Texas

[AllenK RGV]

What bad timing. When the temp fell to 12 degrees, we lost electricity for 4 to 5 hours. Texas chickens are just not use to such cold weather. Since I use electric oil-filled heaters in the greenhouse, wrapped those heaters with a blanket to slow heat loss and toted them into the coop. Then put a propane heater in the greenhouse. Worked...all are well and ready for springtime.

I simply fed my flock cracked corn to get them over the cold nights. A frigid 31 degrees. Now the lazy bums think that is their normal nightly feed. I think I need to be cruel in the coming days now we are back to the 80/50's.

 

[AllenK RGV]

We are at 7 degrees this morning. Nice.... -been a while since I can recall temps this low in North Texas. As far as energy companies/suppliers - they're on my list. -didn't even turn on the heat until well into December (as we had 70-80 degrees consistently), and set the thermostat at 68. (got an $87 bill for "estimated" usage between mid-Nov. and mid Dec. which was double the prior bill). -when confronted with charges that couldn't possibly be correct, they conceded that my meter wasn't actually read; however, there was no solution but to pay it. -neighbor's bill for "actual" usage was $45.

Anyway, I'll be turning on the heat lamps for the chickens in a few, and taking fresh water out to the coop. (and enjoying the 71 degrees indoors)

Wow I lived in Sherman Tx for about 10 years and never saw a 7 degrees day. I did see 4 inches of rain in 30 minutes though. It flooded everything. I also survived the summer of 83!!

 

[AllenK RGV]

Anyone interested in a man hating roo? Chowder just used his last get out of jail free card for hitting me from behind again today. I'm not interested in eating him but won't be asking you any questions for what you want him for. His tail sickles were removed to make him easier to identify for me from my other two Black Sumatra Roos.

He has never attacked my wife, my cat or dogs. Just seems he hates me.

 

[Eryniel]

Anyone interested in a man hating roo?

He has never attacked my wife, my cat or dogs. Just seems he hates me.

He's beautiful! I actually have a sumatra pullet coming in April. I would love to take him, but I'm not quite ready for a roo atm. Otherwise I would!

 

[AllenK RGV]

Sumatra are a beautiful breed I am happy to hear there is a fellow Texan looking at keeping them. This guy had an awesome looking longtail before it got trimmed for identification. He has been a problem for me alone for the longest time. I have allowed him entirely too many chances to get right. I have tried making him fear me with bags and sacks, but he has adopted guerilla warfare strategies with me and prefers hit and run now.

Please do not order your Sumatra from MPC, or Meyers as Ideal is here in Texas and they should actually be heat tolerant. My Ohio bred ones were horribly heat stressed over summer.

 

[Eryniel]

Sumatra are a beautiful breed I am happy to hear there is a fellow Texan looking at keeping them. This guy had an awesome looking longtail before it got trimmed for identification. He has been a problem for me alone for the longest time. I have allowed him entirely too many chances to get right. I have tried making him fear me with bags and sacks, but he has adopted guerilla warfare strategies with me and prefers hit and run now.

Please do not order your Sumatra from MPC, or Meyers as Ideal is here in Texas and they should actually be heat tolerant. My Ohio bred ones were horribly heat stressed over summer.

I think they're one of the prettiest chickens and can't wait until she comes in! And I actually did get her from Ideal. So I'm glad someone else recommends them! My husband was a bit leery, but I researched and thought they were the best option. Plus - he says the chickens are my deal, so pretty much leaves everything concerning them up to me. Which works perfectly for me.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I think they're one of the prettiest chickens and can't wait until she comes in! And I actually did get her from Ideal. So I'm glad someone else recommends them! My husband was a bit leery, but I researched and thought they were the best option. Plus - he says the chickens are my deal, so pretty much leaves everything concerning them up to me. Which works perfectly for me.

Heheh I never would have thought chicken were like dishes or housework! My wife and I tag team ours.

 

[Eryniel]

Lol, if it’s an animal (unless maybe a horse) it’s pretty much my deal. Lol, I love all animals, but he’s a bit more blasé regarding them. So, since it makes me happy, he leaves me to it.

 

[JudysMuscovy]

Lol, if it’s an animal (unless maybe a horse) it’s pretty much my deal. Lol, I love all animals, but he’s a bit more blasé regarding them. So, since it makes me happy, he leaves me to it.

M y husband and I have that same relationship with the chickens- they are my deal - but he will take care of them when I am gone on a trip to see my mom.
I always tell him they complain to me when I get back that he didn't do something right! Lol

 

[NickyPick]

Hi! It's been a while since I've been on the forums. How's everyone doing? My main rooster, Mr. Feathers turns 8 years old next month. What's the longest chickens tend to live? He doesn't live with the main flock anymore as the younger roosters started beating him up. Fortunately, he is an awesome nuturer, so he is ruling the nursery/infirmary coop. He does great raising the chicks for me, and if there's a hurt hen, he won't breed her if she says no!

On another note, the farm store that I was selling my eggs to decided to restructure and go with a single egg supplier. I've got 60 chickens and now I'm at a loss at how to sell all the eggs that we're getting! Any ideas?