The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Melabella]

What do you guys think of this barn? Just a bit bigger.



http://blog.mcmurrayhatchery.com/2011/09/29/chicken-coop-photos-and-description-from-maria-beason/

Someone has asked us to take images of the loss. I have documentation, but didn't think anyone would ever want to see it.

What is everyone's experience with Black Copper Marans? I want to know how they forage. How well they lay. What their personalities are like, etc. I am considering adding them when we rebuild. I have always wanted dark eggs.

WOW, I love that barn! I have no exp with BCM's but have a friend with a flock, and she swears they aren't as difficult on a garden bed. They free range, and she claims they don't destroy everything in their path. When I have visited, they seem a bit aloof,, but some of the hens do come over to greet me. Beautiful birds!

Hugs, xo
Mb

 

[midnightroo]

B

What do you guys think of this barn? Just a bit bigger. Someone has asked us to take images of the loss. I have documentation, but didn't think anyone would ever want to see it. What is everyone's experience with Black Copper Marans? I want to know how they forage. How well they lay. What their personalities are like, etc. I am considering adding them when we rebuild. I have always wanted dark eggs.

Beautiful! Can I come and live in it too! No experience with the Black Copper Marans. I checked The Practical Guide to Keeping Chickens, Ducks, Geese and Turkeys, and they were in the books as Black Copper Marans, and it appears that it doesn't consider even a Maran a breed to be mentioned in detail. Glad I didn't buy it.

 

[armorfirelady]

That is a beautiful barn Aoxa and I agree bigger would be better with all you do with your animals and wish to add others (like pigs). You could have the entire set up for showing prep, broodies, breeding pens, food area ,etc in one area making life simpler.

Sally8 has black copper Marans so she would be a good person to ask (I'm hoping to get a few from her in the spring)

 

[lalaland]

thats one heck of a beautiful barn.
whatever you build, it will be interesting to try to figure out how to maximize the sunlight and minimize the cold winds...I always end up with buildings that are placed diagonally to the north and south. It messes people's sense of direction up something awful, once they are inside, even if they can see out lots of windows, they can't point north. I think how you orientate the barn will be almost as important as what the layout is.

 

[rambunctious]

I have 15 1 week old chicks. Am I correct in understanding that different breeds feather out at different times? I have some RIR, that their wings are mostly feathered already, along with some BR. My CW are smaller in size and the tips of their wings are just starting to feather. Anything to be concerned with? Thanks!

 

[Leahs Mom]

Seems like I remember someone that didn't like the BCM and got rid of all theirs. Was it Fred? Or possibly Bruce?

 

[armorfirelady]

Were you able to take a look at this?  It may answer some of your questions on the ff.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/644300/fermenting-feed-for-meat-birds/4270#post_10304875

Can I use (2) of the same 3 gallon buckets (one drilled w/holes) to do the FF feed?  Will there be an issue with them 'seal sucking' together?  Just curious before I go and ruin a bucket. 


Can anyone give a recipe for FF?!   3 cups of mash feed, water to cover 1", 3T UnACV? 

I need a better ff recipe repeated also & yes 2 buckets the same size will stick imo. I've been doing it wrong too I guess but when it's so soupy I've noticed most of it drains out I spoon mine into a plastic collender & let it sit over the bucket draining

I use 2- 1 gallon buckets for my flock of 4. I only add new grand when its half way empty.

Here is the container I use to keep dry mix in the house for when I need to refill the bucket. I think it was 4 scoops of layer crumbles, 2 scoops scratch, 1 scoop of BOSS & some alfalfa pellets poured on top. I shake it all up after adding everything then just pour how much I need into the buckets. (I think this container about 2 gallons in size?)

And here is what my FF looks like in the bucket. I like a Thicker feed. I helps keeps the hens somewhat cleaner (tho they all still wear it to an extent)

 

[SallyinIndiana]

My giant 3 5/16" X 5 1/2" WR egg was a double yolker-it took up the entire 8" skillet

Lovely

 

[aoxa]

thats one heck of a beautiful barn.
whatever you build, it will be interesting to try to figure out how to maximize the sunlight and minimize the cold winds...I always end up with buildings that are placed diagonally to the north and south. It messes people's sense of direction up something awful, once they are inside, even if they can see out lots of windows, they can't point north. I think how you orientate the barn will be almost as important as what the layout is.

We have really great sunrises and sunsets.. They would get a lot of light at those times. I'm thinking lots of windows.

I'm also considering insulation (with proper ventilation) because I have been told by the fire department it minimizes fire damage and risk. Right now that is a huge concern. We will be getting a lot of outlets that are dust resistant or something like that.

With how much we have available to build it, we are going to have a lot of options.

I like the pens built on. They all have pop doors as well for free range.

 

[aoxa]

WOW, I love that barn! I have no exp with BCM's but have a friend with a flock, and she swears they aren't as difficult on a garden bed. They free range, and she claims they don't destroy everything in their path. When I have visited, they seem a bit aloof,, but some of the hens do come over to greet me. Beautiful birds!

Hugs, xo
Mb

I also really love the fans in the window for circulation. What an awesome design. I do think it needs to be bigger though.