Recent content by vstoltzfus

I've had chickens for years, but just got roosters last year and am excited to expand my flock through "natural" means. My broody hen was given 4 eggs 4 weeks ago. Somehow 3 broke, so she only has 1 left. Tonight I went out to take the egg away from her and give her 4 more (she's determined to...

Hmmm. At first I thought fox because of the trail of feathers, but if there's no prints in the snow, then a bird of some sort. Hawk or owl?

I keep a journal, but my purpose is different than yours. I want to make sure I'm making enough money to pay for the cost of the feed, and any other costs. I use a calendar. I write down how many eggs I get, how many I sell, and the cost of my feed and other items. I'm just trying to make sure...

I have 3 roosters, and I think it's mostly personality. I try handling them as much as I can when they're chicks, and I feed them a lot of treats. I want them to think well of me. But all three of them still occasionally attack me, especially if I have something in my hands. Make sure you wear...

I've had hens for years, but I recently got roosters. I'm thrilled that one of my hens is broody. Unfortunately she's sitting on the favorite nest in the henhouse, and when I tried moving her to a little dog carrier, she got out and went back to the nest. The problem is the other hens are laying...

Welcome from Lancaster County!

Does she squat? If so, it's a sign she's reaching sexual maturity, and egg laying is just around the corner!

Are they still laying well for you?

I've been raising hens for years now, and until a few months ago I've been happy with feeding my girls commercial feed. But lately I've been wondering if the old way is best--letting the girls fend for themselves as they free range over my 3 acres. I give them some feed in the morning, but no...

Chick_magnet, I have the same question. When I was growing up my mom kept chickens, and she didn't buy them commercial food. They free ranged over our property and we always had eggs. I never remember one dying of starvation. I'm sure we would have gotten more eggs if we would have fed them...

I don't fill up the feeder again until they've cleaned up the mess. They always clean it up, eventually. Hope this helps!

I am so sorry. I too have had some losses, and just ordered electrified poultry netting. I'm hoping it helps with my predator problems.

Here are the facts on my sick hen: 1) What type of bird , age and weight. Red sex link, 15 mos, and 3 pounds 2) What is the behavior, exactly. Very listless, eyes closed most of time, head held to side, sitting mostly 3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms? 2 days 4) Are other...

So sorry for your troubles! I've never had this happen with a hen, but for my guinea pig I put damp towels on her, and then let a fan blow over her. Are you sure it's heatstroke?

Perhaps you can let them out to free range later in the evening? I let mine out about 7:00, so they only have about 1 1/2 - 2 hours to free range. They can't go too far or cause too much danger in that little time.