Surviving Minnesota!

[KlopKlop]

I think it might help a little too Kloppers.  Aart says she uses an Aquarium heater and it stays 65 in the winter.  I saw she had reflectix around her bucket too.  I have reflectix on the walls in my coop and so far they birds haven't bothered it.  I don't know whether to do it or not.  As the birds have historically not wanted to switch over for me.  should get out my old bucket with the vertical nipples and see if they'll at least try...this new younger flock may surprise me.

Just had a follow up thought - The refletix may allow you to get by with a lower wattage heater and save you on your power bill too

 

[KlopKlop]

As long as we are talking winter prep, I have been on the hunt for trays to grow fodder in. Some kind of flat plastic tray.

I used small plastic totes like a shoebox size last year and that has issues with mold because the fodder was too deep. Some people use planter trays but also say they don't last long before they crack.
Any ideas? Probably needs to be 12-16" wide and 24" or so long and an inch deep.

 

[duluthralphie]

I can't get my chickens to drink out of nipples horizontal or vertical.

Winter watering is a pain.

 

[Cebarmlds]

My twelve and a half week olds are now using the nipple waterer, when they were younger they couldn't reach it and I wasn't going to lower it so I had a regular? one for them.

The second coat of paint

is drying

 

[duluthralphie]

My twelve and a half week olds are now using the nipple waterer, when they were younger they couldn't reach it and I wasn't going to lower it so I had a regular? one for them.

The second coat of paint

is drying

I think I have birds with Lower than normal IQs.

 

[Cebarmlds]

LOL
I push the metal nipple in a couple times all around and they get it. They also see the older ones drinking from it and know what to do.

 

[jerryse]

I too am getting eebie jeebies reading about these audits and such. 'Fond' memories--not-- of the IRS stealing our Savings account last year. Imagine our surprise when they wanted to audit us and the amount they needed was a few dollars off from what we had in our Savings account. We fought, we lost.

Okay guys...I'm too lazy to dig in this thread for the drinking cup or water nipple links...Ralphie...did you try some of these? Or is it @Cluckies that has this winter water down to a science? @erlibrd ? I think you and Cluckies have similar set ups?

Jerry, you really have troubles with those masked bandits! I don't know why...and I shouldn't maybe talk too loud...but we do not have the issues that I've anticipated. DH thinned the herd one year. But maybe they like resorts and town more than our little neck of the woods ...maybe? We have our share of the aerial preds though. Yuck.

Fur prices have been low for years . Not worth the effort to hunt or trap them . If I get a couple during season it is a 45 minute drive to meet a buyer at a outdoor store . Only the largest will be bought at $10 or less . Less if they do not see you often or you do not bring a huge load . So the time gas and low price or refusing this years young is a loss . So the coon multiply out of control .

 

[Cebarmlds]

My current poop

board is in two pieces and that wastes the zeolite or PDZ because it gets between the two pieces and eventually widens the gap... it will be so nice to have a solid piece of plywood

. The silly little things that make me happy.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Erli:

I am having poop board envy.

I have an L-shape roost in the coop. So I'd have to get crafty with how to bracket it up under the roosts. I'd need to make it removable for cleanings etc. My roosts are removable....
More stuff to think about down at that coop!

 

[Cebarmlds]

...

Erli: 

I am having poop board envy. 

I have an L-shape roost in the coop.  So I'd have to get crafty with how to bracket it up under the roosts.  I'd need to make it removable for cleanings etc.  My roosts are removable.... 
More stuff to think about down at that coop! 
[/quote


It could be done