The Middle Tennessee Thread

[Cinny]

Mornin folks, got up & checked on the birds. They weren't in the run, its already 6 am they should be up. So I pour coffee & go to investigate. I peep in the window & what do you think i see ? Their all on the roost. No big deal to you , but this is the first time they'be slept on roost. Happy dance, happy dance.
On another note I'm off to N.C. today to see my son get back from Afghanistan. Can't wait to see him , 7 months can really drag by sometimes .

Thank your son for all of us and our families.....I was a military brat and so was my husband, so we totally understand....God Bless!

 

[gldphoto]

Hi there everyone, I'm a fairly new to the forums so I'm still learning how they work. I think I posted in the wrong area this morning since we live in middle Tennessee...oh well...live and learn. We have a small flock of laying hens and are thinking about adding a few more. We've had hens for years and have always gotten them from the 4-H chick chain. Last year we did get a few from Tractor Supply to add a little variety to our flock. We aren't into showing at all so that isn't a consideration. I would like to have a few unusual breeds to add in. I'm wondering which breeds are the best laying hens other than Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns or Sex-Links. I want hens that are friendly as we tend to make pets out of our chickens. Also, I'm not sure where to get unusual breeds that are healthy...our flock is healthy and I sure don't want to bring in any problems. I won't buy from livestock traders or poultry farms that aren't reputable. Would I be better off with raising them from chicks or trying to find a reputable breeder that has some pullets? Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Raven1]

I will have some pullets for sale soon tat do not make it to my breeder pens. Mostly Marans so that would give yosome dark egglayers.

to all the new Peeps!

 

[pickledchicken]

I got the new pepsi cabinet cleaned up

 

[DMRippy]

Like Becky I MIGHT have some Blue and Black Copper Marans. I also have Lavender Splits Ameraucanas all the time (Visually Black and blue egg layers) I have New Hampshire Chicks and my Super Blue Egg Layers. I have had some Whopping BIG eggs from these pullets. I got one today I must weigh it... it was huge. I also have Olive Egger chicks too. None of my chicks have been in the main flock yet either.

 

[EconMan]

I got the new pepsi cabinet cleaned up

Wow! That looks great.

 

[pickledchicken]

Wow! That looks great.

It should make a dandy incubator can't wait to get it going I have 20 bucks in at this point

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

I have half a dozen production reds that are 16 weeks old. They are hatchery stock, but should be pretty decent egg layers. The one I kept from last year has been a trooper.
I almost always have blue and splash ameraucanas available in a variety of ages.

Sometimes I have buff silkies available as well. They are really hard to sex, so generally I won't sell them as pullets until they are about 8 months old. If people are willing to gamble though sometimes I sell them younger.

Raising them up from chickhood is fun if you are willing to deal with a brooder. Tiny baby chicks are sweet and adorable and are easier to handle. You do have to deal with the brooder and the mess that they make. If you just want independent, outdoor chickens you are better off to start with some pullets. Beyond that it is all personal preference.

Good luck and welcome to the MIddle TN thread!

 

[Raven1]

Chad that is going to made a great incubator. I have bator envy!

 

[pickledchicken]

Chad that is going to made a great incubator. I have bator envy!

Thank You Becky I want to install the 225 incukit in it from incubator warehouse. Do the water pans need to be in a special place or is it pretty easy to hold the humidity, say with like a pan and a sponge or some wicks. My idea was to put the pan up top with the fan and heater unit mounted on the ceiling. Wanted to save the bottom area for a hatching tub. You still havin the shindig at your place ?