Too many chickens for my space

[PandoraTaylor]

Good job on finding homes for the Banty hens. and getting with the ventillation!

You will be much happier in the long run.

 

[Kristy in WA]

Quote:
Tomorrow we'll do the dropping board. I didn't put linolium on the floor because the floor seemed damp after picking up the yuck fluff, and I thought if I covered it, it would mold underneath. I'm hoping that with the new, dry fluff, it will absorb that wetness, and maybe we can just sweep it back and put down the linolium in pieces (we're using scraps anyway). I'll see how it looks tomorrow morning. But we will do the dropping board with a sheet of linolium on that. I think we need two more bales of pine shavings (fluff) also. There's plenty on the floor, but I think 2 more bales wouldn't hurt a bit (or at least 1 more bale!). We are 1 1/2 hours north of Spokane, so it's COLD here already, snow on the ground, and yes, a very different climate than western Washington! Kristy

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
I think that's very smart.

Sounds like you have been a VERY busy camper! The chicckens should be in good shape from here on out

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[M To The Maxx]

Quote:

I agree.

 

[abooth]

Great job, you really got out there and got stuff done. You will be so much happier and your chickies will thank you.

 

[chickachicka]

Hi,
You also might want to add some stall dry the pine shavings. It helps keep the poo dry & thus preventing the damp floor. I add some only when I turn it & it feels like it coould use some. After a heavy rain etc.
Hope that helps!

 

[gsim]

Cetawin and Pat nailed it. You are heading for a sick flock and maybe sooner than you think. I have 24 layers and an 8 x 16 coop. I would do vents on S E and W sides. Also be prepared to close one of those at times according to wind/weather conditions. No drafts especially at roost height. I use poop planks under roosts and scrape poop off every AM after opening two of the four windows. (E TEnnessee). Odor gone in 6 or 7 minutes. Poop planks should be around 2 ft wide, centered under roost, and same length as roost at very least. I made mine from 1/2" osb and glued linoleum onto the smooth side of that. I scrape off the poop with a 8" drywall finishing knife into a plastic bin that I keep in the run. (It goes into the garden in wintertime and will go to compost in warmer weather.) Deep litter 6' to 8" a must too. Will stay good a year if using poop planks too, but not last long if they are contained all day.

Be sure to address issue of predators. They are clever and patient. They also are hungrier in wintertime and not as afraid of humans then. KNOW that they cannot get in to your birds, don't just think[/b] it.

 

[lngrid]

Wow, Kristy! Bravo on all your hard work. You really got right to it and made things right.

You're an inspiration to a newbie (me).

 

[Kristy in WA]

Quote:
Two days ago, we re-did everything. The chickens spend a good part of the day outside now, and inside is all fresh and clean. It doesn't stink at all now. We have a dropping board (tonight will be the first time for them to have it), and there is decent ventilation. I have never even seen any predator, and tomorrow their little exit door will be latched shut at night. Right now, it's just sort of sitting there, bad I know. Hoping nothing will happen tonight!

I think I have 22 hens and 2 roosters (6 BO, 4 RIR, 2 WL, 3 PR, 7 Americana/Aracana?, and 2 Roosters, and 2 Banty Roosters). They were all very happy outside today scratching around. Kristy

 

[Pandora]

Way to go... lots of hard work that you put into it, but your flock will love you for it!