Washingtonians

[BirdyBird]

Hi,
Just found this thread. Great to know that we're surrounded by so many chicken people!
Went to the Tour de Coop this year on Bainbridge to get ideas on our own coop and got chicks the very next weekend.
If any of you are Kitsap County folks, it would be great to know if you know the regulations on keeping chickens in unincorporated Kitsap. I can't seem to find any answers.
BTW, my son wants to join 4-H for poultry but we don't know if there are any other Kitsap chapters other than that in Port Orchard.
Ideas/comments welcome.
Thanks!!

 

[AnnesChicks]

Justbugged~
You'll love the stall dri in the coop. Keeps things nice and dry with almost no smell. I was amazed at the difference. It has made chicken ranching so easy.

I stopped by our local Del's today for the Layer pellets and they were out and don't expect more til Wednesday. But they were willing to save two bags for me and will call when it arrives. I also am not ready to commit to organic feed. So far they are doing very well, I free feed Layer pellets inside the coop in a hanging feeder, they get scratch about a cup twice a day, and usually kitchen scraps, or grass/dandilions/weeds and so on from the yard each morning. In fact they are quite disappointed if there isn't a treat when I let them out in the mornings. Can we say spoiled? I discovered they love overgrown zuchinni squash. With 8 hens we average 5-6 eggs a day, enough to share with family and three very appreciative dogs. I am so enjoying my hens, who knew how fun this would be.

 

[brennant]

Ok here are the ladies:

So far they don't mind me being around. When I come in the garage they all light up. Kinda neat.

Temp is at 90 and they seem pretty comfortable. I notice they like being pretty close under the lamp, but do not seem hot (no panting or wings out as far as I can see).

There is another side with no lamp if they choose to move. They are all eating and drinking I think.

Boy when they sleep are they all floppy! Very funny.

 

[weaveagarden]

BirdieBird
I am not in your area, but seems like unincorporated you have a much better chance to have no regs on the books. I would guess that it is one of those, don't make a nuisance and your fine. But best to know for sure before you get too in to it.
Good Luck!

 

[weaveagarden]

Brennant. Very nice!
Don't forget to take pictures every week or so. You will be amazed at the difference each time.
I would make sure that temp doesn't drop below the 90 during the night for at least a week. Also, you can add just a tiny amount of sugar to their water if they seem too droopy. I know they give the ratio at McMurray Hatchery in their What to do when you get home area. I also put in Quick Chick which has electrolytes for them. They will likely sell something similar in the chicken area of your feed store. In fact I am still putting some into their water (very diluted) because I still have it here. Will do so until it runs out.
You sure can tell your Barred little girl with that nice little dot on her head. You are gonna have so much fun!!!! My faves are the Orps. But all of yours should be great layers.

 

[tomato lady]

Brennant, you post an adorable pic. like that the day after they get in 300 chicks at my local Webster Rd. Feed! That is just feeding my addiction!

They look so sweet. And that stretched out neck thing -- I thought one of my chicks was dead, but she was just taking a nap in a strange position. I think I startled her when I snatched her up ready to preform CPR.

Almost forgot. CONGRATULATIONS!

 

[brennant]

Thanks all! - so far none are droopy, just funny when they sleep! Both BOs look like road kill when they are zonked out.

So far the barred rock seems to be the most calm and the most inquisitive... The australorp is the most skittish.. both BOs don't seem to care too much.

Cats in the house know something is up in the garage. I think they can hear something "tasty"

There should be a warning label on the heat lamp that says something like "If you stare too long into the brooder, the rest of the world will be green colored for about 10 minutes after you leave the area." I thought something was wrong with me when I left the garage!

 

[msjones]

I'm new here in NE Seattle. We got our 3 hens 2 weeks ago, and have gotten so much good advice here at BYC.

Another question -- where can I get food-grade DE near Seattle?

Also: Can I buy chicken feed anywhere in the city? Or do I need to drive to Bothell/Issaquah/Burien?

Thanks!

 

[rainplace]

Quote:
I see a place in Redmond named Farm Depot, but if you're northeast like greenlake, shoreline or around there, then bothell looks like your best best.

 

[rainplace]

Quote:
Wasn't that a great tour?

I'm also trying to find more info about 4-H for poultry, my son wants to do ducks. I'm going to be calling on Monday.