Southern NY, Dutchess county and below

[queenchick16]

Did I hit the submit button or what

 

[Cheeky Chick]

Well I had 75% of Loretta's eggs hatch that she gave me and only 2 of the mail order Aruacanas hatch. One has a terribly deformed leg. 7 were not viable from the beginning 5 were fully developed ,probably died around 18+ days of development. And 2.stopped early on .what a way to spend $40.00

Aww, I'm sorry. That stinks

 

[magsrags]

Well I had 75% of Loretta's eggs hatch that she gave me and only 2 of the mail order Aruacanas hatch. One has a terribly deformed leg. 7 were not viable from the beginning 5 were fully developed ,probably died around 18+ days of development. And 2.stopped early on .what a way to spend $40.00

So sad....welcome to my world last summer. No hatching for me unless under a broody hen from now on.

 

[littlecritters]

I've been checking Craigs list regularly. I really like the one that has a dog run attached. I figured that would be the best way to go for us...no actual construction. The seller states he paid $2200 two years ago. I don't know how big it is or what shape its in. I really don't want to go over $500, and that was before I found out I was out of prescription drug benefits for the year! Yikes. Still two months until the new benefit year starts...
The one with the two free chickens includes a rooster, appropriately named Dinner. My town allows up to 6 hens. No roosters allowed. So that's out.
The $100 coop, with 4 chickens looks okay, but...its a tractor and the chickens look uncomfortable. Don't they look like they have to duck down? (No poultry pun intended) It's not my dream coop lets just say.
The coop in West Haven for $500 looks great. Though I'm a little concerned about how I'd get in to clean it. I don't see a people sized door. And I have no idea how I'd get it home or in the back yard. I've emailed the owner for clarification.
There is one for $700 in New Paltz. It looks like just what I wanted. Automatic door and all.
I think my problem is that my family is not on board with the whole chicken thing. I may need a year to work on them. I'm not happy about it, but I need their support at least in the early stages. I find once a pet is here they get attached very quickly.
So I probably will be a lurker/commenter here for a while. I appreciate the very warm welcome I received to the forum.
Ginger in Centereach

Ginger, I'm glad you posted here by mistake! I was at Tractor Supply last weekend in Highland, NY and they have a nice little coop on sale for $99. You can purchase the run (which is attachable) for another $99. I thought it was nice for 2-3 hens. I'm going to try to insert a picture for you here....which didn't work sorry. But here is the link http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...ch--pen-kit-2-4-chicken-capacity?cm_vc=-10005

Well I had 75% of Loretta's eggs hatch that she gave me and only 2 of the mail order Aruacanas hatch. One has a terribly deformed leg. 7 were not viable from the beginning 5 were fully developed ,probably died around 18+ days of development. And 2.stopped early on .what a way to spend $40.00

I am sorry... I have begun to feel that whenever anyone tries to hatch eggs, a tissue box next to the incubator is a must!

 

[littlecritters]

For anyone with an iPhone, there is a nice free app called iHatch that tracks hatches for you. It has day by day graphics depicting the growth of the embryo, along with a description of what is transpiring daily. My daughter and I like this app quite a bit...its fun and helpful to keep track of the hatches. The app also allows us to add reminders. A must have for anyone with kids...

 

[Cheeky Chick]

For anyone with an iPhone, there is a nice free app called iHatch that tracks hatches for you. It has day by day graphics depicting the growth of the embryo, along with a description of what is transpiring daily. My daughter and I like this app quite a bit...its fun and helpful to keep track of the hatches. The app also allows us to add reminders. A must have for anyone with kids...

That's awesome!! If I ever decide to hatch (I'm such a maniac that I'd get addicted and wind up on "Chicken Ranchers on the final frontier") I am TOTALLY getting that! Thanks!!!

But I know my littlest one would LOVE that. He watches the little BCM every day to see how much of her white chest fluff has turned to black feathers. Mama's little scientist.

 

[smkchick]

Wow. I missed a lot!

Great to see Al back on.

Welcome to all the newcomers.

Coop advice: Go big. Let's face it. Chicken math will take hold and then you won't have enough room. No chicken person I ever met turned down chickens because the coop wasn't big enough. They just built bigger coops. I recommend checking out the coop building sites. They have instructions and ideas for reusing and recycling materials to keep costs down. Think BIG!!

Carol, I agree with your assessment of hatching. Too stressful. I would rather invest the money in a sure thing...

Heather, the 18th is carved in stone!!

I moved my NJ chicks outside. My husband (have to get used to that word!) built a partition and we turned the water heater on for them. I swear they doubled in size since I put them out there. Even little Pearl, my only bantam, is doing great. Now I'm thinking she needs a bantam friend....

 

[warmheart]

smkchick, welcome back! I'm sure you'll soon be accustomed to using the word "husband." I'm so happy for you!! What kind of bantam is Pearl?

Two more weeks to go until baby mille fleur Barbu D'anvers are here!

 

[lalany]

My girls are probably feathered enough to spend the night outside, but I'm a wreck about leaving them out there. Am I a nut?

 

[Cheeky Chick]

My girls are probably feathered enough to spend the night outside, but I'm a wreck about leaving them out there. Am I a nut?

Not at all. I still bring my silkies in every night. They're 4 months old.

When you feel comfortable, you'll leave them outside.