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Hot young chicks!

We are debating getting a few layers. Amish guy gave me a little hut the kids used for a bus stop and I have to haul it home and do a little modifying to make a coop.
 
I've got about 5 weeks to build the coop and upgrade the fencing where they are going.

So far they have been pretty easy going and low maintenance. I'm sure kids will name them and make pets out of them but one or two may end up in a pot. I'll probably do some meat birds next year if this goes smoothly.
 
PB, what type are they? A good GP type bird is Auracana or Americana. These also lay the colored eggs.
 
They're light and dark Brahma's. They should be cold hardy and laid back with the kids. I think one of the light one's might be a rooster which would be perfect since I'd like to have them replenish themselves but only time will tell.
 
If you think its a rooster pick it up by its beak . If it tries to kick its a rooster . Hens will just go limp !
 
BigAl said:
If you think its a rooster pick it up by its beak . If it tries to kick its a rooster . Hens will just go limp !
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Thanks Al, I'll give it a try. I tried the load bang technique where hens will usually crouch down while the roosters stand tall and look around. I only had one that stood up. I'll try the beak trick tomorrow.
 
Oh how fast they grow up. Looks like I ended up with 5 Roosters and they are starting to not get along.

I think the flock will be culled down on Wednesday. I'm not sure if it is worth doing the full bird or just breasting them. I'll see how I feel after hand plucking the first one.

;)
 
I really wanted to raise some this year but so far have decided against it because of all our damn cats, opposums & racoons . I am sure I could keep the cats under control from bothering them, but the other critters are thicker then usual even though I have been trying to keep them thinned down . Also the heat has been really bad , not sure how much that effects them or not , been quite awhile since I raised any. :unsure:

But I do have a perty nice chicken shed I have been trying to fix up that would make a great spot untill the cats move in there for the winter .:doh:
 
PBinWA said:
Oh how fast they grow up. Looks like I ended up with 5 Roosters and they are starting to not get along.

I think the flock will be culled down on Wednesday. I'm not sure if it is worth doing the full bird or just breasting them. I'll see how I feel after hand plucking the first one.

;)
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This is a perty neat chicken plucker if you like building things PB. I have seen some perty crude ones on youtube but this looks like it works really well . "Ya Mon" Really . :biggrin:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoPwBA822rY"]YouTube - ‪Jamaica:Chicken Farmer Invents Chicken Feather Plucking MACHINE!! MUST SEE!!!‬‏[/ame]
 
I thought about that but I only have four birds to do. I suspect the time and materials cost far out weigh the time savings.

If I ever decide to do broilers then I would definitely make a plucker.

If you can fence them in they are pretty easy to deal with.

I let them roam around the yard in the mornings while the dogs are inside. Of course, my whole property is fenced and gated and I've "dealt" with my Raccoon problems.

P1040337.jpg
 
Cool pic , them suckers did get big quick . The one front and center I doubt would have any problems keeping my cats in order . :w00t2:

Any chance you can post a few pics of where they stay when their not free range ? :smile:
 
I don't think most big breed chickens have to worry about most cats.

Actually, you can see their "shed" in the back of the pic. It's a Rubbermaid lawn mower shed. It's fenced in with chickenwire and field fence. No power or windows yet but I'll get that done in the fall.

They seem pretty happy in there after getting a little free range time.
 
PBinWA said:
I don't think most big breed chickens have to worry about most cats.

Actually, you can see their "shed" in the back of the pic. It's a Rubbermaid lawn mower shed. It's fenced in with chickenwire and field fence. No power or windows yet but I'll get that done in the fall.

They seem pretty happy in there after getting a little free range time.
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I didn't scroll right far enough . Is the top fenced as well ? Its hard to make out on my moniter . Looks plenty cozy for them and they even have their own hammock .:shifty:
 
The top has some plastic bird netting over the top. I suspect it will come down with the first snow storm but by then they should be big enough to not have to worry about needing protection that high.

Yup hammock, slide, pink ball . . . it's a chicken club med here . . until wednesday. :shifty:
 
PBinWA said:
The top has some plastic bird netting over the top. I suspect it will come down with the first snow storm but by then they should be big enough to not have to worry about needing protection that high.

Yup hammock, slide, pink ball . . . it's a chicken club med here . . until wednesday. :shifty:
Click to expand...
Gotcha on the netting , Thanks .

"chicken club med here . . until wednesday".:yum:
 
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