Washingtonians Come Together! Washington Peeps

[fosterson]

It was windy last night here on the Omak Flats, but it was a north wind and our coop is against the south side of our house. Got up this morning to let the girls out and they were all sitting at the door wondering why I was taking so long. This is the bossiest bunch of hens I have ever seen, and they're full of 'personality'...and sass. It's cold but sunny and the RIRs are digging up a storm and dust bathing in the sunbeams.

I think chickens are the cheepest therapy I've ever had

 

[crazybirdlady2p]

Chickens are good for the soul. I watched a funny video about the "Dangers of Backyard hens" and she said they are "gateway" livestock. Funny but I thought it was true. I will let my flock out in the sun here in about an hour. I have to wait until I am sure the falcon is not out. She got one of my young roos and I will not let that happen again. Between lighting the outdoor fireplace, having the hound outside and making my appearance, she stays away.

 

[fosterson]

Oh, I hear you about 'gateway'. The other half is already considering turkeys (which I'm not as keen on) and goats (okay, so I love BBQ goat as much as the next person) and a 'square foot' type garden set up.

Mind you, we both grew up on farms (me in Texas and him in Northern California) but it's been a LONG time since I had livestock that didn't bark or meow

 

[Hinotori]

We hit 27* this moning. Silkies were up and out at the crack of dawn like usual. The 14 week old are in the big pen and even the smallest had no issues.

Now I didn't want to get out of bed. It was 54* inside. Makes me want to hang out in the bathroom with the heater

 

[TerrorBird]

It was windy last night here on the Omak Flats, but it was a north wind and our coop is against the south side of our house. Got up this morning to let the girls out and they were all sitting at the door wondering why I was taking so long. This is the bossiest bunch of hens I have ever seen, and they're full of 'personality'...and sass. It's cold but sunny and the RIRs are digging up a storm and dust bathing in the sunbeams.

I think chickens are the cheepest therapy I've ever had

Chickens are fabulous therapists. If I'm sad or upset, I visit with the girls for a while. The friendliest ones sit on my lap and shoulders. They fix my hair for me, or just talk sweetly. I wouldn't give that up for anything.

 

[Totalcolour]

Chickens are fabulous therapists. If I'm sad or upset, I visit with the girls for a while. The friendliest ones sit on my lap and shoulders. They fix my hair for me, or just talk sweetly. I wouldn't give that up for anything.

I have one young cockerel that is very nice. He's in quarantine right now (new to the flock) in the basement. I often go with treats for him. At first he was terrified, but now he gets very excited to see me, and I pet him a lot. I must stop this behaviour - he's a "CHICKEN"!

 

[LittleLaneFarm]

Cold this morning at 23*, sure am glad my chickens had their lamp on, they were all snuggled up inside.

 

[nbd3um1]

Is there a good way to know if you have any drafts? My fear is that our ventilation would be drafty, how do I know?

I am sure I worry to much but I just want to insure we are keeping them healthy and comfy.

 

[AletaG]

Is there a good way to know if you have any drafts? My fear is that our ventilation would be drafty, how do I know?
I am sure I worry to much but I just want to insure we are keeping them healthy and comfy.

Someone chime in if I get this wrong, but basically what you want is just enough air movement to make sure they get clean air and the humidity from their bodies/breathing can clear out. If you can put a small pennant in there, and make sure it's not flowing like a flag in the wind, then you don't have too much. If you light a lighter in there, and there's no movement, totally still, I'd be worried not enough 'breathability' in there. 'course, you'd have to be awfully careful with test #2. And test on a day when there's a decent breeze for drafts, and on a still day to make sure there's still a flow of air. Seems to work for me.
-Aleta G.

 

[Hinotori]

Don't have air blowing over your birds. Want it blowing through at the top where it just pulls out the ammonia.