Chicken coop

[Dieseler]

Excellent post Osan, Thank you.

 

[Elwar]

Thanks for the insight Osan.

We have 3 hens, no rooster. They had a rooster and we didn't want to become those neighbors so we gave him away. They're all laying eggs daily...which is way more than my wife and I need. We give them away to the neighbors.

I don't free range them because there are just so many predators. I do need to fortify the run by the end of February before the black snakes start coming out. Other than that they're doing well and I think the raccoons know not to come into the yard...my wife saw one just the other day that was walking through the mucky low tide mud to get around our yard when it could have easily just walked through it.

One hen has gone "broody". She lays on the eggs all day. I shoo her out usually and she goes to eat and drink before going back in. This morning she really didn't want me moving her and took a few nips at my hand but nothing to hurt me. I read online that I should be able to just close off that nest and she'll stop doing it. I have two nests so they'll be fine.

 

[lisaanne]

I am getting ready to get a few chicks on Thursday and just now read your post. I just wanted to say thank-you for this information. Do you have any favorite breeds of chickens?

 

[oyarde]

I am getting ready to get a few chicks on Thursday and just now read your post. I just wanted to say thank-you for this information. Do you have any favorite breeds of chickens?

I like lots of breeds but the Black Sex Link ( Half Rhode Island Red and half Barred Rock ) are a hardy starter .

 

[bunklocoempire]

I am getting ready to get a few chicks on Thursday and just now read your post. I just wanted to say thank-you for this information. Do you have any favorite breeds of chickens?

My egg-layer chickens experience so far:
Rhode Island Reds. Medium to large brown eggs, decent layers, mostly mellow. Will get again, they did great as free rangers. (didn't use a chicken tractor)

Pearl White Leghorns. Large white eggs, lay eggs like crazy, more nervous than R.I.R.s, like to wander far. Will get again, but only in a chicken tractor set up. Our Leghorn girls were egg laying machines.

 

[lisaanne]

My egg-layer chickens experience so far:
Rhode Island Reds. Medium to large brown eggs, decent layers, mostly mellow. Will get again, they did great as free rangers. (didn't use a chicken tractor)

Pearl White Leghorns. Large white eggs, lay eggs like crazy, more nervous than R.I.R.s, like to wander far. Will get again, but only in a chicken tractor set up. Our Leghorn girls were egg laying machines.

Thank-you!!! I am thinking of trying the Rhode Island Red and Cuckoo Marans this year.

 

[lisaanne]

I like lots of breeds but the Black Sex Link ( Half Rhode Island Red and half Barred Rock ) are a hardy starter .

Thank-you for the info! I am thinking of trying the Rhode Island Reds and the Cuckoo Marans this year and see how that goes.

 

[tod evans]

Chalk up another Rhode Island Red fan here.

 

[Dr.3D]

Raccoon got into the coup and killed all my Barred Rocks. Oh well, won't have to see them through the winter.

 

[shakey1]

very nice... been lookin' for ideas to build... thanx!