Straub’s search for colored eggs

[TwoCrows]

Yesterday I said neither Marans were laying today I got 2 Marans eggs. The first 2 in the second row. Far left looks like Penny’s and the second one with the very heavy bloom is Betty’s View attachment 4019939

Gorgeous eggs!!

 

[wrathsfarm]

Gorgeous eggs!!

I agree

 

[Tstraub]

Winter weather is here. Daily highs are in the 20s F and nighttime temperatures dropping very near or just below 0F. Egg production is very good we’re getting 15-19 eggs a day out of the 21 girls and I have only had a few freeze before collecting.

My rooster has a bit of frost damage on his comb. He has been getting pretty aggressive in the last few days. He charged me and got me pretty good on the back of the hand as I was filling the feeder the other day. I’m not sure if he’s just extra cranky because of the frostbite on his comb

 

[TwoCrows]

Winter weather is here. Daily highs are in the 20s F and nighttime temperatures dropping very near or just below 0F. Egg production is very good we’re getting 15-19 eggs a day out of the 21 girls and I have only had a few freeze before collecting.

My rooster has a bit of frost damage on his comb. He has been getting pretty aggressive in the last few days. He charged me and got me pretty good on the back of the hand as I was filling the feeder the other day. I’m not sure if he’s just extra cranky because of the frostbite on his comb

Frost bite is painful so it is possible he doesn't feel all that good and is acting aggressive. Apply some Bagbalm gently to his comb. Make sure he's eating and drinking enough too, check his crop for fullness at bedtime.

 

[Tstraub]

So I was collecting eggs this morning and when I reached under Jersey Gena I felt her warm naked belly against my hand. I flipped her over and sure enough she picked her belly clean and lined the nest box with feathers. It’s currently 3 degrees F and this crazy girl thinks it’s a good idea to hatch out babies. What a silly girl.

 

[wrathsfarm]

So I was collecting eggs this morning and when I reached under Jersey Gena I felt her warm naked belly against my hand. I flipped her over and sure enough she picked her belly clean and lined the nest box with feathers. It’s currently 3 degrees F and this crazy girl thinks it’s a good idea to hatch out babies. What a silly girl.

Hatch-a-Long !!!

 

[Tstraub]

Hatch-a-Long !!!

Gena might be able to do it. My concern is keeping liquid water available for the chicks. I’m currently using a heated water bowl outside in the run. I wouldn’t want them to fall in the bowl and drown or freeze to death because they are wet.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Hatch-a-Long !!!

Seriously tho, just an after thought on Gena.
Would it be better to break her with a raw belly in this weather and do more harm not being able to grow feathers back? Sweater?

Or let her sit so she's only getting off the nest 1-2 times a day?
At least she's staying warm for 21 days + hunkered down keeping chicks warm for weeks after.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Gena might be able to do it. My concern is keeping liquid water available for the chicks. I’m currently using a heated water bowl outside in the run. I wouldn’t want them to fall in the bowl and drown or freeze to death because they are wet.

Separate bowl near nest. Lid with a notch cut in?

Cookie tin heaters for the cheap. I know your handy...

 

[wrathsfarm]

This actually just made me brainstorm a neat idea.

This saucepan (they sell shallower ones I believe) had a glass lid with a metal rim where it meets the metal pan. Plastic handle on top that's gotta be able to taken off.

A....Take that handle off or hole saw thru the plastic for chicks.

B....Secure lid to pan with tape.

C...Secure the whole set up to wall

Heated chick waterer.