Chickens, and things related

[EddieWalker]

It looks like I can get 20 Rio Grand Turkeys for $8 each. That should be a good starting number to see what happens. Never having done this before, it's all new to me.

I have one tree that has to come out, but otherwise, it's just some smoothing of the dirt so I can build the fence. I have water and electric close by, so that will be easy.

If all goes well, I'll order them this spring and start a thread on what happens.

Eddie

 

[Tororider]

Sounds good Eddie, looking forward to the thread. Hows the rest of the to-do list going?

I have a new plan. Greatly decrease my flock, and keep them at my house. Apparently in my city you can have up to three chickens as long as you don't let them get smelly. I am sure this eliminates a rooster too, for the crowing. I am thinking the clucking of the hens shouldn't be a problem with my neighbors, most of them can't complain to me about noise anyways.

So with the new plan, I just have to convince my wife that three chickens, coop cleaned weekly, will not smell. And that she won't have to worry about doing anything with them, it will all be on me, and being at my house I won't have to worry about making sure I am there.

Here is the coop that I would probably build, or something similar.

Playhouse Chicken Coop - Back Yard Chickens

Thoughts? This will give me a good step towards a larger flock out at the farm, and it starts me on my chickens. Plus with three heavy laying hens, once they start laying they should provide all the eggs my family would need, I figure a bit over a dozen a week.

The new strategy begins!

 

[4720 OWNER]

Put some sand in the run, 3-4" so they have some thing to play with. Also can put weeds in there as well and they will tear into them like crazy. If you have never had fresh eggs, vs store boughten then you are in for a special treat and will go a long time with the partner or whoever does some cooking. In the fall, take a fork and pick up the leftover weeds and manure and put it all in the compost pile for the garden. Weeds mixture seems to keep the smell down as well.

 

[Tororider]

Should the sand be in the whole run area? Does that make it easier to rake out?

I am excited about this plan, I think I can make it work, just need to convince my wife, which I think I can do.

I figure if I get 4 chickens no one will complain, it should get me plenty of eggs for me(once they start laying), and allow me eggs to give out as peace offerings to neighbors if need be.

 

[4720 OWNER]

Should the sand be in the whole run area? Does that make it easier to rake out? That is what i did, about a 4' x 8' area, about 3 wheelbarrows full. Took the major stuff out in the fall before the freeze with hand fork and will spread some new in the spring to 'freshen' it up.

I am excited about this plan, I think I can make it work, just need to convince my wife, which I think I can do. If one of the bottoms of the sides of the house is hinged so can get in there with some reaching tool, much easier to rake it out and into a bucket rather than trying to go in thru the door.

I figure if I get 4 chickens no one will complain, it should get me plenty of eggs for me(once they start laying), and allow me eggs to give out as peace offerings to neighbors if need be.

Have to stress farm fresh and the yolks will be lots more orange (at least mine are), just compare them side by side. Sometimes a little hand brush is helpful for cleaning them off. Just wait until you do the 'meats' and get some good fresh chickens that know what a bug is!!

 

[Tororider]

Oh I've had farm fresh eggs, that is what I eat most often now. Our neighbor out at our "farm" has chickens, so as long as they are laying that is where I try to get our eggs from. I was amazed at the difference between those eggs and even the "organic" eggs I get at costco. It is really amazing.

 

[4720 OWNER]

Totally agreed!

1 cost saver i have been using for the layers for a couple years is to put their waterer on a heating pad about the same size or just a little smaller. Saved buying a fancy heater and lots cheaper and works to about 10 to 15 below.

 

[Tororider]

So now that I can only have 3, maybe try to stretch it to 4, I am thinking about getting a few breeds if they have them at TSC. Suggestions, now I am thinking some combo of buff orpington, production red, americauna, mottled java, a laced wyandotte, and maybe a barred rock. From what I have heard, all are decent dual purpose and good layers, and have decent temperments. With the two kids I want breeds that are mellow.

Davitk, if you are still reading I am going to pick up Storeys Guide to Raising Chickens, by Gail Damerow and read it on vacation next week.

 

[EddieWalker]

Have you been to McMurrayHatchery.com Home Page ? They have quite a selection, but I don't know anything more about them. I like your idea of ordering a book and reading up on raising the birds and will do the same thing. There are several to choose from with "Upland Game Birds, Their Breeding and Care" by Dr. Leland Haye's for $34.95 as the one I'm considering the most.

As for the large variety of birds, I think you might be better trying one species at a time. One of each might just create problems, though I can't imagine what. I like the idea of one species so that you can get a feel of what they are like. Then next year or whenever, try another species and see how that works out. My fear is that a mixed group might behave differently, or you won't know who's doing what all of the time.

Eddie

 

[Tororider]

Hey Eddie, yes I have been to McMurray, and IDEAL POULTRY - Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Guineas, Bantams, Chicks, Turkeys, Poultry, Birds, Fowl, and Chicken Hatchery Poultry Hatchery Cackle Hatchery Chick Hatchery Egg Hatchery, and My Pet Chicken: Purchase a Chicken Coop, Baby Chicks, Raise Chickens in Your Backyard, Learn About Chicken Breeds!. Some of those have smaller minimums, but I think at TSC they will have sexed chicks and a good variety.

I think if I get them all at one time, the different varieties shouldn't be a problem, because they will grow up together and already have a pecking order when they get bigger. If I am wrong, hopefully someone on here will tell me or I will read it in the book next week. If/when I get these, I will make sure to post pics.

Eddie, gotten anymore coyotes?