Texas

[Ms Jellybean]

I take a cutting and dip it in rooting hormone a few inches, put it in a pot with potting soil and keep it moist. About half my plants are from wood cuttings.when you see new growth, plant in the type of soil and conditions it likes.

I've never had success with that but I will try it. Is now a good time or should I wait until spring more?

 

[clport]

My egg production during this winter fell off drastically. I recently mounted a small overhead daylight bulb for my girls, let me tell you they love it & started laying eggs like crazy. So, if any of you are having the same problem, I strongly recommend the daylight bulb.

I recently moved back home to TX from Oregon, where the winter days were so short. My girls seemed to hate going into their coop when it was dusk at 4:00pm and staying there until dawn at about 7:30am. I hung a string of Christmas tube lights inside their coop and put it on a timer. They had extra light for about an hour and a half in the evening and two hours in the morning. It really helped with egg production and the mood of the flock improved, too. I understand the concept of giving them a break from egg production during the winter, but too much darkness is not good, in my opinion. Just like people, I think chickens can suffer from a lack of light, even if it's artificial.

 

[ATMac1962]

Welcome back to Texas! I too have a very small string of Christmas lights up in the hen house, it's just so they are not in complete darkness. I read chickens cannot see in the dark! The daylight bulb was to simulate egg production during the winter months.

 

[hensfortherapy]

4th day for sprouting oats. I thought it wasn't working. Then I put my glasses on.
Yippee!

 

[boxofpens]

4th day for sprouting oats. I thought it wasn't working. Then I put my glasses on.
Yippee!

Yup, just when you start to think it's not working, there they are! Good job!

 

[hensfortherapy]

So I can feed them now up until about 2 weeks? When is the best stage of sprouting to feed a hen these in the winter.

 

[clport]

Welcome back to Texas! I too have a very small string of Christmas lights up in the hen house, it's just so they are not in complete darkness. I read chickens cannot see in the dark! The daylight bulb was to simulate egg production during the winter months.

Thank you! I'm so happy to be back after 10 years away. Now all I have to do is find a home with a couple of acres to buy and get some chickens! Then I'll be completely happy again. I really miss my girls. They found a lovely new home in Oregon, but it was so hard to leave them there.

 

[Brookshire11]

4th day for sprouting oats. I thought it wasn't working. Then I put my glasses on.

Yippee!

Oooooh....this makes me want to try it...
I should probably stick to one thing at a time though

 

[topdycke]

There were a bunch of RIR there last year, I think they have their annual meet then or something. A RIR pullet won Best American last year and was on Champion Row.

Everyone is invited to come out! It is free to come watch and look around. There is something to enter for everyone as long as you have your birds tested for P/T.

There is an egg show!

There is a Backyard Show "Most Unique" "Judges Choice" "Peoples Choice"

There is a silent auction!

It only cost $3 to enter your bird!

I spent the morning at the show. It is a really good way to get to see all the breeds and varieties. I picked up the exhibitors list and went around to the different breeds and when I saw birds I liked I made a note by the exhibitor as to the breed so I can find those easier. They had a pigeon show also and a large Game entry. The egg show was pretty cool. I took a couple of pictures at that table. I didn't take any of the birds - sort of self imposed etiquette that you should ask permission from the owner to take pics... I saw TexasMJAs SLWs but didn't get to say hi to her.

 

[boxofpens]

So I can feed them now up until about 2 weeks? When is the best stage of sprouting to feed a hen these in the winter.

I think between day 1 and 3 after they actually start sprouting. There are a few different arguments on the exact best time. I just give them at all different stages. I figure anything is better than nothing.

My girls like them at all stages. They wouldn't eat them when they were younger though, so don't get discouraged if they don't like them at first. If they're out free ranging, they may not eat them either. Sometimes mine do and sometimes they don't when they're out running around. But if they have to stay in the run while we're at work, they LOVE them! Beggars can't be choosers. LOL.