Texas

[Chucklecluck]

Hello everyone I haven't been on since August Between school and work not much time for anything really, but I come being good news I have cut my flock back for sanity reasons and I will not be using a lot of materials I have for coops I have an execs of pallets and water drums if you want any please email me I'm out in Bastrop and my email is [email protected]

 

[jajeanpierre]

You aren't supposed to use metal dishes with FF though, or is stainless not what they mean?

I bought these on etsy (scroll down to see). I love the different looks they have. My mom has one that she has had forever and doesn't use. I asked her to bring it down with her the next time she visits. I want them to use for me and they will also come in handy for the chicks I am getting. That is a great idea Janet.

Check out the name of the shop on etsy.

My understanding of the problem with "metal" is the zinc coating (galvanized coatin) on all the metal feeders, etc, you buy for chickens. Zinc is toxic to birds. Personally, I wouldn't use a zinc coated (galvanized) waterer. I don't believe stainless steel is going to leach anything harmful.

 

[Belott]

I have on of those long plastic feeders.  I ended up taking the top off to put my ff in.

I don't think you are wanting a lot.  Where would you put the little ones if they are outside?  You need to make sure they can't escape through the fence (think hardwire on this).  You don't want any varmints (raccoon, possums, etc.) putting their paws through and grabbing them.

Jajeanpierre, you need to go to an antique store.  I bought two juicers from there.  Or I can mail one to you.

GUESS WHAT?????  I am SMILING!  I bought 6 chicks.  3 Speckled Sussexs and 3 Americaunas.  The feed store is getting Australorps in on the 19th, so I placed my order for 3.  They are all females.  I will try to get pictures out tonight.  DH has the camera.

Lisa

Sweeeet!!!!!! I am happy for you Lisa!!

David

 

[Brookshire11]

Got home to find that the dog had somehow gotten outside and into the pen..
No chickens were ANYWHERE, except 1 EE he had pinned to the ground...
She checked out ok. I found my too under the shed, my other BO under the back deck.
My husband and I searched for another 30 minutes before he had to go to work..
As he was leaving I accidentally left the door open and caught a glimpse of yellow rush by. My Eloise sprinted to the neighbors bushes then came to me when she heard me.
Im still missing one EE and my BR....
Im so devastated...I cant find them anywhere dont know what to do...I cant stay outside searching because the kids are sick.
My roo leaves tomorrow...
Im down to 3 pullets and my Silkies, who aren't outside yet.
I want to cry..I cant wait to get them into their more secure pen tomorrow...

 

[SusanPC]

Quote: Thanks for the tip. I've tried to tuck the coop into the best spot for shade and wind protection. As much attention as we have paid to these chicks, we are probably going to be customizing their coop daily based on the current weather conditions. Right now they are tucked in their plastic tote brooder, desperately trying to jump/fly out. Every time I stick my hand in the tote, I have a couple scrambling up my arm. I think we're going to try to come up with some type of protected outdoor "yard" area for them this weekend to start spending some time in to satisfy their curiosity, energy, and keep them happy and healthy.

 

[jajeanpierre]

Got home to find that the dog had somehow gotten outside and into the pen..
No chickens were ANYWHERE, except 1 EE he had pinned to the ground...
She checked out ok. I found my too under the shed, my other BO under the back deck.
My husband and I searched for another 30 minutes before he had to go to work..
As he was leaving I accidentally left the door open and caught a glimpse of yellow rush by. My Eloise sprinted to the neighbors bushes then came to me when she heard me.
Im still missing one EE and my BR....
Im so devastated...I cant find them anywhere dont know what to do...I cant stay outside searching because the kids are sick.
My roo leaves tomorrow...
Im down to 3 pullets and my Silkies, who aren't outside yet.
I want to cry..I cant wait to get them into their more secure pen tomorrow...

I'm so sorry. How old are these chicks? Can you put the survivors in a safe pen in the area the chicks were lost in so they can call to the lost chicks?

 

[tcmstalcup]

Newbie in San Angelo, TX.

I've got 4 chicks that are almost 2 weeks old. I moved here from South Florida last August and this harsh winter weather has really thrown me for a loop. When I found out that backyard chickens are a possibility (with some rules to follow), I was excited to give it a try since my husband and I are also recent empty-nesters and with the move away from our family and friends in South Florida, we needed something to occupy our time (chicken therapy!).

Welcome I am about 45 minutes from u in a very small town. Barnhart

 

[henless]

I have looked through them and am going with the Catahoula style tractor or ark, as some call it. I've just seen mixed reviews online about tractors in general and was looking for some insight/opinions from people who are like minded and I have interaction with.

I'm new to chickens and have never used a tractor. I would be worried about predators digging under it.

Hi again from San Angelo - my hubby and I got one of each (hopefully all pullets), Silver-Laced Wyandotte, Buff Orpington, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Ameracauna (or more likely an EE since they are from Ideal Poultry). We ordered the breeds through a local feed store and they arrived with his bulk order about 1 1/2 weeks ago. They are growing so fast and I am ready to give them some outside time if we could just get a nice warm day again without a cool wind. I have never lived anywhere with such dramatic weather. I am using the metal round feeder with a glass jar for food and the plastic dish with a glass jar for water. Working okay, but lots of pine chips in the water - even though I've already raised it onto a brick. My husband is going to make the water nipples with cups for in their permanent coop. I went to the glass jars because they knocked over the water one day with the plastic jars. I'm loving these babies and can't wait for them to make a home in my yard, their run & coop! I'm a little worried about how hot it gets in this area. The coop and run are located under a shade tree to hopefully give them the most shade possible. Any good tips for the Texas 100+ degree and dry arid heat in this southwest Texas area?

I've been thinking about getting the water nipples. I would try it now but afraid they might leak and get the brooder wet. They haven't knocked it over yet, but they sure get the shavings in it and the feeders. They are sitting up on bricks.

I have on of those long plastic feeders. I ended up taking the top off to put my ff in.

GUESS WHAT????? I am SMILING! I bought 6 chicks. 3 Speckled Sussexs and 3 Americaunas. The feed store is getting Australorps in on the 19th, so I placed my order for 3. They are all females. I will try to get pictures out tonight. DH has the camera.

Lisa

I'll have to look around and see one that is easy to get on/off. Congrats on the new babies!!!

Got home to find that the dog had somehow gotten outside and into the pen..
No chickens were ANYWHERE, except 1 EE he had pinned to the ground...
She checked out ok. I found my too under the shed, my other BO under the back deck.
My husband and I searched for another 30 minutes before he had to go to work..
As he was leaving I accidentally left the door open and caught a glimpse of yellow rush by. My Eloise sprinted to the neighbors bushes then came to me when she heard me.
Im still missing one EE and my BR....
Im so devastated...I cant find them anywhere dont know what to do...I cant stay outside searching because the kids are sick.
My roo leaves tomorrow...
Im down to 3 pullets and my Silkies, who aren't outside yet.
I want to cry..I cant wait to get them into their more secure pen tomorrow...

So sorry! Hopefully you will find the other 2 chicks and they are ok!

 

[Brookshire11]

Found my BR!! She somehow got into the neighbors backyard. She saw me and came running over and wouldnt leave the corner where she had seen me.
They neighbors had 2 big labs who thankfully were inside because the neighbors weren't home yet.
I started digging a hole under the fence to get to her, like a dog! Lol.
she was almost through when I heard the neighbor pull up. I panicked, knowing she'd let the dogs out, so I tried to grasp Freya to pull her through and I spooked her :/
So I SPRINTED to the neighbor, who ive never spoken too and asked if she could let me in her yard because my bird was back there.
She probably thinks im crazy, but I got her!
Now im just missing my "husband's" EE, "Lil Hawk"...
Im hoping she turns up Im down to one blue layer, and she's spooked because of my dog "playing" with her.
I did spend some more time looking her over, and she gotb up and came to me when I went in the pen.
She walking fine and I didnt see any blood or anything. She's not even missing feathers.
Anything I should keep an eye out for with her?

 

[Brookshire11]

Lisa! Congrats on the chicks!

Laurie, are you on Facebook? Check out Ellis County Poultry.
There's a lady I found on Craig's list who has all kinds of French Marans, including Black Coppers.
I could send you her info