Washingtonians

[Imp]

I woke up to a phone call from my neighbor because my chickens were in her back yard. There's a 6 foot tall chain link fence between us and no one's ever escaped our coop before, so I was pretty confused about how that would be possible, thinking maybe they were mistaken and one of the other neighbors' chickens were over there. Sure enough, though, 3 of our 4 girls were in their yard and one of the doors on the coop was hanging open (they're secured by window latches it takes a good human grip to open). All I can think is that we used to have an issue with neighborhood teenagers skipping through our backyard and maybe they did it, but I don't see why they'd open the coop or toss chickens over a 6 foot fence. I've been searching for Maki all day and still haven't found her...I haven't found feathers anywhere either so I'm trying to be hopeful, but I'm feeling crushed.

I'm sorry, I hope you find Maki, or she comes home.

Check the bottom of the fence, I have found it more common that chickens will wiggle under, or around a fence rather than fly over; with the exception of lighter pullets. I am amazed on how they can get through tiny spots.

Russ- Good luck

 

[AWalker3]

I'm on Whidbey Island, in Coupeville. LOTS of chicken people here - we have an annual Coop Tour!

~Susan

 

[FirewifeJess]

So I have a question for you long time chickeners. Would it be stressful on my flock to take away their favorite nest box? I like the rabbit hutch but it takes up a lot of room in their run. By the weekend I will have 13 chickens in a 128s/f run and 35s/f coop and winter is coming so they'll be spending more time under cover of the run than in the yard probably. The hutch takes up a lot of room. I'm also planning on getting rid of the rubbermaid bins I have in there which store all our meds and chicken supplies and only keeping the 2 feed containers; I want to maximize the space in there! I really want my chickens to lay in the coop nest boxes like normal chickens! Then if I happen to get a broody hen sometime I can use the hutch for her and the eggs/chicks. I guess I just don't want to stress out my birds, but I want them to lay somewhere else. WDYT?

 

[UrbanEnthusiast]

No they actually wont take them if you live in a tent as long as they are still going t school and taking care of their needs. Sadly I have had to deal with CPS many Many times because 3 of our kids are not "biologicaly" mine and are from my DS's first marrage. And I know full well the spectrum of situations that they will not remove children from with all the things these poor kids had to go through living with their "mom". (thank goodness we have had custody for a long time now and even more sad she has chosen not to see or talk to the kids in 9 months now.)
A house is no more secure than a tent if you are talking about someone breaking in. If you can not afford a securety system (and tha does not always help) people can break a window just as easily as walking into a tent. As far as the kitchen goes there ae families that have kitchens in their homes like you and I do and they never get used because they eat fast food or go out to eat for every meal, and no that is not made up I personaly know of 4 families tht have children and do this. Which to me is a form of neglect and abuse becasue of how over weight these children are from the horrible eating habbits their parents are teaching them.
But never mind all that, we got off the subjct of jail/prison that we were on before and it is hard to descuss the topic of children with people whom do not have any. I am not in any way saying you don't know anything about them, and I am know where near a perftect parent but there is just a difference when you do have children to those who do not.
Thank you for the descution!

As I said before, I stand corrected, re: CPS won't take kids away from their parents simply for living in tents. But like you said, nutritionally, it's neglect. So how do you justify telling poor people to go live in a tent somewhere (as if there are tons of safe places around to do that, in good neighborhoods with good schools and no crime to fall into), when you acknowledge that it's neglect not to cook properly for children?

And I won't dignify the rest with a response.

 

[Rainwolf]

Anyone know where I can find a 40-gallon fish tank for dirt cheap?  I have two "free" goldfish that are rapidly outgrowing the 10-gallon tank that they are in.  When the kids were given the fish, DH wanted me to flush 'em.  Instead, I spent a lot of money buying a tank set-up.  Now, they are outgrowing it and I need to get a bigger tank.  I've been watching Craig's list but, they're pretty spendy.

I have 5 10 gallons and 1 20 gallon tank for grabs if anyone needs it... just pm me.... I use 2 50 gallons for the Serama's and the hospital/brooder tank.

So it looks like I'll be taking our Silkie cockerels to the Enumclaw Auction on Saturday morning.  I'm ready to let them go.  I'm always happy when I know they're going to a good home after I've hatched them, raised them, loved on them but they're big boys now and have all found their voice so it's time.

Maybe we can meet up? I'd really like to try and get down there this sat..... still trying to figure out how but if I can we should all meet up for lunch or something.

Peace and love to all those you touch will make ripples in the lives around you.

I LOVE this post. Bless you for the work you have done with both animal and human beings!!!!! You are inspiring!!

x2!
Rainwolf and her mom are very special people indeed. Generous with their knowledge and everything else they have and just good folks.

You guys are gonna make me blush

So I have a question for you long time chickeners. Would it be stressful on my flock to take away their favorite nest box? I like the rabbit hutch but it takes up a lot of room in their run. By the weekend I will have 13 chickens in a 128s/f run and 35s/f coop and winter is coming so they'll be spending more time under cover of the run than in the yard probably. The hutch takes up a lot of room. I'm also planning on getting rid of the rubbermaid bins I have in there which store all our meds and chicken supplies and only keeping the 2 feed containers; I want to maximize the space in there! I really want my chickens to lay in the coop nest boxes like normal chickens! Then if I happen to get a broody hen sometime I can use the hutch for her and the eggs/chicks. I guess I just don't want to stress out my birds, but I want them to lay somewhere else. WDYT?

Sounds like they want a dark hidey spot to lay... maybe put up a half curtain to make the nest boxes you want them to lay in more "private" and desirable. I find they like to be "confined" or enclosed in a nest box..... maybe a board to cover the box with a little in/out hole for them to go in/out? so they feel more enclosed? I used a tarp once to make a half curtain and my birds really liked that.... also put fake eggs in the boxes where you want them to lay.

 

[FirewifeJess]

The rabbit hutch is actually just a "cage" type front on it...so maybe they just like being somewhere that the other girls won't peck at them? I'll try to tack up a piece of fabric for a curtain over the nest box in the coop.

 

[itsren]

And I won't dignify the rest with a response.

I must have totally missed something. Read through Farmin Momma's post twice, too.

 

[UrbanEnthusiast]

I must have totally missed something. Read through Farmin Momma's post twice, too.

The part where I get dismissed from the conversation because I'm not a parent.

 

[AnimalLover99]

really sorry to highjack this thread but i really need help fast! pleeeeeeaaaaaaassssseeee look at my thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/707915/i-need-help-asap-please\

 

[FirewifeJess]

I must have totally missed something. Read through Farmin Momma's post twice, too.

Just to let everyone know, there's a great button under peoples' names where you can "Block user" It's a good tool in these types of places. I think CR has used it a time or so.