Swedish Flower Hen Thread

[Bulldogma]

Just sharing a coop progress update!



The left side (3 breeding pens with 20' x 5' runs) is now done with the exception of the roof that will go on the runs..



Outdoor runs:


Inside coops:


Still have to finish painting, and we'll be putting in 4 smaller breeding pens with runs on the right side when finances allow.

 

[Leahs Mom]

& speaking of sfh Roos here is a delicate question--
These 2 Roos are very very very serious about their job, as in each one covering each girl about 2x per day that I see. This is way more than other types of Roos I have had so I'm feeling that I do not have enough hens in the flock for the 2 Roos in order to give the girls a break (feathers which were lovely in April are looking ratty etc.) so my question is _specifically for sfh_ what are ppl finding is the correct ratio of Roos:Hens (in a free range daily) situation. I have currently 2:6 which is way too few hens but what is the MAX ya'll are seeing Roon to keep those eggs fertile?

Thanks

Did you really mean to say 2x/day?

My roo has 9 hens available and he's mating about once every 10-15 minutes if he can get the chance. Doesn't matter which lady happens to be near.

 

[Bulldogma]

Quote:

Did you really mean to say 2x/day?

My roo has 9 hens available and he's mating about once every 10-15 minutes if he can get the chance. Doesn't matter which lady happens to be near.

True!

 

[Leahs Mom]

@Bulldogma

What is the size of the whole shed?

And what size are each of the breeding pens?

Very nice!

 

[Leahs Mom]

Oh...and did YOU build the pens and runs or did hubby?

 

[FeyRaine]

Did you really mean to say 2x/day?

My roo has 9 hens available and he's mating about once every 10-15 minutes if he can get the chance. Doesn't matter which lady happens to be near.

lol well that would explain it. I'm only seeing each Roo w/ each hen 2x /day, but the girls feathers are looking worn and they are acting less happy generally (ie running from Roos sometimes) so this confirms my suspicion that my ratio is off.

Also, something posted earlier made me realize, those "less active" other Roos all came of age in pens w/ multiple older wiser hens who kicked their butts (literally) until they mellowed out and didn't over do things. While these 2 Roos didn't get the special hen pecked treatment so while they are very nice Roos, find food for the girls, drop a wing & dance etc they are still way more active w/ this set of just turning 1 yr old females who didn't pet the ground rules the way those older hens did w/ prior Roos of different breeds. So perhaps it isn't as much the breed, as the lack of a Triad of mean old hens to school the jr roos ;> Either way, I'll be fixing the ratio at the earliest opportunity.

 

[Bulldogma]

The shed is 10' x 14'.

The last interior coops is 5'3" x 5' with a 20' x 5'6" run. The other two coops are slightly smaller - one is 4'6" x 5' and one is roughly 4' x 5'. All the runs are 20' long.

And I designed it and built it (but I let my son and hubby help).

When we do the other side, those coops will each be 3' x 3'6" with smaller runs. They'll be used for my Silkies, broodies with chicks and trios.

 

[Bulldogma]

I'd like to introduce Magnus. When he is old enough to breed, he'll be paired with Snoleopard and perhaps we can make this wonderful coloration a little less uncommon. (He's still in that awkward teenage phase... and as sweet as can be!)

Just another month or so, folks!











And his Bride-to-Be, Snöleopard:

 

[KYTinpusher]

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Very handsome! I look forward to updated photos as he matures.

 

[OHfarmerswife]

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True!

I have 1 roo Viggo)in with 23 layers, waiting for my babies to grow up. He taggs those poor girls all day long. He also tags the other 10 when they are out free ranging together. Hubby is amazed that Viggo is still going strong as they go into roost! : )