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Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! #2061345
03/17/17 12:29 PM
03/17/17 12:29 PM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,309
USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
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I know lots of you have chickens, so let's create a thread where we can share our knowledge of chickens and all that goes with them.

Having had chickens for many years now, I have learned lots but have scads more to learn and I am in hopes you all will share. I have frequented the actual Backyard Chickens forum and have truly learned much from the fine members there but think we can learn from each other too.

My first question is: Can you raise banty chickens with regular sized chickens? I have heard yes and no, so if you have any experience with this I would greatly appreciate your input.

Never having had banty chickens, I have no working knowledge but think I might like to incorporate some to my flock if they get along.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061395
03/17/17 01:20 PM
03/17/17 01:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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I have no experience with banties at all...I've raised Australorps, X-Rocks, and Leghorns, and that's pretty much it...but I can't imagine there'd be a problem with putting them together. The problem would be if one of them is a rooster and you have a standard rooster. Standards and banties can and do interbreed, so I'd think you might have a few small tiffs until all the hens settled out the hierarchy, then no problems.

I have kept, at various times, Muscovy ducks, Royal Palm turkeys, and Ringneck pheasants in the run with the chickens and/or each other, and nobody ever had a problem with anybody else, in there...


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061429
03/17/17 02:08 PM
03/17/17 02:08 PM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
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BhamFred  Offline
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I've raised bantys along side regular birds with no problems...but most of my bantys are in individual cages. Most of them are Old English Silver Duckwing Bantams, very cool and calm bantys.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061478
03/17/17 02:46 PM
03/17/17 02:46 PM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,309
USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
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Hummm...so I have a large coop and they all run together in the coop yard as well as roosting together. I do not have an area where I could actually separate them all the time.

So, is that agreeable? I can section off my coop yard but there is no covered area where I do that where they can roost protected.

???



This is my original coop...the right front portion has a door that can be closed between the extension and the primary coop. Changes have been made also...the entire front left panel and back panel have been closed in and a wall erected between the two for the roost station.

So, am I in a playing field for integrating the two species?


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061482
03/17/17 02:50 PM
03/17/17 02:50 PM
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Marshall County
FurFlyin Offline
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Marshall County
Y'all back yard chickeners be careful about allowing anyone who has other chickens come in contact with your birds or even your farm, house, barn.

Avian Influenza has been confirmed in the state. Shut down all individual sales of live chickens, period.

If that stuff gets out of hand, it will shut down and bankrupt half of this state.


If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061485
03/17/17 02:52 PM
03/17/17 02:52 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 39,377
Marshall County
FurFlyin Offline
Freak of Nature
FurFlyin  Offline
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Marshall County
Maggie, the answer to your question is yes. When I was a kid, I had Bantamn hens the size of a crow in the same pen with Dominecker hens. Never had one minutes trouble.

Now if your big rooster starts mating with your tiny hens, he may break them down.....


If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: FurFlyin] #2061496
03/17/17 02:59 PM
03/17/17 02:59 PM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,309
USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: FurFlyin
Y'all back yard chickeners be careful about allowing anyone who has other chickens come in contact with your birds or even your farm, house, barn.

Avian Influenza has been confirmed in the state. Shut down all individual sales of live chickens, period.

If that stuff gets out of hand, it will shut down and bankrupt half of this state.


Oh gosh, I knew it was confirmed in TN but did not know AL...thanks!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: FurFlyin] #2061522
03/17/17 03:13 PM
03/17/17 03:13 PM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
!
!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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Between the coosa and cahaba

Originally Posted By: FurFlyin
Y'all back yard chickeners be careful about allowing anyone who has other chickens come in contact with your birds or even your farm, house, barn.

Avian Influenza has been confirmed in the state. Shut down all individual sales of live chickens, period.

If that stuff gets out of hand, it will shut down and bankrupt half of this state.


I saw this on the news yesterday. Looks like they are taking every precaution as in uthinising whole commercial flocks.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061595
03/17/17 04:01 PM
03/17/17 04:01 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
Soooo...next question. Couple years ago, we acquired a dozen Black Star biddies. I put them in our chicken tractor to grow them up enough that I felt comfortable putting them in with the 9 adult birds we have. When they were 8 or 10 weeks old, we took one of them and put her in the run with others, everything was fine, so we put 2 more, and so on, until they were all in the big run. No problems, whatsoever. After about a week, 'Huntress and I were going somewhere or other for a couple days, so before we left the feeders and waterers were filled, etc. When we got back, all 12 of the younger birds were gone...as in, vanished. Not a drop of blood, not a feather, nothing. No holes or signs of digging/breaking into the coup, and not a single problem with any of the 9 adult birds. It was like they were never even there. The roosts are all inside the coup, the run is 20x30 with top and bottom rails on a 7' tall fence, and it's got Bird-X netting over the whole thing, so no hawks or owls. What happened to the 12 younger birds in 2 days and 1 night that they vanished without a single trace?


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061614
03/17/17 04:14 PM
03/17/17 04:14 PM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
!
!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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!
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Between the coosa and cahaba
Kaint no !! That's pretty strange. I would think they got out some where the rest of the big birds couldn't get through. If it were a cat,coon ,hawk ect.you would be feathers and such everywhere from my experience.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: FurFlyin] #2061616
03/17/17 04:20 PM
03/17/17 04:20 PM
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ArmPit of the south
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ArmPit of the south
Originally Posted By: FurFlyin
Y'all back yard chickeners be careful about allowing anyone who has other chickens come in contact with your birds or even your farm, house, barn.

Avian Influenza has been confirmed in the state. Shut down all individual sales of live chickens, period.

If that stuff gets out of hand, it will shut down and bankrupt half of this state.
Good nite... shocked


Did you know that Beer Nutz are over a Dollar...and Deer Nutz are under a Buck...


Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061632
03/17/17 04:30 PM
03/17/17 04:30 PM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,309
USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
Doe
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USA
Really? Wow! Can't really think of what the predator was unless the big birds got them. Seems as if there were any other predator, there would have been some sort of evidence in the coop. There was no break, loose spot or anything in the overhead netting?

Exactly how big were they? Could a snake have eaten them?

That is just crazy!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: DEADorALIVE] #2061635
03/17/17 04:31 PM
03/17/17 04:31 PM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
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lefthorn  Offline
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Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL

Originally Posted By: DEADorALIVE
Soooo...next question. Couple years ago, we acquired a dozen Black Star biddies. I put them in our chicken tractor to grow them up enough that I felt comfortable putting them in with the 9 adult birds we have. When they were 8 or 10 weeks old, we took one of them and put her in the run with others, everything was fine, so we put 2 more, and so on, until they were all in the big run. No problems, whatsoever. After about a week, 'Huntress and I were going somewhere or other for a couple days, so before we left the feeders and waterers were filled, etc. When we got back, all 12 of the younger birds were gone...as in, vanished. Not a drop of blood, not a feather, nothing. No holes or signs of digging/breaking into the coup, and not a single problem with any of the 9 adult birds. It was like they were never even there. The roosts are all inside the coup, the run is 20x30 with top and bottom rails on a 7' tall fence, and it's got Bird-X netting over the whole thing, so no hawks or owls. What happened to the 12 younger birds in 2 days and 1 night that they vanished without a single trace?


You have now entered The Twilight Zone!!!

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061650
03/17/17 04:46 PM
03/17/17 04:46 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 20,017
PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
Freak of Nature
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T
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PDL, Fl
DOA, it sounds like someone went in the pen and got those 12 chickens. If it had of been an animal they wouldn't have got just those chickens and there would have been feathers and chicken parts all over the place.
My game chickens (yard chickens) all sleep in a big cedar tree in the back yard. The dang things are laying all over the place, but we get plenty of eggs from the nest I have put up.. We keep the bantams in a pen, those game roosters would kill them.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061651
03/17/17 04:46 PM
03/17/17 04:46 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
No tears in the raptor netting, no holes in or under the fence. They were about half-grown, I'd guess, and if a snake big enough to eat all 12 had gotten in there, he sure wouldn't have been able to get back out, after a meal like that.

I could probably accept "found a way out" if just a few were gone, even though they'd likely still have been nearby, but every single one of them?...when they had feed, water, and shelter, and were completely accepted by the older birds?


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061655
03/17/17 04:49 PM
03/17/17 04:49 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
I've wondered about someone getting them, but there's only one other house within a mile of us that keeps chickens, and he owns the feed store I got those from! For a stranger coming into the yard, 12 half-grown chickens out of EVERYTHING else in the yard and barn seems like a really bizarre thing to steal.


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061670
03/17/17 05:07 PM
03/17/17 05:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 35,427
Missouri
swamp_fever2002 Offline
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Missouri
Originally Posted By: Maggie123
Originally Posted By: FurFlyin
Y'all back yard chickeners be careful about allowing anyone who has other chickens come in contact with your birds or even your farm, house, barn.

Avian Influenza has been confirmed in the state. Shut down all individual sales of live chickens, period.

If that stuff gets out of hand, it will shut down and bankrupt half of this state.


Oh gosh, I knew it was confirmed in TN but did not know AL...thanks!


The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has created a website to assist backyard flock owners with maintaining healthy birds and to provide answers for avian influenza control. It can be found at

http://www.aces.edu/eden/agricultural-disasters/avian-influenza/


It takes a long time to grow an old friend.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061689
03/17/17 05:29 PM
03/17/17 05:29 PM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
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lefthorn  Offline
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Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
Here is a pic of my little ones


Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061693
03/17/17 05:39 PM
03/17/17 05:39 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
DEADorALIVE  Offline
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
Before you know it, they'll be hopping up on the edge of the tub...containing them gets to be a challenge, right before it's safe for them to go outside!


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061707
03/17/17 07:09 PM
03/17/17 07:09 PM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,814
Al, Union Grove
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johnv Offline
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Al, Union Grove
I've got about 30 black copper marans. Any of yall ever had any dorkings? Been thinking about getting a few just to try out. Fixing to fire up my incubators and hatch abunch of marans if anybody wants some. They lay some big dark brown eggs.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: FurFlyin] #2061838
03/18/17 04:25 AM
03/18/17 04:25 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 39,377
Marshall County
FurFlyin Offline
Freak of Nature
FurFlyin  Offline
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Marshall County
Originally Posted By: FurFlyin
Shut down all individual sales of live chickens, period.


Sometimes, probably most times, I write my comments as if in shorthand. I write like I talk and I don't remember that I can't use inflection with typing like I do in my voice...

What I meant to say is that THE STATE OF ALABAMA has shut down ALL individual sales of live chickens. It is ILLEGAL to sell (probably even trade) and/or transport live chickens. So don't buy any and don't sell any.

I don't know what the punishment for violating this would be, but it would be very severe.


If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061849
03/18/17 04:46 AM
03/18/17 04:46 AM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
14 point
lefthorn  Offline
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Chelsea, AL
So, with that said Fur, did we get our chickens just in time? Or can you still buy from places like TSC and co-ops?

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061857
03/18/17 05:03 AM
03/18/17 05:03 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
Freak of Nature
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 36,092
alabama
local feed store is still selling chicks.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061863
03/18/17 05:23 AM
03/18/17 05:23 AM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 20,017
PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
Freak of Nature
timbercruiser  Offline
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PDL, Fl
At the Paxton sale the first Saturday of the month they sell hundreds of chickens, ducks, turkeys, guineas, etc.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061866
03/18/17 05:28 AM
03/18/17 05:28 AM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
!
!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2016
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Between the coosa and cahaba
I was at Shelby co op yesterday and they had chicks


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2061920
03/18/17 07:19 AM
03/18/17 07:19 AM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,309
USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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USA
Interesting, I wonder how those places can get buy with selling? I did a lot of reading on the avian flu subject this morning and AL is taking this very seriously.

'On March 14, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) issued a stop movement order for certain poultry in the U.S. state, after three potential cases of avian influenza were identified. The order halts movement of birds to poultry shows, swap meets, flea markets and poultry auctions.' from an article on WATTAgNet.com

Looks like they are testing a commercial flock in Lauderdale County, North of Florence; a backyard flock in Madison County, East of Huntsville; and a flea market flock in Jackson County, near Scottsboro....for now.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2062003
03/18/17 09:12 AM
03/18/17 09:12 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 39,377
Marshall County
FurFlyin Offline
Freak of Nature
FurFlyin  Offline
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Marshall County
You can still buy baby chicks. This order is for farm raised chickens. Not sure if there's a lower age limit, but I don't think anything older than a day old chick is legal to sell. I'm not sure if farm raised day old chicks are even legal to sell, but most all store bought chicks come from out of state.

If you see anyone at a trade day or swap meet selling chickens, pull up a chair and get ready to watch the show when the po po and the state AG department shows up.


If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: FurFlyin] #2062116
03/18/17 11:26 AM
03/18/17 11:26 AM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,309
USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
Doe
Joined: Apr 2016
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USA
Originally Posted By: FurFlyin
You can still buy baby chicks. This order is for farm raised chickens. Not sure if there's a lower age limit, but I don't think anything older than a day old chick is legal to sell. I'm not sure if farm raised day old chicks are even legal to sell, but most all store bought chicks come from out of state.

If you see anyone at a trade day or swap meet selling chickens, pull up a chair and get ready to watch the show when the po po and the state AG department shows up.
popcorn popcorn


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2062125
03/18/17 11:40 AM
03/18/17 11:40 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Old Mossy Horns
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Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
I mentioned in a previous post having raised some ringneck pheasants...absolutely gorgeous birds! If you ever get the chance to raise some...


pass it up!!! They're batsh!t crazy from the day they hatch until the day they die! They don't calm down and they don't get "used" to you being around. After over a year, they never did figure out that the raptor netting over the run not only kept raptors out, but kept them in. In smaller cages, they would fly up into the wire, repeatedly, until they were addled and bleeding...and once they're bleeding, the other pheasants with them will literally pick them apart.

Probably the calmest bird I've raised was the Royal Palm turkeys...the tom I had wanted to be a heel dog so bad he couldn't stand it!...very friendly bird. The hen was a little more standoffish, but not much, especially if she thought you had food.

The Muscovys are now permanently turned out in my Dad's pond, have been for a couple years, but will still readily approach to be fed and/or petted. They're a very social bird, and don't mind having multiple drakes around...huge bodied, too. I don't know what they'd dress at, but they're bigger/heavier than Pekins.

Last edited by DEADorALIVE; 03/18/17 11:41 AM.

Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: johnv] #2062818
03/19/17 10:50 AM
03/19/17 10:50 AM
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Tallassee
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G/H Offline
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Johnv I might be interested soon. I have 6 hens black australorp, 2 americuans, olive egger, maran, and I think a Sussex. I'm sure I misspelled half those names

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2062848
03/19/17 11:28 AM
03/19/17 11:28 AM
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Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
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Well, after lots of research, looks like I may be cockrel heavy during our chick purchase. Anyone want some Barred Rock roos? Looks like I am gonna have 3, maybe 4 out of 6 roos frown

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: lefthorn] #2062855
03/19/17 11:36 AM
03/19/17 11:36 AM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
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Between the coosa and cahaba

Originally Posted By: lefthorn
Well, after lots of research, looks like I may be cockrel heavy during our chick purchase. Anyone want some Barred Rock roos? Looks like I am gonna have 3, maybe 4 out of 6 roos frown
9

If you go to get some more chicks from tsc left me know. I want 3 of those black chicks that lay black eggs and they won't let me buy 3 ! After i just bout 20 three weeks ago.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2062871
03/19/17 11:55 AM
03/19/17 11:55 AM
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Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
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Chelsea, AL
What kind are they?

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2062876
03/19/17 12:02 PM
03/19/17 12:02 PM
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Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
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Between the coosa and cahaba
Tetra browns and there was one other black breed. The tetras are sexed . The other breed is straight run


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2062879
03/19/17 12:03 PM
03/19/17 12:03 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
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Between the coosa and cahaba
ill meet you up there if you go .it would be much appreciated. No problem if not


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2062880
03/19/17 12:05 PM
03/19/17 12:05 PM
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Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
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Chelsea, AL
i'll let you know if I go back. Gonna see if the get some more barred rocks in.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2062884
03/19/17 12:09 PM
03/19/17 12:09 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
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10 4 thanks man


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2063606
03/20/17 06:05 AM
03/20/17 06:05 AM
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Hayden, Alabama
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HHSyelper Offline
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Hayden, Alabama
I had some silver cuckoo marans that layed really dark eggs, but the tornado got them back in 2011. Wish I could fine some more eggs to hatch.


To God Be The Glory!
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2064112
03/20/17 02:40 PM
03/20/17 02:40 PM
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Maggie123 Offline OP
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Do you wash your eggs? I have heard arguments for not washing and washing, so what is your preference?

Personally, I do not wash. If there is undue poop, I wipe. My understanding is if the bloom is left on the egg they last longer.

Also, do you refrigerate? I do both. Once I fill up my counter basket, I usually carton and refrigerate. Then I give away.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2064214
03/20/17 03:31 PM
03/20/17 03:31 PM
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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That's eggzactly how we do ours...no washing and in a basket on the counter until the basket is full, then wash, carton, refrigerate.

I've heard you can wash them, then store them at room temp. submerged in oil, and they'll keep a long time, too.

Another thing, lots of people use the "float test" to decide if an egg is good or not, but after being refrigerated for a long time, the egg will lose some moisture content through the shell...it'll still float, but that doesn't mean it's bad. I just crack each egg individually into a small bowl before adding it to whatever I'm doing. An older egg that's lost a lot of moisture will be thicker and won't necessarily just "plop" out of the shell, but it's still good. We still have some eggs we're using from last summer, and I haven't found a bad one in the lot, yet. Trying to get them used up-I'll boil a couple dozen at the time to make egg salad with. The two dozen I used in egg salad last month were washed and carton'd the last of May...all still good, though a couple were lighter than others.


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2064242
03/20/17 03:45 PM
03/20/17 03:45 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
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We just wash ours prior to using


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: !shiloh!] #2064257
03/20/17 03:52 PM
03/20/17 03:52 PM
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Tallassee
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G/H Offline
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Tallassee
We don't wash ours either, just put them in a carton and leave on the counter

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2064359
03/20/17 04:39 PM
03/20/17 04:39 PM
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PDL, Fl
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timbercruiser Offline
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PDL, Fl
I didn't know eggs would keep that long. Our game hen eggs are sort of small, but the yolks are almost orange, a little strong tasting but in a good way..

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2064441
03/20/17 05:41 PM
03/20/17 05:41 PM
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johnv Offline
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We don't wash ours till right before we use them either.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2068519
03/24/17 12:26 PM
03/24/17 12:26 PM
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Maggie123 Offline OP
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So, my question today is: do you feed laying pellets/bits or not? What do you feed?


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2068597
03/24/17 02:05 PM
03/24/17 02:05 PM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
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laying crumbles, seems they wasted more with pellets. Also throw out 5 way scratch feed.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2068600
03/24/17 02:05 PM
03/24/17 02:05 PM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
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oh, and I wash my eggs when they get collected. grin

Last edited by BhamFred; 03/24/17 02:05 PM.

I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: BhamFred] #2068833
03/24/17 05:04 PM
03/24/17 05:04 PM
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Posts: 8,456
Harpersville, AL
tfd1224 Offline
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Harpersville, AL
Originally Posted By: BhamFred
laying crumbles, seems they wasted more with pellets. Also throw out 5 way scratch feed.

I can show you how to build a feeder where they can't waste feed.


Yeah c’mon. Daniel White
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2068915
03/25/17 12:12 AM
03/25/17 12:12 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
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I had the exact opposite feeling...I felt like they wasted more with crumbles than with pellets. The feeders are under cover and hanging about 2" above ground, so no ants can get into them. Laying pellets are a balanced nutrition feed, so I don't supplement with scratch. When I turn my raised beds over, though, any grubs I find go to the chickens, and when I weed the beds, any weeds (along with grass clippings from the yard) go to the chickens. Last year, I was cutting some watermelons that I grew on the overhead trellis, and dropped 2...I put them in the chicken run, and they ate everything, including the rind!


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: tfd1224] #2068995
03/25/17 03:29 AM
03/25/17 03:29 AM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
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alabama
Originally Posted By: tfd1224
Originally Posted By: BhamFred
laying crumbles, seems they wasted more with pellets. Also throw out 5 way scratch feed.

I can show you how to build a feeder where they can't waste feed.


I would pay attention to that


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: BhamFred] #2069032
03/25/17 04:19 AM
03/25/17 04:19 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
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Originally Posted By: BhamFred
Originally Posted By: tfd1224
Originally Posted By: BhamFred
laying crumbles, seems they wasted more with pellets. Also throw out 5 way scratch feed.

I can show you how to build a feeder where they can't waste feed.


I would pay attention to that


As would I!!

I always give my chickens watermelon in the summer. Have a neighbor that keeps three or four on my front porch when his come in and we can't eat um all. The chickens love them!! When I grow cabbage I throw a head of cabbage in for them too and I confess, I also give mine meal worms generally when they molt to help them refeather. They are spoiled and when they hear a bag crinkle they come running!! LOL!!

Last edited by Maggie123; 03/25/17 04:21 AM.

Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: BhamFred] #2069102
03/25/17 05:37 AM
03/25/17 05:37 AM
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Posts: 8,456
Harpersville, AL
tfd1224 Offline
14 point
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Harpersville, AL
Originally Posted By: BhamFred
Originally Posted By: tfd1224
Originally Posted By: BhamFred
laying crumbles, seems they wasted more with pellets. Also throw out 5 way scratch feed.

I can show you how to build a feeder where they can't waste feed.


I would pay attention to that

Mine that I built were gravity feeders. I made them out of plywood. They were about 2 feet wide and 1.5 ft front to back and about 2.5 ft tall. You basically make a box of of plywood and on the inside you make a ramp going from the back wall of the feeder to the feed opening which was about 1.5 inches tall and ran the width of the feeder. Make you a box out of 2x4s laid on edge around the opening that comes out past the feed opening about 3 inches. Cut one strip of 2x4 wire fence and staple it over the opening in the feed trough. The chickens have to stick their heads down through the fencing to get the feed and can't sling their heads sideways to throw the feed out on the ground.


Yeah c’mon. Daniel White
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2069169
03/25/17 07:03 AM
03/25/17 07:03 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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do me a pic if ya can Nick, I think I got it. thanks.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: BhamFred] #2069174
03/25/17 07:10 AM
03/25/17 07:10 AM
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Posts: 8,456
Harpersville, AL
tfd1224 Offline
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Harpersville, AL
Originally Posted By: BhamFred
do me a pic if ya can Nick, I think I got it. thanks.

I would but I can't get into photobucket at the moment.


Yeah c’mon. Daniel White
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2069177
03/25/17 07:20 AM
03/25/17 07:20 AM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
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BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
ha, me either. I really hate photobucket sometimes.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2069179
03/25/17 07:24 AM
03/25/17 07:24 AM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8,456
Harpersville, AL
tfd1224 Offline
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Posts: 8,456
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Yeah c’mon. Daniel White
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2069182
03/25/17 07:28 AM
03/25/17 07:28 AM
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Harpersville, AL
tfd1224 Offline
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You can't see it in the pics but I just cut the section of 2x4 fence and stapled it over the feed trough opening. It works like a charm. No more wasted feed.


Yeah c’mon. Daniel White
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2069185
03/25/17 07:34 AM
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Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
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THanks for the pic; nice design.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2069619
03/25/17 03:37 PM
03/25/17 03:37 PM
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Tallassee
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G/H Offline
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Tallassee
I feed laying pellets and throw some scratch on the ground for them. When I get home I turn them out to free range

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: G/H] #2072446
03/28/17 12:53 PM
03/28/17 12:53 PM
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Maggie123 Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: G/H
I feed laying pellets and throw some scratch on the ground for them. When I get home I turn them out to free range


Yep, mine free range almost every day too. Lost one to a red tail hawk not long ago while they were free ranging. With this crane fly outbreak they are happy chicken while ranging now!!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2086012
04/11/17 03:50 PM
04/11/17 03:50 PM
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Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
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Well, I moved my little chicks out to their coop today. They wandered around in the run portion for a while then I caught them all and put them in the roosting quarters(with nest boxes blocked off) and clos d them up for the night. They will spend all day tomorrow in the coop run with access to the roosting quarters if they want.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2086255
04/12/17 02:48 AM
04/12/17 02:48 AM
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Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
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Chelsea, AL
Well they survived their first night outside. I opened the door to let em into the run and they were still asleep. They all eventually moved down the ramp to the run and were pecking around when I left for work

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2086603
04/12/17 10:43 AM
04/12/17 10:43 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
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Young chicks are fun to watch.

Right now I have one of my old girls that is a[Rhode Island White] that is on her last leg I think. She is still doing okay but has poopy butt; I have cleaned her twice but we have not gotten rid of it yet which leads me to believe she is bound up....

Keeping a close eye on her and cleaning...ya ain't lived till ya washed a shitty chicken butt!!

Last edited by Maggie123; 04/12/17 12:23 PM.

Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2086614
04/12/17 11:00 AM
04/12/17 11:00 AM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
14 point
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Between the coosa and cahaba
I really enjoy watching my new flock grow. They have started getting a pretty big comb and tail feathers.they are still really skittish around me. I guess for good reason . Next few days a couple roosters will be going to aldeer backyard chicken great beyond.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2086650
04/12/17 11:30 AM
04/12/17 11:30 AM
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Trussville
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toothdoc Offline
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Trussville
I had to put mine in a back corner of the yard because they kept eating my wifes flowers and digging out all of the mulch in the beds.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2086681
04/12/17 11:57 AM
04/12/17 11:57 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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My ol' roo keeled over daid about a week and a half ago.

Let the hens out for a little while this morning, and in about 10 minutes they'd torn a 10x10 patch of clover worse than hogs could have! I'd have never thought 8 hens could tear up the ground like they did!


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: DEADorALIVE] #2086698
04/12/17 12:25 PM
04/12/17 12:25 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: DEADorALIVE
My ol' roo keeled over daid about a week and a half ago.

Let the hens out for a little while this morning, and in about 10 minutes they'd torn a 10x10 patch of clover worse than hogs could have! I'd have never thought 8 hens could tear up the ground like they did!


True! They are like mini excavators!!! Everything I have that I don't want demolished I fence.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2088613
04/14/17 04:07 PM
04/14/17 04:07 PM
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Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
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lefthorn  Offline
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Chelsea, AL
Question, my coop has a sliding door for the sleeping quarters. This week, as the chicks go to bed, I go close the door. Should I do this or leave it open?

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: lefthorn] #2088806
04/15/17 01:59 AM
04/15/17 01:59 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: lefthorn
Question, my coop has a sliding door for the sleeping quarters. This week, as the chicks go to bed, I go close the door. Should I do this or leave it open?


If no predators can get to them without the door shut, I would leave it open for air circulation. However, if something could get to them by all means shut it.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2097668
04/25/17 11:43 AM
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Well, shite. Had to take out an egg bound hen this afternoon and that just plain sucks. If you know anything, you know once they are well and truly egg bound there is no hope. This ole hen has been babied and had her hiney washed more that any hen wants but we just could not get things to work.

To be humane and put her on out of her misery we took her out this afternoon. Thank goodness hubby was around to do the deed and told me to go away and not watch.

Never easy to take any life but it was the humane thing to do since she could not even get on the roost any longer.

Compared to the hive burning that has gone on with Fur this is no thing but never easy.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2097881
04/25/17 03:30 PM
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MMmmmmmmmmm, chicken and dumplins at Maggie's house!!!!!!!!!!

Just kidding, you hate to lose them. The dang hawks are giving my chicks hell right now.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2102678
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I had a coon get into the chickens Sat. night. I put my special "Kool Aid" out last night.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: ParrotHead89] #2102698
05/01/17 05:34 AM
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Originally Posted By: ParrotHead89
I had a coon get into the chickens Sat. night. I put my special "Kool Aid" out last night.


Oh dear they can do some real damage in a short period of time.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2102738
05/01/17 06:32 AM
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Yes they can. They kill for fun.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2106891
05/05/17 03:59 AM
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Well, it is confirmed. I have 2(possibly 4) roosters. Anyone want any barred rock roos? If not, they will eat good

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2107812
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Oh lawsy, wish you luck! Me, I am figuring out how to best get rid of my Black Australorp rooster!!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2107915
05/06/17 10:54 AM
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Heck Maggie, just wring his neck............

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2140652
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I am putting these photos up for Timbercruiser...he says this mama is something else...he can comment on her.





I think she is a beaut!!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2140925
06/17/17 02:22 PM
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Mean game hen, but she hatched 8 out of 8 eggs, very good mama, but she will peck the blood out of you. My Boston Terrier has been her victim several times also.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2141930
06/19/17 02:46 AM
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I was raised up with my grandparents owning chickens. I want to purchase some but I want to know more about them before I buy any. What websites would be best to learn Alabama Law and the basics on raising them?


Ninjas often dressed as gardeners. wink
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2141960
06/19/17 03:26 AM
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Where in Alabama do you live? Unless you are in a city that has some kind of stupid law against owning chickens I don't know of a law. I would check around and see if I could find someone with some and just let a hen or two set on some fertile eggs. At Paxton, Fl the first Saturday of the month they have a sale and you can get about any kind of chicken you could want. There are bound to be similar type sales around you.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2141984
06/19/17 03:48 AM
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
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Murray McMurray Hatchery's website will have a ton of representative pictures of different varieties, along with a brief description of their temperament, egg color, etc. Once you've decided on a breed to suit your needs, you can order from them if you want a bunch and don't mind raising them from chicks, or hit Craigslist, in the farm and garden section. You can get everything from eggs to grown birds, there. Supplies are available at your local co-op, feed store, or Tractor Supply.


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Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2141994
06/19/17 03:59 AM
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There was an order suspending sales of chickens in AL due to Avian Flu concerns earlier this year, but as I understand it, that order was rescinded in mid April. For any concerns you could check the ADAI web site.

For general information and to locate chicken owners within your area, My Pet Chicken Forums AND Backyard Chickens Forums are both good sites to ask questions and learn about care.

We have several chicken owners on this forum so some of your questions might be answered right here.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Lilium10] #2145852
06/22/17 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted By: Lilium10
I was raised up with my grandparents owning chickens. I want to purchase some but I want to know more about them before I buy any. What websites would be best to learn Alabama Law and the basics on raising them?


Are you anywhere in south/southeast Bama? I have a hen that hatched a bunch of chicks today I would give you if you were close enough.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: timbercruiser] #2145858
06/22/17 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted By: timbercruiser
Originally Posted By: Lilium10
I was raised up with my grandparents owning chickens. I want to purchase some but I want to know more about them before I buy any. What websites would be best to learn Alabama Law and the basics on raising them?


Are you anywhere in south/southeast Bama? I have a hen that hatched a bunch of chicks today I would give you if you were close enough.


Work it Timbercruiser!! laugh It is hard to get rid of um sometimes!! Wish we were closer and I would help you out!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2146153
06/22/17 02:51 PM
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I don't think I could put a stamp on the chicks and hens........

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2146180
06/22/17 03:14 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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Well my chickens are 6+ month's old now and I haven't gotten the first egg. Normally they start laying eggs between 5 and 6 month's old right?

By the way out of 16 unsexed chicks 12 where roosters. Next go round I will spend an extra dollar on sexed chicks. If I hadn't bought the 3 additional hens I would only have 4 hens.

Last edited by mandeerpig; 06/22/17 03:17 PM.

ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: !shiloh!] #2146271
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Originally Posted By: mandeerpig
Well my chickens are 6+ month's old now and I haven't gotten the first egg. Normally they start laying eggs between 5 and 6 month's old right?

By the way out of 16 unsexed chicks 12 where roosters. Next go round I will spend an extra dollar on sexed chicks. If I hadn't bought the 3 additional hens I would only have 4 hens.


Ouch, that hurt. Lotsa Roos!!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2162162
07/11/17 05:21 AM
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Chelsea, AL
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Ok, newbie with a question. My barred rock hens will be roughly 17 weeks old tomorrow. I have kept their nesting boxes blocked off so they would not sleep there. Just wondering if it is time to open them up? Also, do I need to go ahead and put a fake egg in one or two of the boxes?

What exactly am I looking for when they are close to starting to lay? Their combs/faces are beginning to get much brighter red in them

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2162332
07/11/17 08:01 AM
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Open them up and throw a few old golf balls in the nest. I don't know the age they are when they start laying, but it shouldn't be long.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: lefthorn] #2162550
07/11/17 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted By: lefthorn
Ok, newbie with a question. My barred rock hens will be roughly 17 weeks old tomorrow. I have kept their nesting boxes blocked off so they would not sleep there. Just wondering if it is time to open them up? Also, do I need to go ahead and put a fake egg in one or two of the boxes?

What exactly am I looking for when they are close to starting to lay? Their combs/faces are beginning to get much brighter red in them


I agree with timbercruiser on the go ahead but don't look for the Bards to start laying before 22 - 25 weeks. They will give you big brown eggs & sometimes my girls have some speckles in the shell too. I had three bardrocks but a big ole redtail hawk got one while free ranging. Something about those bards that attracts a hawk...

Last edited by Maggie123; 07/11/17 11:35 AM.

Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: lefthorn] #2162608
07/11/17 12:39 PM
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
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Originally Posted By: lefthorn
Their combs/faces are beginning to get much brighter red in them

That's an indicator they're getting ready to start laying. In the winter time or before molt, you may see their combs going back to pink, HOWEVER, a pink comb can also be a sign of anemia, so pay attention to how the bird acts, too. They may start showing some interest in your nest boxes, trying one out, then another. Another sign, if your birds are hand-tamed, is when you reach to touch or pet her, she squats. That's a sign of submission indicating that she'd accept a rooster.


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Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2162633
07/11/17 01:02 PM
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Chelsea, AL
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Thanks guys.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Lilium10] #2163177
07/12/17 04:37 AM
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Originally Posted By: Lilium10
I was raised up with my grandparents owning chickens. I want to purchase some but I want to know more about them before I buy any. What websites would be best to learn Alabama Law and the basics on raising them?

If you have Facebook you can look up central Alabama chicken trader. People have chickens for sale all the time

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2191041
08/11/17 01:22 PM
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Chelsea, AL
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Well, got my first egg today. It is a little on the small side and a light tan color but other than that, looks like a nice egg

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2191044
08/11/17 01:24 PM
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got six new chicks hatched a few days ago and seven new ones last night.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

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Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2191045
08/11/17 01:24 PM
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And counting back, looks like they are 21-22 weeks old

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2191159
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Congrats on the egg laying starting. They will all get going soon & timing sounds just right. First eggs are generally a bit small but usually get larger. My bard rock are molting now as well as some other breeds...look a mess.

Congrats on the new chicks too!! I have never tried to let my girls hatched any.

Last edited by Maggie123; 08/12/17 09:22 AM.

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Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2191535
08/12/17 05:37 AM
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Maggie, I've had pretty good luck over the years hatching chicks here, but this year was a clusterbomb. I had four different hens setting and all I did was let several dozens of eggs go bad. Now, after I have give up on any chicks I get two hatches!!!!

I learn more every day how much I don't know!!!!


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: BhamFred] #2191671
08/12/17 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted By: BhamFred
Maggie, I've had pretty good luck over the years hatching chicks here, but this year was a clusterbomb. I had four different hens setting and all I did was let several dozens of eggs go bad. Now, after I have give up on any chicks I get two hatches!!!!

I learn more every day how much I don't know!!!!


I do as well about chickens!! blush


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2193115
08/14/17 01:54 AM
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Chelsea, AL
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So far, 3 eggs in 3 days. Hopefully the other will start laying soon

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2193939
08/14/17 02:37 PM
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Well. Looks like the other hen may have laid her first egg today and it was soft!

Weird.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2193985
08/14/17 03:04 PM
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Not unusual when they first start laying lefthorn.


"In time of war, send me all the Alabamians you can get, but in time of peace, for Lord's sake, send them to somebody else." General Edward H. Plummer

"Blessed are those who, in the face of death, think only about the front sight." Jeff Cooper
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2199173
08/18/17 04:45 PM
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Ok, so now I am getting two eggs every day!! However, I have a question. My chicken house has the run/coop/laying box deal all in one. Got it from tractor supply. So, in the beginning I had the nest boxes blocked off. Once the chickens were getting close, I opened up the nests. Everything was gooing good. At night, the chickens would sleep in the house/coop part where the nest boxes are attached to. Now, all of a sudden, they are sleeping on a roosting bar in the run portion and only using the coop/house part when they lay eggs. Anything I need to worry with? They are just as safe on the roosting bar as they are in the house part since it is all caged in. I just worry when it starts to get cold, they will probably need to sleep in the house part. Should I remove roosting bar for a bit to force them into the house?

Or, am I just too worried about nothing

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2199205
08/18/17 05:11 PM
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Where do you think "free range" chickens sleep?


"In time of war, send me all the Alabamians you can get, but in time of peace, for Lord's sake, send them to somebody else." General Edward H. Plummer

"Blessed are those who, in the face of death, think only about the front sight." Jeff Cooper
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: trlrdrdave] #2199311
08/19/17 01:32 AM
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Originally Posted By: trlrdrdave
Where do you think "free range" chickens sleep?
Yep, you are right. Figured I was worried over nothing

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: lefthorn] #2199589
08/19/17 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted By: lefthorn
Ok, so now I am getting two eggs every day!! However, I have a question. My chicken house has the run/coop/laying box deal all in one. Got it from tractor supply. So, in the beginning I had the nest boxes blocked off. Once the chickens were getting close, I opened up the nests. Everything was gooing good. At night, the chickens would sleep in the house/coop part where the nest boxes are attached to. Now, all of a sudden, they are sleeping on a roosting bar in the run portion and only using the coop/house part when they lay eggs. Anything I need to worry with? They are just as safe on the roosting bar as they are in the house part since it is all caged in. I just worry when it starts to get cold, they will probably need to sleep in the house part. Should I remove roosting bar for a bit to force them into the house?

Or, am I just too worried about nothing


Don't over think the chickens hon. It is likely hot in the actual coop and that is why they are out of it roosting. They will go inside the coop when it gets cold. The heat will get to them worse than the cold actually. I have two LARGE fans on my outter coop area and one inside my covered coop area to keep air circulating at night for them where they roost. [I have a very large coop though, not like one you bought.]


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2199720
08/19/17 12:14 PM
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My chickens sleep in a big cedar tree out back, in the heat, cold, wind or rain.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2216899
09/06/17 02:28 AM
09/06/17 02:28 AM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
14 point
lefthorn  Offline
14 point
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Chelsea, AL
Got my first double yolk egg yesterday

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2216938
09/06/17 03:15 AM
09/06/17 03:15 AM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 20,017
PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
Freak of Nature
timbercruiser  Offline
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T
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Posts: 20,017
PDL, Fl
Had a hen hatch 8 out of 8 eggs yesterday. My problem is the dang varmits.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2217153
09/06/17 07:54 AM
09/06/17 07:54 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
DEADorALIVE  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
Awesome! I don't let my hens set. Last year, I let 4 set on about 20 eggs, total, and by 18-20 days, they'd all gotten tired of it and decided to do something else. Wounding up chunking almost 2 dozen eggs into the woods.


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2217231
09/06/17 09:02 AM
09/06/17 09:02 AM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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Same here this year DoA, proly chunked 4 dozen in the trash. Then the dang hens decided to hatch a couple of clutches and I still have 11 live chicks coming along.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2217267
09/06/17 09:27 AM
09/06/17 09:27 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
DEADorALIVE  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
If mine start to get broody, now, I just bump them off the nest and take the eggs. Hasn't been a problem this year, I guess because my roo died.


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2217482
09/06/17 01:36 PM
09/06/17 01:36 PM
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PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
Freak of Nature
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Dang DOA, I'll put a stamp on a rooster and send it to you.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2217933
09/06/17 08:12 PM
09/06/17 08:12 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
DEADorALIVE  Offline
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
If you have a black australorp, send him on! The one we had was huge, and very mild tempered and well-mannered...I don't think 'Huntress would have anything else in there. She won't abide an aggressive roo.


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2217984
09/07/17 01:53 AM
09/07/17 01:53 AM
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PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
Freak of Nature
timbercruiser  Offline
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PDL, Fl
All I have are game chickens, but they ain't picky........... rofl

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2218140
09/07/17 04:52 AM
09/07/17 04:52 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
DEADorALIVE  Offline
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
Every game rooster I've ever had, I shot! I had one that would see me coming and run 100 yds to pick a fight with me. I was coming back in from rabbit hunting one day, and here he comes hot-footing across the dam of the pond towards me...he didn't make it halfway!


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2233156
09/21/17 01:58 PM
09/21/17 01:58 PM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
one of my hens hatched out four more chicks, got a dozen in three broods now.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2233321
09/21/17 03:55 PM
09/21/17 03:55 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
!
!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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Between the coosa and cahaba
On the opening day of dove season I'm get a call from my wife asking me when I'm coming home and I can tell she's really pissed. She went on to tell me that one of our 2 roosters flogged my 4 yo little girl and scratched her up pretty good to the point of bleeding. I tell her I'll kill him when I get home but I could tell she was fuming mad. Little bit later she calls me and said no rush to come home ,i shot that roosters ass!
I fell off my bucket laughing. You have know my wife to understand how prissy she is. She had never shot a shotgun and she had never killed anything in her 35 years of life. I got home to find a rooster shot 3 times at close range by a pissed off mama bear.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: !shiloh!] #2233324
09/21/17 03:59 PM
09/21/17 03:59 PM
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Posts: 6,592
Lake View, AL
Joe4majors Online content
14 point
Joe4majors  Online Content
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Lake View, AL
Originally Posted By: mandeerpig
On the opening day of dove season I'm get a call from my wife asking me when I'm coming home and I can tell she's really pissed. She went on to tell me that one of our 2 roosters flogged my 4 yo little girl and scratched her up pretty good to the point of bleeding. I tell her I'll kill him when I get home but I could tell she was fuming mad. Little bit later she calls me and said no rush to come home ,i shot that roosters ass!
I fell off my bucket laughing. You have know my wife to understand how prissy she is. She had never shot a shotgun and she had never killed anything in her 35 years of life. I got home to find a rooster shot 3 times at close range by a pissed off mama bear.


Now that is hilarious!

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2233488
09/22/17 01:39 AM
09/22/17 01:39 AM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
!
!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
14 point
!
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Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
Thanks I thought it was pretty funny my self. She had a few hens that would hear her outside and would run to her as fast as they could. Not any more! She's bummed out about that. I told her they would forget.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2233784
09/22/17 07:48 AM
09/22/17 07:48 AM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
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BhamFred  Offline
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NOTE: a pissed off white woman will just kill yer azz.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2234163
09/22/17 03:31 PM
09/22/17 03:31 PM
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Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
14 point
lefthorn  Offline
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Chelsea, AL
Ok. So one of my hens lays a double yolk egg about every other egg. I am digging it!!!

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2240494
09/29/17 03:40 AM
09/29/17 03:40 AM
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Posts: 4,100
Grant, Alabama, USA
TR Offline
10 point
TR  Offline
10 point
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Posts: 4,100
Grant, Alabama, USA
Here is one pic of my bantam adults. I have 10 new chicks hatched yesterday if anyone would like some.
[img:left][/img]


"Make a difference, take a kid hunting".
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2240710
09/29/17 07:41 AM
09/29/17 07:41 AM
Joined: May 2011
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PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
Freak of Nature
timbercruiser  Offline
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PDL, Fl
If you were a lot closer by I would take you up on the offer. Those are some pretty bantams.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2241019
09/29/17 02:19 PM
09/29/17 02:19 PM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
!
!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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!
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Between the coosa and cahaba
Pretty birds. Almost looks like a prairie chicken.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2242510
10/01/17 05:58 AM
10/01/17 05:58 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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Oh wow!! Those are beautiful!!!

My poor ole brown leghorns are going through a HARD molt right now and look awful....necked necks....just makes you feel sorry for them!!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: TR] #2254126
10/11/17 10:16 AM
10/11/17 10:16 AM
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Posts: 1,962
Northport
Thisldu Offline
8 point
Thisldu  Offline
8 point
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Posts: 1,962
Northport
Originally Posted By: TR
Here is one pic of my bantam adults. I have 10 new chicks hatched yesterday if anyone would like some.
[img:left][/img]


Very pretty bantams! I have two hens and a rooster, but may not have that rooster much longer. He keeps sucker punching me when I have my back turned to him.


"The future's uncertain and the end is always near"
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2254239
10/11/17 12:11 PM
10/11/17 12:11 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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Poor ole Black Australorp has been in a HARD molt....her whole bum has been bare but pin feathers are popping out all over now...she looked a sight!!

Last edited by Maggie123; 10/11/17 12:13 PM.

Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2276374
10/30/17 04:52 PM
10/30/17 04:52 PM
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Posts: 8,356
Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
14 point
lefthorn  Offline
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Chelsea, AL
Ok. With winter coming (maybe) anything special I need to do for my chickens? What about when it is below freezing?

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2277274
10/31/17 01:41 PM
10/31/17 01:41 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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Chickens are very hardy and can withstand very cold temps. With that said, if I know temps are going to be below freezing for several days, I do use heat lamps in my coop in addition to a radiant heater if I feel necessary. Now mind you, I BABY my birds compared to many. With below freezing temps, your BIG concern is frozen water! Make sure they have fresh water.

As long as you have a coop they can get inside out of the wind and rain if things get real nasty and freeze they usually fare well. Their body heat as the snuggle together keeps them warm.

Speaking of...I just walked in the door after running a coon off from the door of my coop. I saw him earlier and kept a watch because my chickens were free ranging. Spied the little bastid just as he was about to invade the coop and ran out the back door screaming like William Wallace!!

My husband and the two German Shepherds came to the rescue toot sweet after hearing me screaming at the top of my lungs and hubby shot the coon, since I had not grabbed a gun on the way out. I was just before knocking it in the head with the shovel when they arrived. Alas, one of my Brown Leghorns is now missing but they roost outside the coop occasionally, so maybe she will show up tomorrow. If not, she is past her prime and not laying regularly now, so as it goes, no big loss.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2277363
10/31/17 02:38 PM
10/31/17 02:38 PM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
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BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
I hate freezing weather because of the watering problems

I will turn on the overhead heaters in sub 25 degree temps, or heat lamps. Just be careful and don't burn the coop to the ground.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2277934
11/01/17 03:58 AM
11/01/17 03:58 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
Doe
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Woohoo...my old girl was in the coop this morning!! She must have been under another hen else when I made the count after the coon invasion!!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2279615
11/02/17 01:11 PM
11/02/17 01:11 PM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,169
Tuscaloosa, Ralph,Fosters
Turkeyboy Offline
6 point
Turkeyboy  Offline
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Tuscaloosa, Ralph,Fosters
Big Rhode Island Red rooster, about six months old has become lethargic. Sits on the ground, won't go to roost. Has stopped tending himself. Eyes are clear, has been wormed monthly. Can't find ant injury on him.


The Earth is Gods footstool
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2279658
11/02/17 02:08 PM
11/02/17 02:08 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
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Oh no, That does not sound good. Heck, I have had hens fall off the roost dead as a door knob ...

Have you checked him for any injury? Any mucus from eyes or nose?


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2280112
11/03/17 04:29 AM
11/03/17 04:29 AM
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,169
Tuscaloosa, Ralph,Fosters
Turkeyboy Offline
6 point
Turkeyboy  Offline
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Tuscaloosa, Ralph,Fosters
Very strange, eyes/nose are clear and he is alert, just won't move, I have picked him up and felt all over him and can't find a thing. Hens aren't talkin'


The Earth is Gods footstool
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2281321
11/04/17 11:14 AM
11/04/17 11:14 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
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Okay, so I have a question for those more experienced. Is it an option to cut the spurs of your rooster?

My big ole Black Australorp roo is cutting the backs of my hens with his spurs. The spurs and almost two inches long...large and look like mini daggers. Truly, I don't want to see the hens torn up from him.

So, is it just time to get rid of the roo and let the girls live in peace or is the spur thing viable?

Thanks!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2282340
11/05/17 11:59 AM
11/05/17 11:59 AM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
I've cut em before on a bad rooster. Go in at night, grab him by the legs and snip em off, put him back on the roost.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2282691
11/05/17 04:00 PM
11/05/17 04:00 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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Thanks!


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2347129
12/28/17 05:05 AM
12/28/17 05:05 AM
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Chelsea, AL
lefthorn Offline
14 point
lefthorn  Offline
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Ok. With the really old air coming in, what do I need to do special for my chickens? Obviously, I got to worry about their water supply freezing. What about them? They have a nesting house they can get into that has hay. Sould that be enough? I could put the red heat lamp out there but worries me a little

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2355721
01/03/18 05:06 AM
01/03/18 05:06 AM
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IN
P
ParrotHead89 Offline
10 point
ParrotHead89  Offline
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IN
It has been below zero up here every night for over a week with highs in the single digits. My birds have been fine they go out and lay in sun during the day. Water just freezes is it.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2356226
01/03/18 11:40 AM
01/03/18 11:40 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
DEADorALIVE  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
Funny, right before the cold snap, my hens had been laying again...not as much as usual, but for several months during the hottest part of the summer, they'd quit entirely!


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2356288
01/03/18 12:41 PM
01/03/18 12:41 PM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
mine quit this last summer too, laying some right now, but I had a long talk with them while I was holding a frying pan....


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2356298
01/03/18 12:52 PM
01/03/18 12:52 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
HA! We use the same motivational tactics!


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2357583
01/04/18 12:30 PM
01/04/18 12:30 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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Mine got real lazy about laying late in the summer too but they were all in different stages of molting, so I chalked it up to that. Talked to an old timer and he told me they just were not getting enough sunshine and to put a light in the coop. I did and boy howdy, got great results. Even though I was letting them free range daily, they simply did not get the required hours of sun they needed.

Mine are all laying great now and with all the cold weather, I've had on two heat lamps and a radiant heater in the coop. I keep one of the water cans by the heater to keep water available. Even so, every morning I carry fresh water out for them to insure they have plenty.

Recently, they were free ranging and one of my old Brown Leghorn hens, who had a propensity of flying over the fence into the backyard where the German Shepherds roam met her end. It was only a matter of time before it happened and we knew it. My female Shepherd, Roxie, was out and before I could snap my fingers, that dang hen jumped the fence and Roxie got her. My hubby went out, picked up the hen and smacked Roxie with the hen!!! Don't think he realized the hen was not totally dead, so after he chunked her over the fence, I went out and rung her neck. It was a mess but everything wants to kill a chicken.

Speaking of killing...my neighbor had four mallard duck chicks she got a while back. A few days back she text me and said she thought the hawk that had recently gotten two of her chickens got one of her ducks. Well....about two days later I let the dogs out that evening and remarked to my hubby..."There was some large bird in the backyard...could not see what it was but it was not a songbird."

Later that night the Germans were a total pain in the arse...we kept thinking they had a possum or something the way they were going in and out. Hubby got up the next morning to take out the garbage and said he thought there was a dead possum in the yard, which we did not find a surprise. What we did find surprising was it was a mallard duck! Pretty sure the neighbor's pet duck came home from a walk about and got confused on the yard where it landed. Oops...


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2357781
01/04/18 03:17 PM
01/04/18 03:17 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
I pushed my chickens to lay through the winter a few years back by putting a light on a timer in the henhouse with them...it can be any light, mine was a regular old 60w bulb...it worked fine. I didn't do it anymore after that because we had more eggs than we needed during that time, plus I suspect it'll cause the birds to lay out early. They're born with a finite number of eggs inside them, and once those are gone...


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: DEADorALIVE] #2359487
01/06/18 07:45 AM
01/06/18 07:45 AM
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Marshall County
FurFlyin Offline
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Originally Posted By: DEADorALIVE
I pushed my chickens to lay through the winter a few years back by putting a light on a timer in the henhouse with them...it can be any light, mine was a regular old 60w bulb...it worked fine. I didn't do it anymore after that because we had more eggs than we needed during that time, plus I suspect it'll cause the birds to lay out early. They're born with a finite number of eggs inside them, and once those are gone...


I've done necropsies on a few 1000 laying hens. There has never been one, nor will there ever be one that will lay up all she's got in there the day they reach sexual maturity.


If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2359489
01/06/18 07:48 AM
01/06/18 07:48 AM
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Marshall County
FurFlyin Offline
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Maggie, your rooster is cutting the backs of your hens with his back toenail, not his spurs. He's too heavy. Put him on a diet before spring and then feed him back up to a lighter weight if you want fertile eggs. Or just kill him and raise another and don't let him get as heavy.


If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2360231
01/07/18 04:06 AM
01/07/18 04:06 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
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Thanks Fur...his arse is gone as soon as we can make it happen. He is a HUGE Black Australorp rooster and a complete jerk to boot.

I have threatened to shoot him several times but my husband keeps asking me not to do that. He wants to take him to another home and give him a chance...me, I could care less he has attacked me so many times.

Hubby is having bad back/neck problems right now, so I am waiting till he gets better to give him a chance at relocation before blowing that roosters head off...I say waiting...that bird could meet the end of my .410 before all is said and done if he grabs my damn finger again. Almost yanked my middle finger off the other day when he came at me.

Last edited by Maggie123; 01/07/18 04:07 AM.

Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2360547
01/07/18 10:08 AM
01/07/18 10:08 AM
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Posts: 18,070
Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
The BA roo we had until last year was the most gentle and tame of all of our birds...but I'm like you, had he ever attacked me or anyone else, he wouldn't have seen the sun set that day! I hope when we eventually replace him that we get as lucky as we did with him.


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2360595
01/07/18 10:53 AM
01/07/18 10:53 AM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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Originally Posted By: Maggie123
Thanks Fur...his arse is gone as soon as we can make it happen. He is a HUGE Black Australorp rooster and a complete jerk to boot.

I have threatened to shoot him several times but my husband keeps asking me not to do that. He wants to take him to another home and give him a chance...me, I could care less he has attacked me so many times.

Hubby is having bad back/neck problems right now, so I am waiting till he gets better to give him a chance at relocation before blowing that roosters head off...I say waiting...that bird could meet the end of my .410 before all is said and done if he grabs my damn finger again. Almost yanked my middle finger off the other day when he came at me.

my wife shot our rooster while I was on a dove shoot because he flogged my little girl. That was the hardest I've ever laughed!
Those production reds are great egg layers but the roosters are freakin mean.

Last edited by mandeerpig; 01/07/18 12:17 PM.

ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2360660
01/07/18 12:02 PM
01/07/18 12:02 PM
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
When I was 5 or 6, my grandmother had a RIR rooster that was as mean as the day is long! She kept a rake by the back door and when you stepped outside, you'd better be reaching for it, because he was coming! I swear I remember that damn thing as being 6' tall and having fangs!


Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: DEADorALIVE] #2360694
01/07/18 12:19 PM
01/07/18 12:19 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
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Originally Posted By: DEADorALIVE
When I was 5 or 6, my grandmother had a RIR rooster that was as mean as the day is long! She kept a rake by the back door and when you stepped outside, you'd better be reaching for it, because he was coming! I swear I remember that damn thing as being 6' tall and having fangs!


I carry a rake everywhere with me when I am outside the fenced yard!! I've beat this roo with the yard rake, the garden rake, the hoe, a plastic bat, a wooden tomato stake and shot it with the BB gun...he just comes back for more...


He stands two feet tall and is mean as a snake...he fights the 100 pound German Shepherds through the fence and when he sticks those neck feathers out around his head he looks HUGE!



Took a couple of pics while I was just out in the yard...he would crow at me and then do this growl thingy in his throat...jerk. If you look close you can see his longggg spurs.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2360708
01/07/18 12:31 PM
01/07/18 12:31 PM
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PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
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I think my game roosters know better. I've never had one offer to flog anybody. I had an old turkey gobbler that tried flogging our daughter years ago, he didn't live 5 more minutes.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2360726
01/07/18 12:46 PM
01/07/18 12:46 PM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
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alabama
I have a RIR rooster that is good as gold, never bothers anybody. He will run to you and follow you around waiting for a handout.

I used to have a White Leghorn rooster that flogged me, the wife, and my grandson. I shot his azz with my longbow.

Had a banty rooster that would leap up and spur yer hand, hip, sometimes yer back. I ran him out of the pen and let him fight the dogs. He lost.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2360728
01/07/18 12:47 PM
01/07/18 12:47 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
DEADorALIVE Offline
Old Mossy Horns
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Old Mossy Horns
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Andalusia, Al. Covington Co.
Maggie, he looks just like the roo we had...great looking bird!

Timbercruiser, I've had Bourbon Reds and Royal Palms and never had a turkey try to jump on anyone! The Royal Palm gobbler I had was convinced he was supposed to be a lap dog!

Last edited by DEADorALIVE; 01/07/18 12:48 PM.

Well behaved women never make history.~ Out back
Quit laughing...I think I broke something.

Fifteen is my limit on Schnitzen-Gruben, Baby...

I have OCD and ADD, so everything has to be perfect, but only for a minute.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: BhamFred] #2377690
01/18/18 04:30 PM
01/18/18 04:30 PM
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Over Yonder
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Clem Offline
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Mildly Quirky
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Over Yonder
Quote:
Had a banty rooster that would leap up and spur yer hand, hip, sometimes yer back. I ran him out of the pen and let him fight the dogs. He lost.


rofl


"Hunting Politics are stupid!" - Farm Hunter

"Bible says you shouldn't put sugar in your cornbread." Dustin, 2013

"Best I can figure 97.365% of the general public is a paint chip eating, mouth breathing, certified dumbass." BCLC, 2020
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2377722
01/18/18 04:56 PM
01/18/18 04:56 PM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
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alabama
my oldest hen, a game hen, died yesterday. I'm thinking she was around ten years old. Easy keeper and laid a medium size egg. I'm going to have to get a couple more game hens.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2378567
01/19/18 11:31 AM
01/19/18 11:31 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
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Sorry your old girl passed but dang, she lived a long time. Was she still laying at that age? Good luck with finding some new game hens.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2378767
01/19/18 02:38 PM
01/19/18 02:38 PM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
game hens are pretty hard to find around here Maggie.

She was laying this summer, but not regular, kind of a small off white egg.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2378782
01/19/18 02:57 PM
01/19/18 02:57 PM
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PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
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PDL, Fl
Dang Troy, if I could get a stamp or two to stick I'd send you a couple. Maybe we could get a Aldeer UPS route from Fl?

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2379291
01/20/18 03:41 AM
01/20/18 03:41 AM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
UPS would lose em.....

"UPS, yes my packages haven't arrived, been two weeks. Yeah, TWO chickens, ya know, feathers, chickenchitt, and such, hard to miss...."


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2392643
01/31/18 04:18 PM
01/31/18 04:18 PM
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All Over The Place
Runningdeer Offline
10 point
Runningdeer  Offline
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All Over The Place
Just a few experiences of my own regarding chickens and a few questions as well:

My parents were down to getting 2-3 eggs a day. A friend of ours told them about the heat lamps and also wrapping the coop with visqueen. Within a matter of days, the egg factory came alive again. Simply amazing!

As far as feed: it's laying crumbles and as many fruit/vegetable scraps that we can get to them.

Soft eggs or chickens eating their eggs: we feed them oyster shells or their own shells crumbled up so that it's not teaching them to eat their own shells.

My questions are:

1. Does anyone have a snake deterrent for the spring time? We can usually count on finding an egg thief in an egg box a few times each spring or summer.
2. As far as worming does anyone have an absolute preference? We've used pig swig, a granular substance that while feeding to the hens, the eggs are supposedly no good. I cannot say that we've ever had a problem with worms, but have always done it as a precautionary practice.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2392750
01/31/18 06:22 PM
01/31/18 06:22 PM
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PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
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PDL, Fl
Grab the snake by the tail and pop his head against a post.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2393034
01/31/18 09:43 PM
01/31/18 09:43 PM
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All Over The Place
Runningdeer Offline
10 point
Runningdeer  Offline
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Oh they are harmless snakes who simply like eating eggs. I was hoping for more of a way to repel them. rofl JK. We’ve “exterminated” every one so far. Ha. Was just thinking there might be a suggestion to reduce these encounters. Maybe a fake owl?

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2424135
03/02/18 06:27 PM
03/02/18 06:27 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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I picked up 6 barred rock straight run chicks yesterday to add to my flock. Do any of y'all have any of these birds ?


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2424141
03/02/18 06:38 PM
03/02/18 06:38 PM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
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I've had barred rocks for years, good chickens, easy keepers.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2424165
03/02/18 07:34 PM
03/02/18 07:34 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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That's what I wanted to hear! How long have you had them?


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2424206
03/02/18 08:59 PM
03/02/18 08:59 PM
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alabama
BhamFred Offline
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BhamFred  Offline
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since 09, I have a mixed flock of about 20 birds of all kinds


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2426049
03/05/18 03:01 PM
03/05/18 03:01 PM
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Lake View, AL
Joe4majors Online content
14 point
Joe4majors  Online Content
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Lake View, AL
Looks like we're going to be joining in on the backyard chicken community. Going to try to make a chicken tractor that we can move around the backyard every couple of days.


[Linked Image]

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2426162
03/05/18 06:14 PM
03/05/18 06:14 PM
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PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
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timbercruiser  Offline
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PDL, Fl
Just be sure to try and make it coon and dog poof.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2427726
03/07/18 10:45 AM
03/07/18 10:45 AM
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The WC
Blackwater_Reb Offline
4 point
Blackwater_Reb  Offline
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The WC
Does anyone have experience with the treatment for vent gleet? The wife thinks one of our hens might have it.


If there's any doubt, then there is no doubt... The gut don't never lie.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2427965
03/07/18 03:59 PM
03/07/18 03:59 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
!
!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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Between the coosa and cahaba
do you mean when they have crap collecting around their vent ?


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2428520
03/08/18 07:26 AM
03/08/18 07:26 AM
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Athens, GA
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WildlifeBiologist Offline
10 point
WildlifeBiologist  Offline
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Athens, GA
Started my backyard chicken flock three years ago. I keep about 14 at all times. Mostly RIR and Golden Comet laying hens. One Barred Rock rooster just for noise. He's a cool dude and laid back. Not the least bit aggressive.

Last edited by WildlifeBiologist; 03/08/18 07:29 AM.

Micah 6:8
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: !shiloh!] #2428717
03/08/18 11:38 AM
03/08/18 11:38 AM
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The WC
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The WC
Originally Posted by !shiloh!
do you mean when they have crap collecting around their vent ?


Pretty much yeah. Never had any issues but this seems excessive. Can't see how it would be gleet reading about causes because she takes really good care of them. Just not sure what else it could be...


If there's any doubt, then there is no doubt... The gut don't never lie.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: WildlifeBiologist] #2428890
03/08/18 04:02 PM
03/08/18 04:02 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
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!shiloh!  Offline
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Between the coosa and cahaba
Originally Posted by WildlifeBiologist
Started my backyard chicken flock three years ago. I keep about 14 at all times. Mostly RIR and Golden Comet laying hens. One Barred Rock rooster just for noise. He's a cool dude and laid back. Not the least bit aggressive.

I have 4 rir nd 3 tetra browns . I've gotten 26 eggs in the last 4 days with 7 hens. Im glad to hear the barred rocks make good roosters.I got 6 of them and I was hoping for a good rooster. the rir roosters I had where mean as a snake !


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Blackwater_Reb] #2428892
03/08/18 04:05 PM
03/08/18 04:05 PM
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Between the coosa and cahaba
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!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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Between the coosa and cahaba
Originally Posted by Blackwater_Reb
Originally Posted by !shiloh!
do you mean when they have crap collecting around their vent ?


Pretty much yeah. Never had any issues but this seems excessive. Can't see how it would be gleet reading about causes because she takes really good care of them. Just not sure what else it could be...

when we've had similar problems in the past we hose em off good and rub coconut oil around their vent as needed.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2429431
03/09/18 03:16 AM
03/09/18 03:16 AM
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Tuscaloosa, Ralph,Fosters
Turkeyboy Offline
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Tuscaloosa, Ralph,Fosters
Scattered moth balls around the pen for snakes


The Earth is Gods footstool
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2429717
03/09/18 11:32 AM
03/09/18 11:32 AM
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The WC
I checked on her this morning. She's going down quick. Gotta be something else, but for the life of me, no idea what.


If there's any doubt, then there is no doubt... The gut don't never lie.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Blackwater_Reb] #2432577
03/12/18 04:02 PM
03/12/18 04:02 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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Originally Posted by Blackwater_Reb
I checked on her this morning. She's going down quick. Gotta be something else, but for the life of me, no idea what.


Is she egg bound?

I've had chickens for a number of years now and sometimes the little buggers just die....I've had two or three just kill over...never did figure out what happened.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2434464
03/14/18 05:44 PM
03/14/18 05:44 PM
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The WC
Blackwater_Reb Offline
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The WC
That was my thought, but the wife went out and found an egg where she had been laying. Next day she was gone. Was a red star and her comb never really filled out or reddened up. She was the 3rd one like that. Really thinking the hybrid genetics of the hatch. Out of 8 we started with, we are down to 3 in about a year. But those girls are as healthy as can be.


If there's any doubt, then there is no doubt... The gut don't never lie.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Blackwater_Reb] #2438043
03/18/18 03:12 PM
03/18/18 03:12 PM
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Tallassee
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Tallassee
Picked up some new chicks. Marans and EE.
Also went to close the birds up Friday night about 11. When I got up Saturday to go turkey hunting I noticed the chickens were outside the coop. So they must not have been in there when I closed them up. Something has to chase them out, so last night when I went to close them up a possum was in there eating food. .17 the head ended that.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2439656
03/20/18 08:27 AM
03/20/18 08:27 AM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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I have several girls going through their spring molt so, egg production is down. I wish I could get a pic
of my Brown Leghorn!! She looks a sight...and one of my Rhode Island White is bare azzed...LOL!!

Last edited by Maggie123; 03/20/18 04:43 PM.

Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2440083
03/20/18 04:29 PM
03/20/18 04:29 PM
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River Bend Bibb
HoofNSpur Offline
8 point
HoofNSpur  Offline
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River Bend Bibb
IMG_20180320_162255008_HDR
Just started the last couple weeks building a Coop. The kids and I are excited about getting chicks hopefully this week. We are dummies when it comes to having a Coop. Glad I ran across this thread. Will keep [Linked Image] eye and update as we complete the Coop.

Last edited by HoofNSpur; 03/20/18 04:48 PM.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2440115
03/20/18 05:09 PM
03/20/18 05:09 PM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
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BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
rule #1 on coops....make em 100X coon proof at night, then make em tighter.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: HoofNSpur] #2440265
03/20/18 07:36 PM
03/20/18 07:36 PM
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Posts: 8,914
Between the coosa and cahaba
!
!shiloh! Offline
14 point
!shiloh!  Offline
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Between the coosa and cahaba
Originally Posted by HoofNSpur
IMG_20180320_162255008_HDR
Just started the last couple weeks building a Coop. The kids and I are excited about getting chicks hopefully this week. We are dummies when it comes to having a Coop. Glad I ran across this thread. Will keep [Linked Image] eye and update as we complete the Coop.

lookin good.


ggg
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: BhamFred] #2440742
03/21/18 09:56 AM
03/21/18 09:56 AM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,001
River Bend Bibb
HoofNSpur Offline
8 point
HoofNSpur  Offline
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River Bend Bibb
Originally Posted by BhamFred
rule #1 on coops....make em 100X coon proof at night, then make em tighter.

Yep. Will make it tight as possible. Still have alot to do.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2441466
03/22/18 07:10 AM
03/22/18 07:10 AM
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River Bend Bibb
HoofNSpur Offline
8 point
HoofNSpur  Offline
8 point
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Posts: 2,001
River Bend Bibb
[Linked Image]
Picked up chicks yesterday. We got 3 Black sex links, 3 Australorp and 4 Issa brown. To say our girls were excited is a understatement LOL.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2450089
04/02/18 08:55 AM
04/02/18 08:55 AM
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River Bend Bibb
HoofNSpur Offline
8 point
HoofNSpur  Offline
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River Bend Bibb
[Linked Image]

Finished run over weekend. We put chicken wire a foot in ground all the way around run. Hope this will deter any critters from getting in. Couple more weeks and plan on putting chicks In new home. We did put them out in run for a few hours yesterday and they loved it.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2450106
04/02/18 09:21 AM
04/02/18 09:21 AM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
chicken wire alone will not stop a dog, yote, or a coon


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: BhamFred] #2450178
04/02/18 10:56 AM
04/02/18 10:56 AM
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River Bend Bibb
HoofNSpur Offline
8 point
HoofNSpur  Offline
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River Bend Bibb
Originally Posted by BhamFred
chicken wire alone will not stop a dog, yote, or a coon


Suggestions?

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2450185
04/02/18 11:09 AM
04/02/18 11:09 AM
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PDL, Fl
T
timbercruiser Offline
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PDL, Fl
I caged my pen in with 11 1/2 gauge 2x4 weld wire and then put 1" chicken wire on the bottom 3 feet. A determined dog might get in, but possums and coons aren't getting in.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: timbercruiser] #2450191
04/02/18 11:15 AM
04/02/18 11:15 AM
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The WC
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The WC
Originally Posted by HoofNSpur
Suggestions?


Originally Posted by timbercruiser
I caged my pen in with 11 1/2 gauge 2x4 weld wire and then put 1" chicken wire on the bottom 3 feet.


Similarly, I used 1/2" hardware cloth on the bottom 3 feet, and an additional 18" underground. Added some river rock at the bottom of my trench as well.


If there's any doubt, then there is no doubt... The gut don't never lie.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2450294
04/02/18 01:22 PM
04/02/18 01:22 PM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
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BhamFred  Offline
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alabama
run a 3' high roll of 2x4 welded wire along the bottom


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2450737
04/02/18 09:41 PM
04/02/18 09:41 PM
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USA
Maggie123 Offline OP
Doe
Maggie123  Offline OP
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USA
Wish I knew what type wire we used but not a clue. Buried wire down and out to prevent digging. I think it is one inch square wire... somebody on here could tell me. He built it. Also, put metal caps on the corners, so critters could not pull anything back.... no exposed edges.


Be kind to one another and tell the ones you love that you love them often. We never know what tomorrow will bring.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: HoofNSpur] #2450868
04/03/18 08:15 AM
04/03/18 08:15 AM
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All Over The Place
Runningdeer Offline
10 point
Runningdeer  Offline
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All Over The Place
Originally Posted by HoofNSpur
Originally Posted by BhamFred
chicken wire alone will not stop a dog, yote, or a coon


Suggestions?


You could always run a hotwire around the exterior base of the coup/fencing as well.

Last edited by Runningdeer; 04/03/18 08:16 AM.
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2450882
04/03/18 08:37 AM
04/03/18 08:37 AM
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Posts: 2,001
River Bend Bibb
HoofNSpur Offline
8 point
HoofNSpur  Offline
8 point
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Posts: 2,001
River Bend Bibb
Thanks y'all. We are gonna at tin to top and I will install welded wire 3-4 high around bottom.

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2451772
04/04/18 09:49 AM
04/04/18 09:49 AM
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Posts: 6,592
Lake View, AL
Joe4majors Online content
14 point
Joe4majors  Online Content
14 point
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 6,592
Lake View, AL
Are there any pros or cons of having the food/water in the coop itself rather than in the run? I'm trying to balance easy access, but not having a lot of doors/gates that could be possible weak spots for predators.

[Linked Image]

Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2451823
04/04/18 10:36 AM
04/04/18 10:36 AM
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Posts: 36,092
alabama
BhamFred Offline
Freak of Nature
BhamFred  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 36,092
alabama
your daytime run needs to be dog proof with 2x4 welded wire fencing. One chicken killing dog in yer run will convince you that it was a real big mistake not to dog proof it.

Night time roost area/box/coop has to be coon which means no small holes, no light wire, no birds roosting close enough to grab thru the wire. A chicken that has been grabbed and torn apart by a coon pulling it piece by piece thru the wire is a pitiful sight and will make yer blood boil.

My night time coop is a 12x12 room tight as Ft Knox, with an automatic opening/closing door. It has windows wire covered with 2x4 wire. Daytime run is chain link fencing. I may be over doing it but having fought the coon wars for years I don't think so...lots of dead chickens in that learning curve.


I've spent most of the money I've made in my lifetime on hunting and fishing. The rest I just wasted.....

proud Cracker-Americaan

muslims are like coyotes, only good one is a dead one
Re: Let's Create our own Backyard Chicken Forum!! [Re: Maggie123] #2452168
04/04/18 06:06 PM
04/04/18 06:06 PM
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Posts: 1,015
Lawrence County
S
Slim1026 Offline
6 point
Slim1026  Offline
6 point
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,015
Lawrence County
Just a curiosity question... If you were to get rid of your current flock and start over, which breeds would you choose? And how would you distribute the different breeds in your flock?

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