Washingtonians

[Farmin Momma]

Quote: Thank you guys so much. I hope you had a great time in Oregon!!!

As far as smoking goes, I quit both times I was pregnant. Just quit cold turkey, then started up again about a year or so after. The last time I quit was in 2007, I do not try to wean off for the nicatine. I wean off the day before because I enjoy smoking, I like being able to go out and smoke with a friend and talk, or when I am full from dinner or in the car when the kids are not in it ( and only in the crappy car, not the Denali) Three things are making me quit, Our kids don't like us smoking, I have been waking up 5 times a night no breathing (Asthma) and the money the darn things cost. Yesterday I was just enjoying the habbit before today came and now I am done, boo I mean yeah!

 

[RonB]

I am probably WAY behind but what the hay. We have EAGLES, hawks, cougar, fox, yodel dog, bear, bob kitty, raccoon, opossum, Weasel, rats, neighbor dog and HUMANS !

And the MOST DREADED one of them all

?? the HUMAN Chicken Rustler

NOT

 

[Ogress]

I wish their was a summarize feature to summarize the last 2 weeks of posts. I don't think I will go back and read them.

 

[itsren]

And the MOST DREADED one of them all

?? the HUMAN Chicken Rustler

NOT

 

[itsren]

I wish their was a summarize feature to summarize the last 2 weeks of posts. I don't think I will go back and read them.

There was a lot of fuzzy butt cuteness happening over the last two weeks.

 

[itsren]

That's what I did. used a 2X8. they are about 6 ft long. heres an idea for the cleats. You know how Lowe's and Home depot stack their lumber like 2x4's and 2x6's etc. there is a small piece of wood (cleat) that separates one layer boards from the next layer.. they usually fall on the floor then are swept up and thrown away. usually I can make two cleats out of one of these pieces. they work really well ! I had to show my first chickens how to walk up them. give them a little push! they got the hang of it . then any new chickens I get just learn from the older ones

Will Lowe's or Home Depot let you have the cleats for free then?

 

[RonB]

That's what I did. used a 2X8. they are about 6 ft long. here's an idea for the cleats. You know how Lowe's and Home depot stack their lumber like 2x4's and 2x6's etc. there is a small piece of wood (cleat) that separates one layer boards from the next layer.. they usually fall on the floor then are swept up and thrown away. usually I can make two cleats out of one of these pieces. they work really well ! I had to show my first chickens how to walk up them. give them a little push! they got the hang of it . then any new chickens I get just learn from the older ones

Will Lowe's or Home Depot let you have the cleats for free then?

I went to the H D in Woodinville I DID ask and they looked at me like I was crazy LOL ! told me take as many as ya want they just get thrown out. they are laying around the 2x4's, 2x6, etc. usually on the floor but some times there's really good ones still on the lumber piles they are just the right size , all ya have to do is cut them for length

 

[HarveysHens]

Age ?
Have you checked for emerging hackle on the back & just in front of the tail ?

about 9 weeks old, I have tried to check the hackle feathers but even on my rooster I couldnt tell

 

[Breshcandra]

How old does a child need to be to start 4-H? I have a 4 year old I was thinking she can start when she is 5. Her birthday is in Feb.

 

[StarryEyzz]

THANKS to everyone for all the compliements on my coop. AND for the info on how to improve the ramp. Checked on the girls this morning and I can tell they were at least playing (maybe roosting) on the ladder. Looks like maybe one made it to the roost and used the poop board. So I guess thats a start and pretty good for night #2! Still going to go this weekend and get materials to make the ramp with cleats.

As far as predators. We live in the "country" on 6 acres, with town being about 3 miles away. We live in an area with pretty tight CCR's. So for the most part, no roaming dogs (other than my moms! LOL) . And outside cats usually are rare around here, with the coyotes! I have seen racoons down the road but never in our area. (I'm sure they are here though). We have had an occasional bear sighting, and bobcat. And of course I have seen a few owls. I feel pretty confident that we took all precautions to make the coop, predator safe. Now its time to work on the run so I have to keep all these predators in mind while we construct it!

There are two other families, in our 'neighborhood' that raise chickens. From what I have heard, the times they lost chickens they think it was a bobcat.

Need to work on our run plans tonight so we can get started.