Chickens.

Hi All,

Not updated this for a while as I've not been able to get the time with my new job. I am off this week and finished the roof and stated laying the slabs on the floor. All was going well until this happened.........




Scared the bejesus out of me I was laying the slab on the right at the time. Needless to say it has not been laid very well. It has come off next doors poplar tree. I've been and had a stiff drink and change of pants. Then felt very angry, but now realise it could have been a lot worse. Is there anything I can put above the roof to try and deflect such objects if this happens again.?

Rusty

 

Hi All,

At last it's finished!!!!

Took nearly 18 months to do, but here it:

Any feedback greatly appreciated or any improvements that I could make. I'm not sure about the 2logs together, but it was the only way I could think of getting the 2nd perch into the run so that it is still safe for the kids to go in as well. Going to get the girls tomorrow.

Rusty

 

I'd jump at the chance of living there if I were a chook Rusty. So looking forward to seeing the new gals,
Jenny

 

Nice one Rusty,looks great How many girls are you getting? bet you all can't wait,marvellous creatures they are and wait till you've tasted those eggs

 

We are getting 4. Hopefully a speckldy, bluebelle, columbian black tail and rhode rock. Hopefully they will have all in stock. I phoned Friday and they have over 100 hens on stock, me and the two kids are going to get them, as mommy is having a well deserved lunch out with her friends. I went to a local animal feed shop on Friday and got Layers Pellets, corn and wood shavongs for the coop. I still need to raise the coop about 18 inches, I am going to make some 8 inch square pillars out of concrete, this will give another 15 foot of floor space. I also need to get a few bags of wood chips as the stump grindings on the floor are a bit thin in parts. What is the best way to clean the red and white plastic drinkers? Can they go in dishwasher or just wash with washing up liquid?

Rusty

 

Lookin good

 

Good idea to raise the coop Rusty saves anything 'furry' wanting to make a home under there
I just wash the drinkers and feeders with soapy water

 

Hi All,

The girls are in we got a rhode rock, amber star, black tail and a caulder ranger. The first two went in coop great, the second two took off as soon as I lifted the corner of the box. I will leave hem in the run for an hour or so and then see how they have settled down. I will try and get pictures too.

Rusty

 

....Brilliant Rusty I suggest you get a bench positioned nearby as you and the family will spend many an hour watching their antics....

 

I know what you mean Lolimac. The kid and I have spent about an hour watching them. It's a Sussex star we got not an Amber star as previously stated. For some reason she doesn't like the Caulder ranger, but is fine with the others. Rusty

 

Plus a couple of garden chairs handy to take in the run so they get up on your laps (have old towels handy to cover laps in case of accidents). Look out for reduced grapes as they love them.

Have you got a patch of perpetual spinach (AKA Chard) planted for greenstuff). If not cabbages are 39p each in Aldi at the moment.

 

No spinach growing, but I have hung a stalk of comfrey up for them. We have also given them a handful of worms of the compost heap, they didn't last long.

Rusty.

 

Well I didn't know that thanks Rusty...I've always been greedy with Comfrey and saved it for plant food.

 

- piccie please...
Jenny

 

Hi All,
Just a few pictures.


It took me about an hour and a quater to catch them to put them in the coop last night. I've sat with them today for an hour or so, the columbian black tail and rhode rock are very inquisitive. I managed to pick the rhode rock up and after she would let me stroke her. On occasion. The Sussex and the Caulder are very wary though. Is there a better way of putting them to bed at night as they were flying all around the run and I am worried they may damage them selves.

Rusty