The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[armorfirelady]

I was hoping to see more of that barrel setup but I can't find any more photos or a web site that goes w/it.  Did you find more photos?  I'm wondering about that pvc pipe to the left.

No unfortunately I couldn't. I might try again later this evening since the rain has me inside for the night lol

 

[aoxa]

aoxa, would you please elaborate on your experiences that cause you to feel this way about the Wyandotte & Orpington. I am considering a black Ausrtalorp and a Gold Lace Wyandotte. As a general question to all, What breeds can't be kept in a mixed flock as the only one it's breed. < please don't flog if this a dumb question, but don't worry I can take it!>
So far my little flock a da future is :
1 Black Australorp
2 Black Copper Marans
1 Plymoth Barred Rock
1 Rhode Is. Red
0 Buff Orpington
1 Gold Lace Wyandotte
0 Blue-lace Red-Wyandotte
Black Jersey Giant
Barnevelder
Welsummer
2 EE
1 Blue Sumatra
Many of the birds in this wish-list are based on pics of members' chickens like stoney's 'Mama'. I surprise myself that I like the darker color birds, they're all exquisite. I'm new all reading as much as I can everyday and so welcome all coomments, advice etc.
Thank you,
Brian

The wyandottes in my area come from one source and they are not a thrifty line. As for the buff orp, I just found they ate way too much and laid too little to keep around. If I was passionate about the breed itself, and felt like it would be the focus of my breeding there is nothing wrong with them.. just not for me.

 

[delisha]

I love Owls. I have them here and I do not encourage them to stay. I do not encourage them to leave either. They do not like change, I am outside often, they eat the neighbors chickens and leave mine alone.

 

[aoxa]

OK I suck at pictures but I also wanted to post pictures of my Partridge Silkie. I am pretty sure it is a male. Even thought it is much younger than my first one this one has a comb already visible.




Nice short back

February Ameracuana I am pretty sure this is a pullet

Only picture I captured 3 of the younger ones

February pullet

I think the one on the right is a cockerel it is the only one with pink in the comb

I think this is also a pullet

Cockerel I am thinking

Del, your silkie is not a partridge. Looks more like a project colour to me. He's cute though, but definitely a he! I think you're right on the Ameraucanas.

 

[aoxa]

That is one beautiful photo!!

 

[Kassaundra]

My hatch completed today!!!! 30 eggs went in the bator, 28 made it to lockdown, 26 hatched, I think I will loose one maybe two of the new hatchlings.
















These were the first of the hatch so the driest and strongest for pics.

 

[Leahs Mom]

ROOSTER SURVEY

-Do your roosters "dance" for the girls and wait for the girls to accept their advances? OR Do they just grab and attack against their will?

-If they dance, at what age did they begin that behavior?



HU has said that he tries not to keep roosters that don't dance and court the ladies. (He touches a little on that here, but not as in-depth as the book) He states that the dancers don't injure the hens like the non-dancers do.

Now I don't have experience with this but what he's saying makes good sense to me and my intention is to select for dancers and remove those that don't when I have the choice. Please tell me YOUR experience with this.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Wonderful, Kassaundra!

 

[aoxa]

ROOSTER SURVEY

-Do your roosters "dance" for the girls and wait for the girls to accept their advances? OR Do they just grab and attack against their will?

-If they dance, at what age did they begin that behavior?



HU has said that he tries not to keep roosters that don't dance and court the ladies. (He touches a little on that here, but not as in-depth as the book) He states that the dancers don't injure the hens like the non-dancers do.

Now I don't have experience with this but what he's saying makes good sense to me and my intention is to select for dancers and remove those that don't when I have the choice. Please tell me YOUR experience with this.

My favourite boys are the ones that try to court the girls. They definitely ARE more gentle with them, and I prefer that type of rooster.

Almost all of my boys were a grab and force in the beginning. I did have a few that danced early - 4-5 months old. Jagger, Steve and Carl Jr. all danced from an early age. None of the others did until they were a bit older.

 

[aoxa]

Wonderful, Kassaundra!

x2! They are beautiful!