Whats the worst thing you've done to your poor chickens?

[Into chicks]

I'm new to chickens and have my eggs coming the first week of March! I've been doing my homework for a few months now, and think I have this figured out. If anyone wants to post some mistakes they've made over the years it may be helpful to me. It could be anything from not building a proper coop to thinking they could fly better with a chicken cannon
Thanks all!

 

[groundpecker]

Proper pen building was my first mistake. I lost a few birds to predators.

Now my pens are covered on top and protected by a "hot wire". I turn the hot wire off during the day to let each pen freerange in turn, when the hawks are not around.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Glad you joined us.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Well, my biggest mistakes were:

- Underestimating predators! Always expect the worse and be prepared for it. Make sure your coop and run is predator proof!
- Thinking I can get away with keeping too many roosters. Don't get attached to the boys...
- Helping chicks hatch before I've done some research and learned to do it properly. I've learned so much here about assisted hatches and hadn't had any casualties since!

Another tip I can give you is to prepare for the unexpected. Adopt a "rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it" policy. Keep a first aid kit with some antibiotics and everything you'll need for wound care handy. Also mite dust and dewormer, so you can treat the hens at the first sign of trouble. And some sort of heat source handy if you are going to hatch chicks. The number of times we got caught out with a chick and no way to keep it warm! I used to put them in the oven

And most importantly, have fun! Chickens are great and they will bring you endless joy.

Edited to add: Since I told you to get a first aid kit:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=33871

 

[kidcody]

from washington state glad you joined us!
make sure they are locked up for the night safely!

 

[Into chicks]

Thanks guys! Cant wait

 

[sourland]

My biggest mistake: not locking the coop at night. Predators are always looking fo an opportunity.

 

[redsoxs]

Hello from Kansas and

! Love your user name!

Great to have you in our community!
Biggest mistake: In the spring when my garden first comes up, I like to water it gently with a watering can rather than from the hose. I keep a big 150 rubbermaid tank down at the garden for that. Went down to the garden and found a RIR cockerel had drowned in the tank. From that point on I've always put a "ladder" of some sort in the tank in case another one ever takes swimming lessons again.

 

[Into chicks]

Thanks for sharing! Great stuff so far!!!

 

[Poultry Couture]

Poor caging is mine!