The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

Here is a photo of a Buckeye Roo.


Photo from internet for reference only.

 

[armorfirelady]

NO WAY!!!!!  I keep it in a big pot, and nurse it through the winter either in my basement or a living room window.  Always start some smaller ones in the fall just in case the parent plant dies.  

I'm going to try growing it in a large pot this year and pick it back and dry as much as I can. I bought a newer, bigger dehydrator so it's much easier to try lots of different things at once. I want to try making a natural bug repellent with it also.

@lalaland. My original billboard flaps a,little in high winds. The last couple years that has caused pinpoint holes in it from hitting the cattle panel underneath. I tried using spray on rubber roofing to plug them all but they are expensive and there are lots of tiny holes. So when my old tent started leaking I kept the fly from it and put it over the top of the coop. It covers all the tiny holes,left, the coops dry inside again and didn't cost me anything. I have more billboard to put on the coop but since the tent fly is working just fine I see no reason to change everything out until the billboard stops being useful. I actually saved the whole tent. The leaky bottom is now in the garden to keep weeds down. I'm thinking of using other parts on entrances of the coop to keep snow out but let ventilation. It certainly will leave light in and not look so dirty as the cheap shower curtains I'm using now.

For fruits or veggies that you put in an area the hens have access to just remember they will eat them to. Not a problem if it doesn't include the plants for your family. My guys have eaten zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkins, kales, spinach, etc. I had to put a top on my compost so they couldn't fly over it and get into my garden. I tried a tarp but that didn't stop them either. And technically it protects them from the hawk from above.

 

[Leahs Mom]

@lalaland and @armorfirelady

That is a great idea to put citronella in a large pot. I picked up some of those plant "coaster" things that have wheels on them to be able to move large plants around for a really great price ($1) at a clearance sale. I can use those to move the large pots around.....

I think I'll try that this year.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Here is a photo of a Buckeye Roo. Photo from internet for reference only.

That's a good looking rooster. I may have to get one next time.

 

[Leahs Mom]

I'm thinking I may have an extra one or 2 before this is over that I could give you

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'm thinking I may have an extra one or 2 before this is over that I could give you 

Like the around 20 roosters I will have by the end of the season won't be enough for me.

Though it's a tempting offer, those are gonna be prettier than my gold lace Wyandotte, or my barred rock. I think I have a rooster habit. I don't know if I'll be penning them or butchering, I have troubles with butchering.

 

[gevshiba]

Bees-round 2. I called my horse shoer/bee keeper last night and told him I'm still having bee issues. He came this morning and removed another section of wall. Another swarm of bees, same size as the first. 3 combs the size of his hand. The first had one comb about the size of my hand. They weren't wasting any time! He has this swarm in the box, but has to leave it until tonight. Anyone left behind will be torched. I seriously need to get into my coop! Luckily, I have an outer coop attached and I pulled most of the nest boxes out into there. The baby's pen is in that section, too. I do like that the bees have really been working my garden plants, though.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Bees-round 2. I called my horse shoer/bee keeper last night and told him I'm still having bee issues. He came this morning and removed another section of wall. Another swarm of bees, same size as the first. 3 combs the size of his hand. The first had one comb about the size of my hand. They weren't wasting any time! He has this swarm in the box, but has to leave it until tonight. Anyone left behind will be torched. I seriously need to get into my coop! Luckily, I have an outer coop attached and I pulled most of the nest boxes out into there. The baby's pen is in that section, too. I do like that the bees have really been working my garden plants, though.

@gevshiba
I wonder if he missed the queen the first time. Or was this a totally separate hive?

 

[gevshiba]

@gevshiba
I wonder if he missed the queen the first time. Or was this a totally separate hive?

He's not sure because the first swarm seems to be doing well in his hive.

 

[slordaz]

Here is a photo of a Buckeye Roo.


Photo from internet for reference only.

they must be related , this is my RIR roo, same coloring but different combs, and he's busy boy can't wait to see what these look like when they grow up, this is out 8 wk chicks, think our main roo got skunked lol