the chicks are beyond priceless. So adorable! I wish one of my hens would take charge like that but alas the only one that is ever even slightly broody reacted to being introduced to Tiana by pecking at her face, lucky I was fast enough to get her out of the way. These guys are just going to have to get bigger before we integrate them I guess.



Two chicks in a convertible, look out!


Our hamster Spooky meets Tiana - cute squared. Two seconds later Tiana tried to peck her eyes out.


Nose to nose. The girls have been very, very good so far - hope it stays that way. They did sing a lullaby for the chicks that was a little loud, lol, but other than that they've been excellent. We had two friends over this afternoon and they were really gentle too. I agree Suzanne, it's much nicer to be around well-behaved children than screaming terrors. If only they were this good 100% of the time.

 

[Imprfctme]

Greetings lower New Yorkers

I'm in Orange County. I hope to have a coop ready, with a secured run, by late summer but most likely the early fall. I was thiking of picking up a few Barred Rocks, a couple of Golden Comets and maybe an Americauna. Can anybody tell me how these fair in our climate? Also, how "needy" are they? Working full time I want to make sure I can give them what they need while I'm out.

-Mike

Hi! Welcome to our thread. I don't know about any of those breeds, but I really love my Delaware hen - she's a super dependable layer, all winter long without extra lighting, and she's very docile. The White Rock I have is friendly too, especially if you have a treat. I think the general consensus is the dual-purpose breeds tend to be more friendly and relaxed. As far as needy, well it's really up to you. You can train them with scratch grain and a clicker if you have the patience and the interest or you can leave them be. Just watching them is endlessly amusing as any of us can tell you. In the beginning I would leave them inside their coop & run anyway so they get used to the idea of going to sleep there and laying their eggs there. Don't let them free-range for at least a month. I rank taking care of them a little more complicated than caring for the hamster but not nearly as hard as a dog. There is also the whole poop thing, as in, cleaning it up, putting it somewhere, etc. Also decide if you're going to keep them for life or take them to freezer camp once they stop laying. Good luck and just be careful - the minute you have two chickens you will find yourself wanting 15.

 

[Imprfctme]

Donna, your photos remind me of this children's magazine cover I scanned in:



I may end up framing it, if not for the girl's rooms then for my room!

 

[chickendude]

Here is one of my BO's crowing at only 6 weeks old. I think there are a few more roos in there. Oh well. I will probably keep one and give the rest away. I gotta say he is a cute little guy.

 

[queenchick16]

Hi Mike and welcome; The two Americaunas I have had (still have 1)are great reliable layers 5-7 a week during the summer with my one Barbara laying right through the winter (2years ago) with no additional light The one I currently have didn't give me many eggs this past winter but I think it was because she started a hard molt late.She does love to be pet and loves letting me know when she has left me a present for the day. They are great in cold climates. I only have one golden comet left of the original two and she is an angel In her day she laid many giant brown eggs. Her name is Mac
My husband constantly tells me that I am a farmer and should get rid of her since she doesn't lay any longer. I keep telling him that they are pets with benefits. I now call her "menopause" Mac.
She had a tiny bit of frost bite on the tips of her comb two winters ago. Birds with pea combs handle it better. I am looking into Russian orloffs that are suppose to be good in the cold.I'll keep you posted.
I have never had Barred rocks. Did go to OCCC and went to Newburgh High school. You'll enjoy this thread. Carol

Greetings lower New Yorkers

I'm in Orange County. I hope to have a coop ready, with a secured run, by late summer but most likely the early fall. I was thiking of picking up a few Barred Rocks, a couple of Golden Comets and maybe an Americauna. Can anybody tell me how these fair in our climate? Also, how "needy" are they? Working full time I want to make sure I can give them what they need while I'm out.

-Mike

 

[fightasthma]

Thanks for all of the great information! And no, I didn't go to school here. I'm a transplant from further south. I do love it here though. I think I'll stay a while.