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Posted: 4/6/2017 9:47:07 AM EDT
[#1]
Alright, darn it, you talked me into it. Well, you and my wife. We have 22 chicks coming mid June from Murray McMurray hatchery.
Since we occasionally get up to 110 degrees or so here, and always have several over 100 degree days, I picked birds suited for the heat. We ordered 6 Pearl White Leghorns, 5 Black Minorcas, 5 Buff Minorcas and 5 Anconas, all females. We will get one free chick of unknown breed and straight run. Keeping my fingers crossed they sex them right! I have began gathering the materials for an 8' x 12' coop and will take pictures as I go, posting them here when finished. The adventure begins...Wish me luck! James |
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Posted: 4/6/2017 6:31:24 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Alright, darn it, you talked me into it. Well, you and my wife. We have 22 chicks coming mid June from Murray McMurray hatchery. Since we occasionally get up to 110 degrees or so here, and always have several over 100 degree days, I picked birds suited for the heat. We ordered 6 Pearl White Leghorns, 5 Black Minorcas, 5 Buff Minorcas and 5 Anconas, all females. We will get one free chick of unknown breed and straight run. Keeping my fingers crossed they sex them right! I have began gathering the materials for an 8' x 12' coop and will take pictures as I go, posting them here when finished. The adventure begins...Wish me luck! James 
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Posted: 4/12/2017 3:00:21 PM EDT
[#3]
We have chicks!
This is 75 Freedom Rangers. For the freezer of course. Only a temporary home until I get the pigs out of the chicken coop tomorrow, maybe tonight.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/12/2017 11:58:39 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
We have chicks! This is 75 Freedom Rangers. For the freezer of course. Only a temporary home until I get the pigs out of the chicken coop tomorrow, maybe tonight. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/165887/NCM-0284-185923.JPG I was a terrible choice for homestead mod. I want to cuddle and save all 75 of them.  
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Posted: 4/13/2017 12:08:06 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
*heavy sigh* I was a terrible choice for homestead mod. I want to cuddle and save all 75 of them.
For dinner 
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Posted: 4/13/2017 12:15:57 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I am saving them... For dinner 
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Posted: 4/23/2017 12:32:15 PM EDT
[#7]
Next addition once the bees are up and running all the way.
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Posted: 4/26/2017 9:49:56 AM EDT
[#8]
Other than a fence, anyone aware of anything that will keep my growing hostas from being shredded? Out of everything growing in the yard they make a straight shot for the two big hostas that have just started growing and just start shredding the things.
Not sure if there is a product or procedure short of a small fence that will discourage the them. BTW - I send the dog after them (60 lb. lab mix) but they aren't afraid of him anymore, they will jump up and peck him on the nose when he tries to get into their business.
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Posted: 4/26/2017 5:55:20 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Other than a fence, anyone aware of anything that will keep my growing hostas from being shredded? Out of everything growing in the yard they make a straight shot for the two big hostas that have just started growing and just start shredding the things.
Not sure if there is a product or procedure short of a small fence that will discourage the them. BTW - I send the dog after them (60 lb. lab mix) but they aren't afraid of him anymore, they will jump up and peck him on the nose when he tries to get into their business. |
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Posted: 4/26/2017 11:11:09 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Other than a fence, anyone aware of anything that will keep my growing hostas from being shredded? Out of everything growing in the yard they make a straight shot for the two big hostas that have just started growing and just start shredding the things.
Not sure if there is a product or procedure short of a small fence that will discourage the them. BTW - I send the dog after them (60 lb. lab mix) but they aren't afraid of him anymore, they will jump up and peck him on the nose when he tries to get into their business.
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Posted: 4/26/2017 11:54:43 PM EDT
[#11]
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Chickens are single minded, and if they find something they want, I have never found a way to keep them out of it. Which is why I keep mine in a fence.[color=#ff0000] I like my flowers more than I like chickens. [B)[/color]
In the OFFICIAL chicken thread??? 
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Posted: 4/27/2017 11:19:26 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Chickens are single minded, and if they find something they want, I have never found a way to keep them out of it. Which is why I keep mine in a fence. I like my flowers more than I like chickens. |
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Posted: 4/27/2017 11:29:24 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
In the OFFICIAL chicken thread???
first verse...I will delete it here in a bit. 
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Posted: 5/24/2017 12:01:44 PM EDT
[#14]
Picture bump
Got this "eggzilla" the other day. The two regular eggs weighed in at 2.6 oz's each, the big one weighed in at 3.8 oz's, biggest one I've got yet.  Attached FileGetting the Stink Eye -  Attached FilePatrolling the lawn -  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/24/2017 9:47:48 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Picture bump
Got this "eggzilla" the other day. The two regular eggs weighed in at 2.6 oz's each, the big one weighed in at 3.8 oz's, biggest one I've got yet. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/29926/eggzilla-215459.JPG Getting the Stink Eye - https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/29926/stinkeye-215461.JPG Patrolling the lawn - https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/29926/3gals-215462.JPG Owww. (from the hen's perspective)
Will be interested to know whether it's a double yolk.
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Posted: 5/25/2017 10:30:40 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Owww. (from the hen's perspective)
Will be interested to know whether it's a double yolk. |
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Posted: 5/27/2017 7:29:24 PM EDT
[#17]
Landlord (father) had thrown a fit a few years ago about us having backyard chickens so we had to get rid of them. He's now come around, so the wife and I are going to give it another go, have 3 Silver Laced Wyandottes and 3 Black Laced Red Wyandottes incoming this week from Cackle.
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Posted: 5/27/2017 8:04:07 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Landlord (father) had thrown a fit a few years ago about us having backyard chickens so we had to get rid of them. He's now come around, so the wife and I are going to give it another go, have 3 Silver Laced Wyandottes and 3 Black Laced Red Wyandottes incoming this week from Cackle. 
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Posted: 5/31/2017 12:15:26 PM EDT
[#19]
My oldest son calls this one Lady McCluck
She likes to follow my wife around, since my wife always has snacks for our 3 year old
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Posted: 5/31/2017 12:23:21 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My oldest son calls this one Lady McCluck
She likes to follow my wife around, since my wife always has snacks for our 3 year old
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/165887/Chicken1-220438.JPG |
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Posted: 6/17/2017 3:24:51 PM EDT
[#21]
So our 4 buffs are about 6mos old now. In the last few weeks the eggs started coming in. So Im getting 3 eggs a day now. The big one is the only one that isn't going in the box, we have had a feeling it might be a roo because it is bigger and has yellow feet. But we haven't had any crowing nor seen it bang any of the others. What do you all think?
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Posted: 6/17/2017 3:45:23 PM EDT
[#22]
That looks like a hen to me, but I could be wrong.
If the eggs have just started flowing, maybe she's just a late bloomer.
At six months, I'd think you'd see significant male traits. Larger comb, longer tail, more of a "mane." ETA: In my experience, the larger birds take a little longer to start laying. Now that may not be true across the board, but I've come to sort of expect it. I don't know if it's that the larger birds just need a little extra developmental time, or what. Edited further: They are still really pretty young and have a lot of developing to do. Look up at the more mature buffs in the photos by a poster up the page. See how big those combs are? |
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Posted: 6/17/2017 3:48:32 PM EDT
[#23]
Thats what I was thinking, I thought id at least hear some sort of crowing too. Guess shes a late bloomer. Shes my bea author of my 4 golden girls.
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Posted: 6/19/2017 5:01:17 PM EDT
[#24]
Guess I'll get in on this. Had birds for 4 years. We divided their area in 2 and grow barely to supplement their feed. I'm still experimenting with the process but I think I'll be able to feed them several times with 1 seed by moving the chickens before they scratch it down to bare dirt.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 6/20/2017 9:10:01 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Guess I'll get in on this. Had birds for 4 years. We divided their area in 2 and grow barely to supplement their feed. I'm still experimenting with the process but I think I'll be able to feed them several times with 1 seed by moving the chickens before they scratch it down to bare dirt. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/55357/IMG-0743-234362.JPG
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Posted: 6/23/2017 9:23:57 AM EDT
[#26]
Well, count me in. My first two birds. |
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Posted: 6/23/2017 9:37:09 AM EDT
[#27]
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Posted: 6/23/2017 9:38:21 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19275063_10213410710611571_492630286333064062_n.jpg?oh=405ed31806d5cb1a79f698f9e133f7ca&oe=59D99B14 Well, count me in. My first two birds.
What kind of hens? |
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Posted: 6/23/2017 1:50:34 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Had an egg yesterday that was laid without a shell, felt like a a bag of jelly. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/29926/noshell-237020.JPG I've had a few of them. Usually from young chickens just starting. |
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Posted: 6/23/2017 10:42:42 PM EDT
[#30]
lol
Buff Orpington |
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Posted: 6/23/2017 11:40:17 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19275063_10213410710611571_492630286333064062_n.jpg?oh=405ed31806d5cb1a79f698f9e133f7ca&oe=59D99B14 Well, count me in. My first two birds.
IN the top two of my top three favorite birds. And honestly, they are probably #1 for their awesome personalities. (Full Disclosure: Buffs and Domineckers were tied for #1) |
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Posted: 6/28/2017 2:07:03 PM EDT
[#32]
So.. as i previously poated I was getting 1 egg a day from 3 of my 4. My fourth i was wondering if it might be a roo. In the last few days 1 hen got broody and wouldn't leave the box. So I took the training eggs out. So since this whole broody thing started its like the egg production dropped off. Is this normal?
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Posted: 6/28/2017 2:55:00 PM EDT
[#33]
Are there other nesting boxes available? The hens still laying may be frustrated because there is no place to lay eggs.
Amazing how they can turn off production over feelings. |
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Posted: 6/28/2017 8:29:49 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So.. as i previously poated I was getting 1 egg a day from 3 of my 4. My fourth i was wondering if it might be a roo. In the last few days 1 hen got broody and wouldn't leave the box. So I took the training eggs out. So since this whole broody thing started its like the egg production dropped off. Is this normal? "You don't want a settin' hen, you gotta get them eggs outa there right quick like, and if she's a mind ta set, you ain't changin' her mind unless you're the good Lord or winter a comin' and sometimes even winter an' the Lord together can't git a hen off o' the nest."
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Posted: 6/28/2017 8:30:34 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Are there other nesting boxes available? The hens still laying may be frustrated because there is no place to lay eggs. Amazing how they can turn off production over feelings. Human females aren't the only ones with feelz. Just sayin.
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Posted: 6/29/2017 8:20:17 AM EDT
[#36]
One of my hens was limping last evening, not sure what happened. She is just favoring one leg but she is able to put weight on it. I'll have to check when I get home tonight, hopefully just a strain or pulled muscle and nothing too serious.
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Posted: 6/29/2017 1:06:05 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
One of my hens was limping last evening, not sure what happened. She is just favoring one leg but she is able to put weight on it. I'll have to check when I get home tonight, hopefully just a strain or pulled muscle and nothing too serious. Unless you can manage to ice the injury and put on a splint, then she would be back much sooner
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Posted: 6/29/2017 3:06:46 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Giver her time. I've had a few with minor injuries like that, they usually bounce back in a few weeks. Unless you can manage to ice the injury and put on a splint, then she would be back much sooner .
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Posted: 6/29/2017 9:15:54 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm not starting a sports medicine clinic for chickens .
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Posted: 6/30/2017 8:47:04 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
But...but...she might be an Olympic layer!!!
I believe I have one hen who is not laying anymore, I used to get 4 eggs most days with 3 on occasion, now I get 3 eggs most days and sometimes 2 (I have 4 hens). I don't know how to determine who is laying what eggs though as I'm usually at work. Anyone have ideas how to do that? I took this picture a couple of weeks ago after I got the big 3.9 oz egg. The egg in the middle is the usual "jumbo" size eggs I normally get. I found the tiny egg inside the coop when I was raking the pine shavings. It had been there a while I'm guessing because it was almost completely dried out.  Attached File |
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Posted: 6/30/2017 10:20:37 AM EDT
[#41]
If these are new hens, just give them time. It may not be 1 particular bird laying at 100% and skipping a day here and there, but multiple.
Also, not all breeds lay 100% reliably. Anything over 85% production and I'm typically happy. When I let the girls free range, I usually am closer to 60%, but the feed is free so I'm OK with that. |
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Posted: 7/1/2017 10:09:32 PM EDT
[#42]
All this that Rat says is good advice.
Out of curiosity, what are you feeding them? If you are feeding a decent laying mash, once they get going, and have all been laying for a couple of months, you should expect three eggs per day out of four hens, average. Hens take a day off per week, basically. That's not saying they have any idea of our calendar. Just that it works out pretty much that way. They lay for a few days, then skip a day. Depending on the cycle your hens are on, you could potentially get a day with only one egg, or even NO eggs. It just depends on how their "day off" falls. Hens do not lay EVERY day. They lay several days in a row, usually, then they will skip a day. |
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Posted: 7/18/2017 12:24:00 PM EDT
[#43]
So on top of everything else keeping me busy, Im contemplating getting some chickens from Murray Mcmurray. What size brooder would I need for 15 since thats the minimum order?
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Posted: 7/18/2017 12:31:30 PM EDT
[#44]
Not too big. They would be fine in a 2'x3' stock tank until they are ready for a coop.
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Posted: 7/18/2017 1:49:32 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not too big. They would be fine in a 2'x3' stock tank until they are ready for a coop. |
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Posted: 7/18/2017 3:37:25 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ive seen the ones at rural king in the stock tank, Figured I might use that or even one of those huge rubbermaid totes |
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Posted: 7/18/2017 11:25:10 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ive seen the ones at rural king in the stock tank, Figured I might use that or even one of those huge rubbermaid totes But honestly, you could do a big cardboard box at first. Two or three inches of cedar chips in the bottom, a "jar" waterer (you get the bases at TSC or somewhere like that) and an egg carton style feeder and you are good for fifteen chicks. You'll need a chicken light (abotu $10 at TSC) to keep them warm. Be SURE to put your microbrooder in the laundry room, or a closet, or a closed room somewhere that the cat and dog cannot get to. ESPECIALLY the cat. Cats cannot help themselves. They will kill every chick, and it has nothing to do with being hungry. They CAN'T NOT kill those babies. Keep them away. |
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Posted: 7/19/2017 9:07:49 AM EDT
[#48]
For our 22 from McMurray we started with an old playpen given to us by a friend. We put down cardboard on the bottom and on the sides and then used large plastic trash bags to make it to where nothing could drip or slip out. We then covered that with a layer of pine shavings and put paper towels on top of that to give them more traction for a couple of days and to keep them from eating the shavings.
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Posted: 7/19/2017 9:16:14 AM EDT
[#49]
Then we went a little crazy, which is what my wife and I usually do about pets of ours.
We bought 4 sheets of an OSB type plywood, 8 2x4x8's, 8 L type brackets, 2 hinges and a latch. Cost was about $100, about the same as a steel tub from the farm store. I took all the furniture in our small front bedroom and put it against the walls. Put down a tarp, then 3 sheets of heavy plastic on top of each other. Then in my shop I laid the OSB down and screwed 2 2x4's to each sheet, cut a door in one sheet and hinged and latched it. Then brought the four "walls" into the bedroom and screwed the brackets in the corners to hold them together. We then had an 8' x 8' brooder. The chicks are 5 weeks old as of Monday. 
They do create a lot of dust, but we close the door and it helps keep it confined. The AC is turned off in that area so it stays pretty warm. 
We used a homemade Mama heating pad when they were young, but they are too big to get under it anymore. They still occasionally like to get on it , even though it has been turned way down for awhile. 
The corners worked well for 1/2' dowels for roosts, sometimes there as many as 6 birds on them at a time. 
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Posted: 7/19/2017 9:46:04 AM EDT
[#50]
A couple of notes about keeping chicks in the house.
Folks say they are noisy. They don't bother my wife and I, but then again we live on 11 acres with 6 dogs of which 4 small ones are in the house. We hear them, but it is not off putting or annoying. Now when the one or two that we expect to be roosters start attempting to crow, that may change. But they will be outside in a temporary coop and run in about a week while I finish the Taj Majal of chicken coops and runs. They do create dust from the shavings. If you can confine it to one room where you can clean it up later, it is best. We don't want to track any chicken cooties in the house so we keep Walmart/Grocery bags to tie on our feet when we go into their pen. Then we turn them inside out and throw them away. Make sure you have a way to cover their brooder it the top is open. Ours can fly up and land on your shoulders now when you go in. We have a $10 net that we got off of Amazon that we keep on top of it and slide back as needed. |
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