The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[delisha]

My wonderful DH made me two cages for not only showing and transportation, he made me brooder pens I can use in the basement. The first one is about two feet by three feet for the first week, and the second one is about five feet long by three feet wide. They could possibly stay in that one for quite some time if the weather is really bad. I hate to contain them but I made this decision and I have to keep them safe from the weather.

 

[aoxa]

I set up a broody in the basement. I am not crazy about the idea of having chickens in the house, however it is the only option I have. These are not Cornish so it will be OK. I probably can keep them down there for months and there will not outgrow it. The Cornish would outgrow it in a few weeks.

That's what I'm doing right now with the chicks. Wasn't crazy about it at first, but it's very easy to care for them that way. I didn't want any chick pens in the coop this winter. This will be the last hatch until that's all sorted out.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If anyone uses Purina Layena they have a coupon in Hobby farms mag this month for 10.00 off 2 50lb bags. I don't usually feed layer but with 10.00 off I figure come Feb i can start to use it and it will be the right time of yr. and hopefully my boys will not be affected.

 

[delisha]

Quote: They have smaller parts that are under $50. i will eventually build one using something like them. It should save on electricity because those lamps use so much. Using heavy tiles will distribute the heat and hold the heat for longer periods.

 

[delisha]

We have several visitors and lurkers. I hope they make comments soon...welcome to the group

 

[delisha]

Quote: They have smaller parts that are under $50. i will eventually build one using something like them. It should save on electricity because those lamps use so much. Using heavy tiles will distribute the heat and hold the heat for longer periods.
The biggest reason is fear of fire.I have nightmares when I have heat lamps on.

 

[aoxa]

My wonderful DH made me two cages for not only showing and transportation, he made me brooder pens I can use in the basement. The first one is about two feet by three feet for the first week, and the second one is about five feet long by three feet wide. They could possibly stay in that one for quite some time if the weather is really bad. I hate to contain them but I made this decision and I have to keep them safe from the weather.

Any pictures of this Delisha?

My brooder is occupied by bantams right now. So I am using pack and plays I bought second hand (best brooders ever - so easy to move around!)



My brooder in the barn. Would have been cheaper if I didn't get hardware cloth.

It;s 2.5 feet wide x 8 ft long. I did it myself. I was so proud. My hands hurt like heck after though. That hardware cloth is not fun.



I could still get temps up quite high in early May. The hay bales helped. I took that thermometre out as it was metal and was not reading correctly.





They even had a practice ladder roost.

 

[delisha]

If anyone uses Purina Layena they have a coupon in Hobby farms mag this month for 10.00 off 2 50lb bags. I don't usually feed layer but with 10.00 off I figure come Feb i can start to use it and it will be the right time of yr. and hopefully my boys will not be affected.

Good post..helping out your fellow chickeners! Thank you.

 

[delisha]

Quote:
These are so cute! You are a very good builder! I will take pictures eventually. Let me get my chicks hatched out to make them cute like yours! I am showing this to my DH so he can make me some baby ladders.

 

[delisha]

He loves the sod piece! Said you have a good idea and he will make me a ladder.