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It might not be a bad idea to have something like this set up for her on the porch at night so she’s not too vulnerable Trixie Pet Products Natura Small Animal Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WFCFYW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LyA0BbYXZDVGG
Ebay for like $6!
But it was too long ago to look up my purchases history.
These are the ones :
Womens Novelty Funny Crazy Socks - 1/3Pack Cool Funky Animal Cartoon Cosplay Chicken Leg Knee High Mid-calf Gift Socks
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PR9X2HN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7EHYDb9YFQFT8
I would HIGHLY recommend that you consider getting a Heat Plate Brooder. For example, this one.
The year I used Heat Bulbs like you are, I witnessed one explode into the brooder (sitting quietly on the couch when it happened), and I had another nearly start a fire despite being bolted into the frame I built.
When I upgraded to my Brinsea Heat Plate Brooder for my latest chick batch....I kicked myself in the ass because I did not buy it sooner!
Not only does it provide better warmth and overall coverage for a larger group of chicks....it is almost completely safe! The only thing you must watch out for is if they get unplugged accidentally....resulting in very cold chicks!
There are a few options on Amazon for cheaper or more expensive/larger ones. It may be an investment, but it is worth it! Especially due to the potential of fires happening while you are away!
This is very common behavior with Polish. We've got standard Tolbunt Polish, White Crested Bantam Polish, and we kept Silver and Gold Laced Polish in the past. At one time or another, they all head pecked. It's incredibly frustrating to look into a pen and to see a bird sit calmly while another bird pecks feathers out of its crest til it bleeds.
We've tried Blu Kote, but you have to reapply nearly every day and, as soon as you stop, the pecking resumes. We've tried separating the victim til feathers regrow. We've tried top knotting the crest feathers but the little bands inevitably get scratched out.
The absolute only thing that's ever worked (for me) are pinless peepers for the repeat offenders. Let them wear the peepers til the feathers regrow and then remove them to see if it stops the instinctive behavior.
I hope your chook recovers! I use rooster booster as a vitamin supplement for my flock. She looks like she might need more immediate care. Backyard chicken is also a great resource. Here is a thread with an issue similar to yours. Good luck and sending all my love and good thoughts to your baby!
I had success with this style, requires some assembly/your own “bucket”, however it scales well for the smallest indoor chick and full grown free range flocks.
https://www.amazon.com/RentACoop-Automatic-Chicken-Waterer-Poultry/dp/B07D6VFCWM
I use Sun-Mar Microbe Mix, which can be bought at Home Depot, or online at Amazon.
There are some formulas that require it to be mixed with water and applied, while there are some dry types that you just sprinkle on evenly as you 'stir' their bedding.
It is important to NOT use the wet form during winter, because the first day after application will produce a lot of ammonia and 'steam', which is really bad for their respiratory systems, and can cause frostbite at night. Summer is best for the wet form, when you can leave the hen house door open for ventilation.
I must stress that a good ventilation system is a must in regards to the deep litter method being safe for the chickens. Having wind-powered vent fans installed way above where the chickens roost is an easy and superior method.
I don't know where you'd buy them, but you can get covers that protect that skin from further damage while it heals up.
I've seen much better ones than these, but this is what I mean:
https://www.amazon.com/Louises-Country-Closet-Standard-Protection/dp/B00KQCANVI
I actually have been working closely with the owners and developers of the Kebonnixs company for the past couple years. They send me new products to test, as well as get my input on pros and cons and ways to improve.
They sent me one of their new doors to test and I love it! Super easy to install, runs on a couple batteries (or you can purchased a plug to use electricity) that seem to last forever and best of all, it works!! Haha! I will share the link below. Reasonably priced in terms of auto coop doors. You should give then a try and tell them Sheri sent you! Haha!
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08RRW3MXL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_15Z6TSEVGPF9245BZD0K
Try this link. Green Shade Cloth
It sounds like their crop which means it's totally 100% normal, it's like a storage pouch on the way to the stomach. If it feels like it's full of water, it probably is!
At times it will feel hard, squishy or non-existent. All totally fine.
Also, consider adding some grit as they age a little, it helps with digestion, it will be a little too big to do them much good right now though.
Let's not downvote an honest question. Roosters are programmed mate with multiple hens and the lovemaking is not especially gentle. Your lady may not always be receptive so at least if you've got seven more, like I do, she can make herself less available.
Typically you ought to have about 4 square feet in the coop per bird (large breeds) and about 10 square feet per bird in the run if you keep them penned in all the time. Obviously if you only have two birds, 20 square feet isn't very much, but if you have more chickens and use that ratio, then it becomes more and more appropriate.
Since you give me the impression that you're just starting to learn about keeping chickens, this is a good place to start. The more you learn, the happier your birds will be.
I also highly recommend the course "Chicken Behaviour and Welfare" from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, which is offered for free online through Coursera.org. I took it, and it was incredibly thorough and actually fairly challenging. Then I printed up my certificate, framed it, and hung it inside my chicken coop so the birds know they can come to me with any questions they may have.
There are a ton of design plans and ideas out there to suit your ambition and budget. It doesn't need to be as fancy as these, though... ours is basically a large wooden box. Just make sure whatever coop you go with has enough room for each bird to roost, one nest box per five chickens, is well ventilated, and easy for you to clean.
We also don't know what your budget is, but pre-built coops are available on craigslist, farm supply stores, and Costco.
These are the models that we got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H4S2MKG?
I don't think these girls got many treats in the past. They tore into the cabbage until they discovered the cucumber. There was still half a cabbage left when I put them in for the night.
We got them from a friend who couldn't keep them anymore after she moved. The new people that moved in didn't keep them safe from their dogs. There were 12. Only 7 left when we brought them home with us.
If you haven’t seen the bodies/feather piles for the last two, try not to give up hope. I’ve had chickens disappear for a day or so after a predation event, and show back up. Piles of feathers don’t always indicate death, as scared chickens can “blow their butts out” when they’re fleeing a predator. Try to leave the coop open for them so that they go back inside if they’re still out there. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this.
I would suggest something like this, I use it for my coop to keep away predators, and we live in an area with bears as well. Since we’ve started using it, we haven’t had any issues. I hope you’re able to find something that works.
Nope mink and weasels like to carry them a bit away and make a pile of them. And they are very agile whilst carrying them. Mink get to be very large, this one my husband took was about 18" long without the tail. He has a fur takers license, so I don't know what the laws where you may live would be for actually killing them. Here's a good guide for what is getting your chickens.
It looks to be the same egg incubator I have which has a candler built into it.
I have 10 hens, 6 weeks old and still living in my guest bathroom while we finish the coop. We bought these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0889J3G7N?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Right now I have them stuck through a flattened box and taped to the wall, and I refill the cups several times a day. But of course we'll install the PVC pipes in the coop and just keep it connected to the hose bib at low pressure so all we'll have to do is check the cups daily to make sure the hens didn't kick wood shavings into the cups.
The hens took to the cups instantly, no training required.
Misting Cooling System, Aiglam Misting System with 33FT(10M) Misting Line + 12 Misting Nozzles + 1 Brass Adapter(3/4"), for Outside Greenhouse,Garden,Trampoline, Waterpark https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08P31TX9H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7VW99M36K95JCGW419MB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this one. My run is 8’x20’ with an additional 8’x8’ area for their dust bath.
You're welcome! I recommend this version: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H4S2MKG
Other styles have a bolt on the bottom and another redditor pointed out that this can come loose and a chicken can eat/choke on it. I just got lucky as I didn't want the version that bolted from the bottom as I thought it would get pretty messy easily.
Spray them with blu kote
Dr. Naylor FA Dressing Blu-Kote Aerosol (4.5 oz.) -Fast Drying Antiseptic Wound Dre https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CUH9T34/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7H6FM4MT9M8DTTWXXV6B
Worked for me.
Also check out "How to Speak Chicken: Why Your Chickens Do What They Do & Say What They Say" if you haven't already :)
My mother bought it for me after a visit where she witnessed me carrying on with the girls in the coop
Thank you! I plan on closing the door to the coop and putting rocks all around the base of the coop so he can not dig in. Just ordered this off amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ISVJL6 and hope to get it installed Tuesday. It should alert me if something is outside the coop. No dog :(
I'll copy this here too for you to see. Mink get to be very large, this one my husband took was about 18" long without the tail. He has a fur takers license, so I don't know about the laws where you may live would be for actually killing them. Here's a good guide for what is getting your chickens.
Is a shame it will be pooped on I agree. I may build myself one not to poop in.. Here are some pics of the greenhouse and garden in progress. I still need to finish it as well. Thanks so much. https://imgur.com/a/wIfjo
That's what I would want anyway... I only have two birds.
I hear the chickens really like those treat bars too, and mine love meal worms and crickets. Those are more like stocking stuffers, but it's all I can really think of.
New to this.. was just listening to a podcast that talks about this exactly... Have a listen nerd.. https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmxvZ3RhbGtyYWRpby5jb20vYmFja3lhcmRwb3VsdHJ5L3BvZGNhc3Q&episode=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ibG9ndGFsa3JhZGlvLmNvbS9iYWNreWFyZHBvdWx0cnkvMjAyMC8wNC8xMC9hZGRyZXNzaW5nLWNvbW1vbi1xdWVzdGlvbnMtZm91bmQtb24tY2hpY...
Sorry stupid long link. It's the "chicken whisperer" episode 300 "addressing common questions found on chicken forums"
OXO Good Grips Pro Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Black Frying Pan/Skillet, 10" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PCI71TS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_H8P2975XQYKBS2F0E5CJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
10” non-stick pan is the perfect size for two eggs
No oil necessary.
I think it’s this: ChickenGuard ‘Premium’ Automatic Chicken Coop Pop Hole Door Opener & Closer with Timer & Light Sensor Plus Our Classic 30 x 40cm Aluminium Door & Oak Runner Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQ2FR1T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WGTFH1PEYPCQF1J9PMSH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
We just snagged some off Amazon. I see the one we ordered isn't available anymore. But I am sure you can find something similar. I would just make sure they aren't tight but not too loose to snag on something.
Amazon has this really cool one! It’s been working really great for me, it just plug in between your power source and your lamp. Hopefully that link works, but that’s the one I have an have no complaints about so far and we’ve had a pretty chilly winter with plenty of snow here in northern Pennsylvania
Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller 2-Stage Outlet Thermostat Heating and Cooling Mode Carboy Homebrew Fermenter Greenhouse Terrarium 110V 10A 1100W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXM5UAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EXAB499NE0TGD53QSQCA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I switch it on when it goes around/under 50F. I have two flat screen heaters in the coop. They are super awesome. Check the temp with Bluetooth thermometer and switch it on when needed. I like to leave them on daytime, too so when they lay it’s a bit extra cozy for them in there. This is the one I have: Magicfly Chicken Coop Heater, Large Chicken Panel Heater 165 Watts with Led Display and Temperature Adjustable with Remote Control Safer Than Brooder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CH13XH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_s4zj7lrv6GWfE the coop is a redneck kind of coop so insulation is nowhere professional. The two heaters add about 10 C to the temperature inside when doors are closed (night) and about 8 C when open (daytime).
probably something like this
They sell these on Amazon for the same price, same company (I was trying to comparison shop)
Oh no, I meant our family has a copy of the book. I wish I were a publisher. My mother-in-law met Kate DiCamillo somewhere and got a signed copy. It's cute. Here's the Amazon link.
I originally ordered this Rite Farm one from Amazon, and I returned it, both because the plastic container isn't insulated enough to maintain a constant temperature and the fan on that one is extremely loud. We couldn't even stand to be in the same room as that incubator.
Honestly, for entry-level incubators, I'm going back to the Hovabator. I had an old manual hovabator when I was a kid and it worked great. I think I'll splurge and get the automatic Hovabator with fan kit, because everything under $100 is garbage and everything over $200 is out of my price range.
I made a watering bucket for mine. Got a food-grade plastic bucket with lid (for free from Sam's bakery, they go through tons of those icing buckets), cleaned it well.
Ordered chicken nipples from Amazon (way cheaper than getting them through a poultry supply place); drilled four holes in the bottom of the bucket, and put the nipples in. (here is a link to the type I got)
I mounted a hose reel to a post in the run, hung the bucket handle over it, and voila! -- clean water on demand!
It took them about five minutes to figure it out -- now they prefer that to a bowl of water. Only down-side is, I can't use it during the winter due to freezing temperatures. However, from spring through fall, it saves me a ton of work, and means they always have clean fresh water.
literaly just finished hatching in one of those (here it is without all the excess accessories) with an 89% hatch rate (8/9 eggs hatched). Wrote a pretty lengthy review on it, if you are interested. There are several brands that sell this EXACT model on amazon for around $40-$60
I use a pretty cheap WiFi ONVIF compatible camera from Amazon, and a Synology to archive the footage.
I'm kind of surprised I didn't loose WiFi when the tree came down. It took out half the tree the camera is mounted on.
we have one and it's great. had it a couple weeks, no problems yet. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HRT5WD2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You might wanna try these if you have a fence they keep dogs out
I'm in central Texas too. We just had a stretch of over 100 degree days and I give them a separate container of ice water around 11am that I mix powdered chick electrolytes in, and wrapped a medical bandage around it like a beer koozie to keep it cold longer. I also installed a patio fan in their run that's completely shaded under a large oak tree and is directed at their coop so you get airflow in there as well. They seem totally fine now with those steps.
Plan your run/coop to be adjustable for the seasons with multiple ventilation points you can either keep all open when hot or close (most) when cold/stormy. Having somewhere you can run an extension cord to for a fan or heating pad. Use 2x4s with wider side up for roosting bars so they can completely cover their feet with their feathers when cold. Protection from high temps seem like the most important though.
I have a mixed flock of Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, White Brahma and a Cream Legbar Rooster and they all do fine with these steps.
We bought this waterer from Amazon and the chickens love it. No water dripping down from the horizontal nipples! Would be cheaper to make your own. 5 Gallon Chicken Waterer - 4 Horizontal Side Mount Poultry Nipples - for Up to 30 Chickens - Coop Feeder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016AFYT4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OzJgFbEK7DXJ7
We had a lot of trouble finding it just like you! We tried hardware stores, calling fencing places... We eventually gave in and bought from Amazon when it became available (it took a lot of digging to find the right size and dimensions at the right time).
Here is what we bought, though it looks like it is currently unavailable. https://smile.amazon.com/Jackson-Wire-11033824-Vinyl-Hardware/dp/B002LZP6YC
I will say, the vinyl made a difference and was worth it.
Direct from my amazon order history, 3 batches of chicks no issues
chicks 0 hours thru 9 days old:
https://www.amazon.com/Tazzzu-Oasis-Poultry-Water-Nipples/dp/B00846NTRI Screwed into the caps of Ocean Spray cranberry juice bottles that I hang from the ceiling of coop and raise up half Inch a day or so as they Grow. I keep a paint tray filled with gravel underneath it so that they don’t get spraddle leg and you don’t need to worry about bedding getting wet
Change the water every 3-4 days
In day 10 I literally just put a hen waterer in their coop, until it moves out to the run around day 24 (I integrate them with hens around days 16-19).
https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Waterer-Horizontal-Chicken-Installation/dp/B01NBZH4XV
Two or three of these screwed about 1” from the bottom of a 5 gallon Lowe’s bucket. Dump bucket and refill every 10-14 days year round.
I never have chicken poop in water etc as it’s simply not possible with these.
It is critical that you teach the chicks how to use them and then do your best to ignore them. So many people stress about chicks doing this, chicks doing that. You pecked their beak on the waterer, now go away for 24 hours. They will be fine and you won’t stress about it.
If you wanted to go this route I think you can probdbly come up with a way to hang in brooder maybe just a 2x4 frame or suspend from the back of an extra chair or stool or something. But at their age, they are well beyond the age they can use a horizontal nipples which is the best for 10 days until death for chickens anyway in my opinion. I go away each summer for 14 days, no maintenance , just make sure i filled the waterers and feeders before leaving. Neighbor grabs eggs but nobody has to go in coop or run for anything.
Rent a coop
I’ve read about collars that can keep a rooster quite. I have no idea how effective they are.
It depends on your set up and your coop door. I have this one which was SUPER easy to up as far as drilling and done. The interface is slow and a bit antiquated but once you get used to it it’s fine. There are others that the doors swing out (like an actual door) versus this one that goes up and down. The one that was more like a door was a bit cheaper (I wanna say $180?). They also sell “kits” to make your own but I’m not that handy! Your chooks will thank you!
Automatic Chicken Coop Door - Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EN3O4MY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AABKBbE19G0Y6
My husband just ordered this from Amazon. Amazon chicken toys. Another thought is give your SO a (hard shell) kiddie pool if you can find one - can be used to create a dirt bath area for your chickens. We have 2 of them in their run, they hang out in their pools often.
Legit shocked at the amount of people who don’t realize this is a sickly chicken 😢😢
For people with chickens it’s so important to educate yourselves of the signs of illness. They are a prey species, they must remain well exteriorly to survive and when they finally do show signs, they’re very very ill. This is a great resource for small scale chicken owners.
If you decide to heat, I recommend a ceramic “bulb”, which is like a light bulb without the light. I’ve got mine on a timer so it’s only on during the cold part of the night. https://www.amazon.com/QSLQYB-Ceramic-Infrared-Reptile-Emitter/dp/B07WTL1R9L
Looks like her flock mates are picking on her. She needs a chicken saddle, which are easy to find online. That area needs to be covered up because they will keep pecking at it. Just make sure it is made with a sturdy fabric. This is what I use, after trying several brands. https://smile.amazon.com/Adjustable-Protector-Accessories-Suitable-5-7-6lbs/dp/B093X11RT2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=UHO3SDG2IIWT&keywords=chicken+saddle+for+hens&qid=1670167355&sprefix=chicken+saddle%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-3
We had some rats in our (small) barn and it was impossible to secure to keep them out. I tried the bucket method to no success, and removing the feed every night was a pain. But what ended up doing it was one of those ultrasonic noise things, which I thought were just a bunch of nonsense. But the bigger ones actually work! Note: not the small plug-in ones. It took a couple weeks but they actually left. I also had a critter in my garage that it got rid of. A little pricey but worth it!
Loraffe Plug-in Rodent Repellent Ultrasonic 4-in-1 Pest Repeller Mouse Blocker Rat Deterrent Get Rid of Mice with Ultrasound Impulse LED Flashlights P https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CVDMCKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_PmjrsP7WB9g92
Hey!! Sorry for the late reply I just saw your comment. I don’t bring my chickens in very often because my vet is pricey. There are also some really amazing chicken health books that you can buy to get you through almost anything, except the real serious stuff. But even then, the chicken health books will say when to take your chicken to the vet or euthanize. I started with 9 chickens, now I’m down to 7. Bella, the one with cancer, had a pretty steep decline in health so I brought her in to see if she was contagious to the other chickens. I was pretty sure she wasn’t going to recover from whatever was wrong with her. So I just kept her as comfortable as I could until we saw the vet. I brought her home to euthanize her in a less stressful environment. But I’m not even sure she knew where she was. So I guess that was more for me than her at that point.
Most states will record if a flock has avian flu or some other kind of contagious disease that needs to be monitored throughout your state. So it’s good to see a vet when you have a serious illness.
This is my first flock, so far I’ve had them almost 3 years. You will learn so so much with your first flock!! Keep their living quarters, water, and butts clean. Everything else you’ll have to roll with the punches. But chickens are so worth it!
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Solar LTE camera. Will cost a few buck a month for the sim card/data use
I got it on Amazon. Something like this hard wired to the fan. I guess you could have the humidistat power a plug and plug a fan into it.
They have gravity feed water units with a heated base.
I personally despise Farm Innovators, but I put that link in just to show the example. My unit is a different brand, and I have had no issues with it. The only time you will have an issue is if you lose electrical service.
This worked pretty well for me in Kansas: https://www.chewy.com/farm-innovators-heated-all-season/dp/279950
If you can keep it out of the wind, that helps. I still had to periodically break up the top layer of ice on the coldest days (in single digits Fahrenheit).
My original one that was all enclosed in a wood frame with a screwdrive motor and timex timer is no longer made. That one lasted me about 10 years with no issues until it finally gave out this last spring. This is the one I got to replace it. it also uses a screwdrive motor. I'm not a fan of the optical safety sensor, but it seems that's what most of them are using. My old one had a pressure plate on the bottom of the door that would stop the motor when it made contact with something.
This is what I was thinking as well. I definitely add something like this but maybe not that pricey. I know that there are passive ones but with the heat the metal will retain I’d go with a powered exhaust.
It depends a bit where you live on it the adaptions needed would be more cost effective than just building a wooden coop
That's probably very sore, she won't want to peck even soft stuff like that because it'll hurt. You may have to feed her with very sloppy mash using a syringe. I've made a smoothie with pellets, water and a bit of cooking oil for chickens like this and fed them very successfully through a syringe. I find that icing syringes are very good for it https://www.amazon.co.uk/Binle-Decorating-Stainless-Decorator-Multi-Color/dp/B09TKCPYR9/ref=sr\_1\_9?adgrpid=55855913960&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmaibBhCAARIsAKUlaKRXP8vZzxP\_zFDGR984o5w-MZ3O6b2ftSsedRreEbZkFRjnZWQDzW8aAjLHEALw\_wcB&hvadid=2591443863...
Okay so you have a fenced yard and 1/4 is fenced off for the chickens but you'd like your dog to still have access to the chicken area?
Here are a few things I found for hawks.
http://www.ehow.com/how_5359817_protect-chickens-hawks.html
I like the bit about bushes to hide under or a small inclosed area for them to run to safety. You wouldn't have to completely enclose the area so you wouldn't have to spend much.
How many chickens do you have? Do you have a rooster?
Not at all, man; I love it! Two beefy MOSFETs, analog ins, digital outs, a couple of motor controllers, pretty cool.
As for the camera issues, I would recommend something like this. 35 buk, buk, buks on Amazon. If you need help with a script to identify the chickens, count them, and ensure they are all in the coop before closing the door, I'd be happy to help. I work with ML quite a bit and this seems like it would be trivial.
I love when people just go out and make things they wish existed.
New UK chicken owner here too. I purchased Brulidine Cream after someone recommended as the nearest thing we can get without prescription to the antibiotic type creams available in the US. The Amazon reviews were good, so I got it in but can't hand on heart say it'd be any better than something like say savalon. I think I felt reassured it had been used on chickens successfully.
Next time I go to the farm shop going to have a look at what they have on the poultry shelf. Didn't have chickens when I last went so was just overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar products for various livestock types.
Yeah, I usually have to order them online, this is a link to ones on Amazon but you're pretty much just looking up "1ml syringe luer slip tip". You want the luer slip ones for oral stuff—a smooth top where the needle can slide on, it makes putting things in their mouths easier since it just gradually gets thicker—but for injections with a thicker medication I prefer luer lock—they have a screw on bit for the needle, which keeps it way more secure, but is pretty bulk to shove in a smaller bird beak. I function as my own vet (yay living in an area where no one within a 3 hour radius treats poultry), so I buy those in bulk because they're usually the right size for just about everything I have to do for the birds, and I'll buy needles separate if I need to do injections.
Just scatter some food in there, close the lid, cover with a paver so it is dark and cosy, leave out overnight, catch multiple mice, then just place the whole trap in a bucket, fill bucket with water and drown them. Easy done, no baits needed
I have plastic leg bands like these, I just have blank ones. The color holds up very well. My ladies have put them through the ringer and the colors are fine. Cant speak to the numbers on this one, but if you have a Dremel, you can always get blank ones and carve out the numbers.
Portable Chicken Run Hen... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XZ9C9TN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I'm using this. I really love it! It doesn't come with a bottom though so I had to get a tarp and attach it with zip ties, then I used shredded hay for the bedding. It works really well and is plenty of room for the babies until they're big enough to go outside!
I have an outlet thingy that turns on when it's close to freezing, and plugged in to that is a heated waterer with nipples
I only have a few hens and it’s within a reasonable extension cord length. So I have this: Farm Innovators Model C-50... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DHBDY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share It has worked well so far for me.
Yes, I was thinking to hire a friend of mine to make it for me. Thank you for the advice. I saw this coop and liked it, but idk bout quality. https://www.amazon.de/-/nl/dp/B00GSRLAJ4/?\_encoding=UTF8&pd\_rd\_w=ASXiX&content-id=amzn1.sym.0bf9ab1e-db90-4058-8c91-2e3e5b4712b7&pf\_rd\_p=0bf9ab1e-db90-4058-8c91-2e3e5b4712b7&pf\_rd\_r=ZKMDWFS6VVAPJ9FFF6P6&pd\_rd\_wg=sHZ2m&...
We've had the Happy Henhouse Kit for a full year now and it's been flawless. It's not super fancy and there's no wifi but I got it for these reasons and have been happy with it:
- Needs to fit all chickens including giant rooster - the rooster was like 2 ft tall and had no problems walking through the roughly 10' wide x 12" high opening. I've even seen 2 chickens squeeze through at the same time but only when there is a mad rush for food
- The timer is very easy to set and easy to test and verify
- Needs to be reliable and work every time - it has
- Battery powered - it takes 4 AA batts and they seem to last 4-6 months just like advertised
- It had to be string lowered and raised - I read way too many reviews even just on Amazon of chickens being crushed by doors lowered by gears vs gravity. This gate hangs from a string and it very light so it could not hurt a chicken. When lowered all the way, a locking mechanism pops out and secures into the rails so predators cannot open it unless they pull up on the string which releases the locking mechanism
- It's quiet - does not spook the chickens
So I highly recommend this although I don't have much to compare it to and I am a first time chicken owner but it does the job without worry. If you need an app/wifi controlled gate, look elsewhere but unless I was away a lot, it just would cause more things to go wrong (I'm an IT guy and like thinks simple where they should be).
that link. The Harbor freight comment was regarding the popular Chicken Coop they sell. (Those that have one will likely know it/or recognize it as the harbor freight chicken coop.)
Don't hesitate for ventilation. Put it up high. Chickens need cross ventilation and fresh air always or they will get respiratory issues fast. What chickens don't need is wind directly on them so as long as the vents are high you're fine.
Also temp wise chickens are fine down to like 0 degrees F as long as they are dry and the wind is kept off them. You can always throw in a wired heating bulb, I use the same ones they use in reptile cages plugged into a very cheap Amazon housing like below. I turn it on when the outside temp goes below 30, and point it down towards one corner that way the chickens decide when they want to be warm, and when they want to walk away and cool off. Once again, if no ventilation then this bulb would overheat them so you really need to cut some squares at the top and put some vent plates over
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Deluxe-2-Gauge-Brooder-Bakelite/dp/B01LYH8N6W
Get one of these…bobble head owls. Eagles and hawks are territorial birds, and will avoid conflict.
Put one of these up on top of your a post near your coop or on top of your coop; other predatory birds will view about 50 yards around the coop as “its’ territory”—you’ll still see them circling, but you’ll notice they’ll be about 50-100 yards further.
I've had to cut a lot of hardware cloth over the past few years due to various garden projects. I grabbed an attachment for my impact drill that cuts the wire like butter. Totally worth the money. this is the one I got.
Maybe we are too soft, but we brought ours inside and made a run out of three soft-sided dog kennels like these with wood chips on the bottom:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M322XL7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use these snap on leg bands by manna pro, no worries about them being too tight, and you can write on them. They come in different sizes, but not small enough to fit baby chicks though. Never had one fall off yet.
https://www.chewy.com/happy-hen-treats-ez-chicken-leg-bands/dp/248963
I really love hemp bedding, it is absorbent and smells good. At first I thought it was pricey but it lasts so long, I am spending much less on bedding now. I bought a huge pack for $36 and have only used a quarter of it in several months (for 6 chickens).
When I first got chickens my daughter and I got this book from the library and read it together, it is really fun and entertaining and adorable, as well as informative, and has some discussion on coop construction as well: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Flock-Soulful-Chickens/dp/1451698704.
I've used the fake grass-looking nest pads for years, topped with pine shavings for years, and I love them. Next time, I might try these for easier cleaning: https://smile.amazon.com/DenForste-Washable-Nesting-Chicken-Bedding/dp/B08SWGXDGL/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=nesting+pads&qid=1656087031&sr=8-7
Not wanting to use poison, I got these traps, made a box that the chickens couldn't fit in and was diligent about changing the traps in the morning and evening. I eventually got 'em all but it did take a few weeks.
We have dogs and a cat outdoors, so the poison route would not have worked for us. Well, it could have worked or it could have killed all of our animals. We weren't willing to find out.
I have the same exact one. They are way more expensive now then when I got mine tho. Comes with green coated chicken wire, I recommend replacing with hardware cloth
https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Poultry-Waterproof-Anti-Ultraviolet-Backyard/dp/B08N611VNQ
I got these.
They are okay. They don't have a desktop application, which was annoying...so to view them on the computer I had to install BlueStacks which is an android emulator. Besides that they have worked okay. They have motion tracking so I hung one upside down under the coop and it moves around all day following them around. I have one monitor at work with that on so I can watch them all day lol
OK, guys, I want this thing tout suite b4 I lose any more birds. I selected this one on Amazon, it is battery backup, can be solar, can be hardwired. Can be set to timer, set with light sensor, your choice. I am leery of this chinese crap but it got some glowing customer reviews and videos, and the 145$ price tag is a little easier to swallow. I will let you know how I make out. https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Aluminum-Controls-Predator-Resistant/dp/B09J4F1RCV/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2MXNMIYSWXY3Q&keywords=automatic+chicken+door&nav_sdd=aps&qid=1654257394&refinements=p_36%3A2661615011&rnid=2661611011&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=automatic+chicken+door&sr=1-5
Can anyone tell me the easiest way to post pics and vids on here? Perhaps I am just old AF, but when I've googled it is seems like a ton of extra steps that don't show the pics unless you click on a link? If I can do that, I will post you folks videos and pictures for the next new chicken farmer to learn from. (Or learn what not to get, if that is the case.)
Bin chickenand move her to an open spot in the coop
If you want to go very small just grab a birdbath off Craigslist or Facebook marketplace and put one of those solar fountains in it!
I got this goop you put on to deter pecking for a hen that had been injured and was being bullied and it worked wonders. It’s: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E9RKPD2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Supposedly tastes horrid to them but jus smells herbal to me. It worked though! Y
These are the traps that u/CowboyCharles is talking about. ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32" X 12.5" X 12" Steel Cage Catch Release Humane Rodent Cage for Rabbits, Stray Cat, Squirrel, Raccoon, Mole,Opossum, Skunk & Chipmunks (32" X 12.5" X 12") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0734JRW17/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9MZVV2AY022PH7KYQDXD
The coop I have is like this one
Depends on how many chicks you have, I ordered this pet playpen since it's a decent size and waterproof with a removable top.
If there's a grocery store near you that uses those large cardboard displays for potatoes or watermelons etc. you can ask to take one of those and plug up a couple of the larger holes on the side. You'll want to get some cheap plastic fencing or leftover hardware cloth to cover it with when they can fly up like 3 feet high the box is.
I would see if you could get this from your local tractor supply or feed store.
I hope you’re able to find another solution to protect your flock.
Sounds like an accurate diagnosis based on the symptoms. I would just use a normal b-complex vitamin for humans. I get a capsule form so I can open the capsule to easily dose. This is perfectly safe to give to chickens.
Since vitamin b is water soluble, overdosing isn’t as much of a danger as with some other vitamins but should still be avoided as a best practice. Niacin (b3) specifically can be toxic in extremely large doses.
If vitamin b support is needed, I would dose a chicken with about 1/20th of the human dose daily. I guess my method is a bit over complicated but here it goes. I open up the capsule and measure out about 1/10th of the powder. I store the rest in a small, airtight nalgene container away from any sunlight. I thoroughly mix the 1/10th with some water (probably 2ml) and then I dose the chicken with about 1/2 of the mixture. I just use a small syringe and drop it into their beak from the side and wait and allow the chicken to swallow it. I try to use the vitamin b/water mixture right away as the riboflavin (b2) can degrade quickly in direct sunlight.
I don’t use the rooster booster liquid b12 as it is pricey and it only contains b12. Chickens do love it because it’s basically sugar syrup.
My preferred b complex for myself is b right from Jarrow. Perhaps a bit fancy for poultry but I always have it handy around the house. https://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-B-right-Supports-Cardiovascular/dp/B0016003Z0
It would be more economical to use the b complex from Costco but so far I’ve only found the Kirkland brand in a pill form and not a capsule. I expect you could pick up any generic brand of vitamin b complex in a capsule from your local supermarket and use it.
If you have sterile, veterinary-grade syringes & needles and are comfortable giving IM injections then that is my preferred method. Durvet makes a good injectable vitamin b complex you can pick up from your local farm store for about $10 usually. Good luck!
I don't know of any videos that show the build, but I essentially just got these to items from Amazon and installed them on the 5 gallon buckets
DIY No-Waste Port Feeder for up... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QTQKF3R?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
(5 Pack) Lil Clucker Large... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089XZVZMP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Like others have said, chickens are social animals and they cannot live alone (they would be incredibly stressed and may not survive). You need at least 3, and they require quite a bit of setup you have to prepare for - safe coop, brooder for when they are little with a heat lamp or special heat plate to simulate a mother hen. If she lives in a city they may have ordinances about chickens. Chickens are wonderful and I hope someday your friend can join the club of crazy chicken people - in the meantime - this? https://www.amazon.com/Standing-Chicken-Plush-Stuffed-Animal/dp/B00OOC24R2/ref=pd\_lpo\_1?pd\_rd\_i=B00OOC24R2&psc=1
I picked up on of these for my girls. I move it around the yard. they get to peck around for stuff and get out of their usual space but won't end up coming in contact w other birds.
Ozark Trail Instant Screenhouse 10 Ft X 10 Ft Model 30008 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G6TZEGO/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_WB81GPB56HM4TC8T15ZZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1