Texas

[GaryDean26]

Can you tell as day old chicks if they will be crested or not? I ask because I would like to get a blue egger at some point and I don't care if it is crested. I like to add chicks to my flock by placing 1-3 day old chicks under a broody hen. I have had success each time I have done it. Then Momma hen takes care of them and all I do is watch. Just have to wait until one goes broody.

Some of the pullets with really big crests can be seen at day one. the cockerel and pullets with moderate crest may take a few weeks for the crest to be visible.

A breeder in Grapevine who got his Cream Legbars from me 2 years ago is working on the Cresting in his flock this year. He said that he has an A+, A, A- grading system and sell pullets that have larger crests (A+,visible at day one) from more that those with moderate crest (A) or non crested (A-).

I am simple putting non-crested hens in laying flocks at this point and working on egg size (I want to get the whole flock to XL), laying ability (I want to get the whole flock to 200+ eggs in the first year), build (I want well rounded breasts that extend past the end of the beak, flat downward sloping backs, 40% tail angle that open in a tent shape in the back and fan out), and weight (hens that are over 4 lbs). Once those are fixed I will work on other areas like egg color, cresting, color, etc. Working with a new breed always require a few years for you get what you want out of a breeding flock. I think the challenge is fun though and enjoy what I am doing especially when things work the way I plan for them to.

 

[Ms Jellybean]

I found this coop on here. I think it will be affordable and a good size. I even have some cinderblocks left in the yard that I didn't use for the raised bed. I would add shade cloth under the polycarb panels. I think I wouldn't get clear for them either. Something more opaque.

 

[Ms Jellybean]

So I'm chilling on BYC. So weird all the ice. Sounds like guns going off behind my fence in the bayou from the limbs cracking

We had thunder sleet on Sunday. It just poured a few times. I took a video of it. Didn't get very much. We really need a big rain here. Looks like this weekend we may get some rain.

 

[jajeanpierre]

I found this coop on here. I think it will be affordable and a good size. I even have some cinderblocks left in the yard that I didn't use for the raised bed. I would add shade cloth under the polycarb panels. I think I wouldn't get clear for them either. Something more opaque.

I think you really will need a solid roof. I don't think shade cloth will offer a deep enough shade to keep the chickens cool enough.

 

[hensfortherapy]

I found this coop on here. I think it will be affordable and a good size.  I even have some cinderblocks left in the yard that I didn't use for the raised bed.  I would add shade cloth under the polycarb panels.  I think I wouldn't get clear for them either.  Something more opaque.  

That is a very nice design. More than adequate.

 

[Ms Jellybean]

I think you really will need a solid roof. I don't think shade cloth will offer a deep enough shade to keep the chickens cool enough.

I think the stuff comes in white. Will that work with the shade cloth underneath? I don't want a dark color since that will soak up heat. The coop will be in the shade a good part of the day, but will be in the hot sun some too.

 

[TexasLisa]

I found this coop on here. I think it will be affordable and a good size. I even have some cinderblocks left in the yard that I didn't use for the raised bed. I would add shade cloth under the polycarb panels. I think I wouldn't get clear for them either. Something more opaque.

Ms Jellybean, you would do wonders with that coop! That is definitely your style!

Lisa

 

[jajeanpierre]

I think the stuff comes in white. Will that work with the shade cloth underneath? I don't want a dark color since that will soak up heat. The coop will be in the shade a good part of the day, but will be in the hot sun some too.

I don't know. You might try plywood and paint the top a white. The roofs in the Caribbean are mostly painted plywood. I think you want a complete block of the sunlight. Also, you have to consider where the sunlight falls. What is shade at one part of the day (or even one part of the year) is full sun at another.

 

[hungnguyen]

Quote:
Mel, did you turn off the power?

 

[hungnguyen]

Quote:
Thank you sister, I had to head out a little ealier than I wanted since I have a guest coming here for an inspection and ,, he notified me at 6 for the "delayed" time of arrival. He stuck with his committment too. After visiting me at 9-11, he has another company to go to at New Braunfels at 12 noon. If he not visiting today, I may sleep for another hour. Anyway I never got sick in the last 4-5 years and I never miss a day at work since I've been with this company. That proves that Super Man came from Pflugerville.