Texas

[ABlackDogRanch]

Magpie and Lisa,

I'm planning on Barred Rock and Black Australorp. I had all but resigned that I would have to get younguns...but then came across this Craigslist ad tonight. It's the age I had in my head for my first foray into chickens...

Does it look okay to you all?http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/4429608681.html

 

[lisaterrell88]

Sam and his girls enjoying some fresh grass after hubby mowed the yard today.

 

[RachaelS]

DH made friends with the little ones today. They've been afraid of the big old hand so today the big old hand had bread. It took them a few minutes to get up the courage to grab a piece and run, but then it became a shark frenzy. One would grab a big piece and the chase was on. My 2 little marans are the sweetest and friendliest of all they weren't even afraid so they got the best bites because they stayed while the others chased. So much fun.

Gotta go fix a late supper and feed the critters. Was a good day. Magpie

I love chicken football over food

Magpie and Lisa,

I'm planning on Barred Rock and Black Australorp. I had all but resigned that I would have to get younguns...but then came across this Craigslist ad tonight. It's the age I had in my head for my first foray into chickens...

Does it look okay to you all?http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grd/4429608681.html

They look to be hatchery birds, but if you don't care (I don't), at that age for $7???? that is a DANG good deal! I would jump on it if I did not have to worry about mixing with existing flock due to different germs. O'h and I was closer

Can't find them around Austin for anything less than $25+

 

[redpennies15]

Well it's 2am and I have made another run out to the barn to check on my baby girls. I can't stand it. So back into the house they go tomorrow. I can't get their temp set right in my room I closed in, in the barn for a brooder room. It's driving me crazy. I'm worried sick. So until they have adjusted to not needing the heat light and our night here in East Texas stop dipping down into the 30 n 40s they will just stay in the house. Lol
My family calls me the mother hen.... They are so original.... But I have to say I miss my babies being right where I can watch them, talk and play with them whenever I want. Less worry and stress in the house and I get more sleep!! Lol

You can expect the temperature in spring (and fall) to be hot during the day and cold at night (excluding when cold fronts come through). Don't worry, too soon it will just be hot all the time! I would keep them in the house with the heat lamp until they have adjusted to life without the heat lamp. My 6-week olds are doing fine in the coop if I close the windows every night and open them every day.

As for bedding, I'll be honest and say I don't use any. Just a dirt floor that I shovel out the chicken litter like anyone would a horse stall, and use it as fertilizer in my garden.

BTW glad to meet someone so close to me! Maybe we'll have a lot in common (geographically speaking). My grandpa had a black angus ranch in Quitman years ago, and dad dearly misses it. Let me know if I can help with questions!

 

[magpiesing]

I love chicken football over food

They look to be hatchery birds, but if you don't care (I don't), at that age for $7???? that is a DANG good deal! I would jump on it if I did not have to worry about mixing with existing flock due to different germs. O'h and I was closer

Can't find them around Austin for anything less than $25+

Me too...gonna video it for the webpage DH is working on.

Boy that is so tempting...kerrville is not that far from me...but like you my flock is healthy and so are my little ones. Afraid to bring any more in until we have another pen ready, meanwhile I will keep dreaming of beautiful black chickens.

 

[magpiesing]

After the garden got tilled there were lots of weeds and grass to rake out. I filled a 5 gal bucket and took it to the chickens. They had a blast digging thru it. An hour later there wasn't much left but the roots. Even put a handful in for the little ones which they enjoyed.

Made two dust bath holes today. They had already started a place so we just cleaned the roots out and made them bigger. Then put in a couple gallon buckets of wood ashes and a couple of cups of dusting sulfur. It didn't take long for them to find it and take advantage. The dust and sand was flying. Had 2 hens at a time in it. Even my roo got in on it. DH got it on video.

 

[redpennies15]

After the garden got tilled there were lots of weeds and grass to rake out. I filled a 5 gal bucket and took it to the chickens. They had a blast digging thru it. An hour later there wasn't much left but the roots. Even put a handful in for the little ones which they enjoyed.

Made two dust bath holes today. They had already started a place so we just cleaned the roots out and made them bigger. Then put in a couple gallon buckets of wood ashes and a couple of cups of dusting sulfur. It didn't take long for them to find it and take advantage. The dust and sand was flying. Had 2 hens at a time in it. Even my roo got in on it. DH got it on video.

My chickens helped me weed my garden today too (after I covered the plants I wanted to keep!). In your case you could start a compost pile of weeds and let the chickens turn it for you! Or eat it, of course!

 

[LightningTFarm]

TEXAS STRONG AND PROUD. I'm in a town inside of Houston called Bellaire. I'm new to chicken life but excited and ready to learn. I would like to know more about any Texas functions to attend and share info. Haha, I would mostly be listening right now. Is there a Texas group on here that chats and shares?
Robert

Welcome from East Texas! I lived in SW Houston till I moved up here about 4 yrs ago. I graduated from Westbury High School, and of course our biggest rival was Bellaire. Spent lots of time there. Welcome to the thread! You will learn a lot, and these people will talk you into more chickens than you ever thought you wanted. I am immune, of course, because I raise ducks!

 

[harley1975]

i have pics of the new silkies chicks the only problem is that they are black and for some reason they do not show up very clear. Did not notice until this morning. On of them had sprayed leg had to hobble it to see if it gets better.

 

[lisaterrell88]

Yesterday my husband and I was working in the yard and max our pit was carring something in his mouth. It turned out to be a baby opossum. James my hubby said max has been stalking something in shop for a couple of days. Now we know what it was. James said he bets the momma and more babies are in there some where. I told him if they are max will probably find them.