Chickens, and things related

[bmac]

I was lucky in that the three I picked were all hens.

You may recall, my daughter got her 20 chickens through a 4H program here. She just picked the chicks she liked out of a box. So far, we've identified 3 roosters in the 10 black cochins she got. With the blue silkies, to be honest, I can't tell the hens from the roosters.

Her friend from school who also did the chicken thing with 4H is down to about 13 birds now. 2 died within a couple of days of receiving them, the rest were killed by predators after they moved them outside. But, of the 13 remaining, only 3 are hens. They were hoping for more eggs and less crowing.

 

[dooleysm]

Before Monday night I really enjoyed listening to the rooster crow. It was definitely not loud enough to wake me up from his location on the other side of my barn. I could hear it if I was awake and there were no dogs barking, babies crying, TVs blaring, or anything like that. I enjoyed listening to him when I was outside. I plan on keeping one of my remaining roosters and eating the rest. I think I can start to tell the males from the females. I think I'll be more sure in a few weeks when they get to a more suitable eating size.

 

[tony123]

Of the six I got at Easter, we are starting to have strong suspician that one of the Americanas is a rooster. Dooley, like you said, I feel a rooster can be fun and a pleasant sound if its not waking us or the neighbors up. I'll just monitor him for a while and see what happens. Maybe he'll be a quiet rooster?

The first clues seem to be that his/her neck is broader, and he/her is a bit larger overall. Also, he is behaving differently. The other five act as a unit, while this one bird is usually off doing his/her thing. When he does interact with the group, it is usually dominating and a "herding" sort of thing. Okay, I'm convinced.

I put some wheels on the back of my cicken tractor a few days back. It is tricky to have the wheels low enough to actually work without allowing a huge gap under the coop. I did the best compromise I could, and it works like....well....a compromise. Better than nothing though.

Interesting enough, the girls used to suck up worms from the kids hands just as quick as they could. Now, I give them worms and they don't fool with them. Hmmmm.

 

[Tororider]

Tony,
Had you thought about removable wheels? That is what I was thinking of doing. Check the legs too, I have heard that roosters have much thicker legs much earlier.

 

[tony123]

Did not think of removable wheels!!!! good idea! thanks.

I'll check the legs.

 

[tile]

Been thinking about getting a few chickens here.

And was wondering as far as a pen or run if I could use a
10' x 10' x 6 dog kennel like the ones you get at tractor supply.

Maybe make some type of roof for shade from the sun and rain and build a little nesting box or house inside for them.

And try to install something around the bottom of the pen to keep things out.

Any pros or cons to this ?

 

[dooleysm]

Seems like you could do that if you were so inclined. I would think the weather in Florida would be warm enough that you could get away with alot less in the way of shelter than those of us further north can.

Although based on my experience you could probably build something you'd be happier with for about the same money. From what I've seen, those pre-fab dog kennels are pretty pricey. Your mileage may vary though.

 

[Tororider]

What kind of predators do you think you will have where you are? I would at least put some chicken wire around the bottom of the run maybe bury it depending on how mobile you would like it. I made mine out of a 2x4 frame and then put 1/4" wire mesh around it. I put a 4'x7' roof panel from lowes on it. There are pictures on this thread somewhere.

 

[tile]

What kind of predators do you think you will have where you are? I would at least put some chicken wire around the bottom of the run maybe bury it depending on how mobile you would like it. I made mine out of a 2x4 frame and then put 1/4" wire mesh around it. I put a 4'x7' roof panel from lowes on it. There are pictures on this thread somewhere.

I have seen a few possums and raccoons but not a lot maybe 15 or so over the last 5 yrs.

I did see and my dog got into a fight last night with a cat where it came from I have no clue.


Ron.

 

[tile]

Seems like you could do that if you were so inclined. I would think the weather in Florida would be warm enough that you could get away with alot less in the way of shelter than those of us further north can.

Although based on my experience you could probably build something you'd be happier with for about the same money. From what I've seen, those pre-fab dog kennels are pretty pricey. Your mileage may vary though.

Yea the one I am looking at is around 200.00 so I could maybe build it myself and save a few $$

Yep its warm here just I would think they would need some shade.

Ron.