Managing Your Flock

What Age Can Chickens Free Range?

invalid@example.com (pwog) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 18:21:04 +0000

Hi,

I have searched the forums, but could not find an answer. My chickens are 10 weeks old - they are getting so big! They have been in their coop and attached run since they were 5 weeks old. I want to let them out of their run (when we are home and watchful). At what age can I let them free? One of my concerns is how difficult will it be to get them back in?

Thanks!
P

Buff Orpington Cockerels

invalid@example.com (MissNutmeg) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 17:36:06 +0000

Hey I just need some advice on how much a full bred BO Cock is worth? I'm thinking about selling them for about $16.00 ea.

Thanks,
Meg

A bear got 6/7 of my chickens...

invalid@example.com (Psei) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 17:32:19 +0000

The chicken the bear didn't get is the sweetest of the bunch. The other chickens would scuffle and fight for dominance and she always just hung out being cool. A friend gave us two younger chickens and when everyone else was mean to them (after a slow introductory period) she slept with the little silkie who was too little to roost. I know I *should* get a couple grown chickens to keep her company, but we hand raised these chickens and they loved people and the idea of popping some randoms...

A bear got 6/7 of my chickens...

11 month hen loosing neck feathers due to pecking... Help!

invalid@example.com (Peace Love Hens) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 17:28:04 +0000

I have a Ameracauna/Aracauna who is at the lowest in the pecking order. Under just three weeks, she has lost a half-quarter sized patch of feathers because the others are constantly chasing her and pulling out her feathers. Any advice would be appreciated. I had a hard time getting pictures, but I'll try to get more when I have the opportunity.
View attachment 1088774 View attachment 1088775
Thanks! Could you identify if she is an Aracauna or an Ameracauna? I don't exactly...

11 month hen loosing neck feathers due to pecking... Help!

Indoor Pet Chickens

invalid@example.com (Stacykins) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 16:56:58 +0000

I am wondering, how many people here keep an indoor chicken as a pet? I've heard of people doing this, just not here on the BYC. The idea is intriguing, especially since chicken sized diapers are available to take care of the poo problem. Do you keep the chicken inside most of the time or just for visits? I really am curious!

Trying to manage randy younger roos

invalid@example.com (goreybabe) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 16:07:34 +0000

Hi all,
This spring we added to our flock, integrating newbies quite nicely. We planned to add a second roo and a bunch of girls. However, as the pullets grew, it became apparent that several of our "pullets" were actually cockerels. Last year started with 9 hens, 1 roo; This year added 8 hens, 4 roos, making our flock 17 hens to 5 roos.

But now we're faced with several very hormonal teenage roos, and not enough "willing" girls to go around. We are adding a 6 new pullets once they get old...

Trying to manage randy younger roos

Topic of the Week - "Special Needs" Chickens

invalid@example.com (sumi) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 15:23:13 +0000

View attachment 1078453
Pic by sumi

By request I'm starting a topic of the week discussion this week for "special needs" chickens.. The flock members with crooked beaks, foot and/or leg issues, the stunted chicks, the blind chickens. The birds that some chicken keepers want to give a chance at living regardless and the ups and downs and how to's of taking care of them.

I know that many chicken owners feel that birds that are in any way...

Topic of the Week - "Special Needs" Chickens

Very Grumpy Hen!!

invalid@example.com (Tayjayuk) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 15:19:33 +0000

Good morning from Southampton UK. I recently bought 2 Warren pullets (20 weeks) so that my Orpy wouldn't be lonely (she's 3 and recently lost her sister). However, on seeing these two imposters she's is SO GRUMPY and SO LOUD!!! They've been separated for a few days and have also free ranged with each other but Daisy (the Orpington) keeps chasing and pecking them.

My question is when is it OK for the 3 of them to be put together in the coop? The pullets are POL and one laid her first...

Very Grumpy Hen!!

Wayward chicks

invalid@example.com (ALEFF) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 13:49:11 +0000

Hello.
We relocated to a new farm last fall and our free ranging flock has adjusted well and returns to the coop each night. But no one had gone broody.

Or so we thought. 7 weeks ago, a hen hatched a clutch of eggs in the front garden. They have been ranging everywhere, except anywhere near the coop. I had started feeding them to get them accustomed to me, which would then bring the other hens running if they saw me. Mother hen was very protective and would take the chicks and hide.

Now...

Wayward chicks

Deciding today whether to get chickens. Have I considered everything?

invalid@example.com (StephTheChicken) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 08:14:25 +0000

Hello everyone!

I'm new to this forum and I've never kept chickens before but have been toying with the idea for a long time now. I want them for eggs and as pets. During the last few days I did some serious research and today I'm going to visit a little farm that would potentially sell me a few hens so I want to make sure I've considered everything before I make my final decision (not taking them home today either way, need to get everything set up first). I would prefer to get only 2 but...

Deciding today whether to get chickens. Have I considered everything?

Tylan 50 dosing instructions

invalid@example.com (abejita) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 05:27:10 +0000

So I was reading the dosing instructions for tylan 50 for CDR. It said the give 1/2cc subcutaneously and 1/2cc in the breast. Why do you have to give it both muscularly and under the skin?

Just curious!

Introducing problem

invalid@example.com (Farmer In Training) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 04:25:04 +0000

So I need some advice from the experts. I have 3- 3 month old polish chickens I would like to put with my main flock. However, I don't know if they will pick on them. I have introduced chickens to my flock before, and they are very nice. They have always acted like they have always been there. However, these ones are much younger going off of my main flock is one year old. I would be introducing two females and one male to 15 hens and one rooster. My rooster would also need a new buddy to...

Introducing problem

Adding more chicks to the brooder

invalid@example.com (CDA15) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 02:57:12 +0000

We have 4 week old chicks and I'd like to add a few more. Is it too late to just add them into the brooder or would I need to separate for a bit and then integrate them? Thanks in advance!

Dogs and chickens

invalid@example.com (Mickey67) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 02:12:51 +0000

Does anyone have experience with free ranging chickens, but also happen to be the owner of a large breed dog? I recently moved to the country and wife wanted a GSD for while I'm away ( military) and such. She is only 4 months and my chickens are about 6 weeks. Trying to figure out how to keep her from chasing them, and it is not easy. So far I've been trying to keep her penned or on the other side of the house if chicks are out. Yesterday she discovered them and had a field day. She did...

Dogs and chickens

Topic of the Week - Organic/Natural Chicken Keeping

invalid@example.com (sumi) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 01:11:09 +0000

View attachment 1109358
Pic by @Eggcessive

Many poultry keepers strive to raise their flocks as natural and organic as possible, avoiding chemicals in favour of more natural alternatives and feeding organic feeds when possible.

This week I would like to hear about your more natural practices when it comes to feeding, treating and generally taking care of your flocks.

- Do you feed organic feed (and where do you purchase it)?...

Topic of the Week - Organic/Natural Chicken Keeping

Young Rooster too persistant

invalid@example.com (daynedoe) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 00:41:13 +0000

Hello guys! It's been a long time since I've posted here. We currently have 2 separate flocks of birds, but we've been having trouble with my personal flock. It consists of 1 Blue Partridge Splash Brahma rooster, 1 BPB Hen, 1 buff silkie rooster, 1 silkie hen, 2 EE hens, and 1 salmon faverolle hen.

The issue isn't with the other rooster- he's fine. He doesn't really ever try to breed the hens, he crows a lot, but our dominant rooster doesn't really bother him much. The silkie is kind of...

Young Rooster too persistant

How many roosters are too many?

invalid@example.com (MartinsPoultry) — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 00:19:22 +0000

Right now I have 22 adult hens and three subadult hens, but my main question is. Are four roosters too many?
Two are barred rocks, one is a silkie and one is a buff, all seem to get along fine no fight huge yard and plenty of roosting space.

Welsummer Cockeral

invalid@example.com (Poultrybreeder) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 23:32:44 +0000

Someone wants to give me a Welsumer cockeral, because they can't have roosters. He is just average right now, but then he is young, and is in the process of molting, should I give him a chance? Or just say no thank you? I don't have any pics, sorry. Also, how rare is the breed? I have heard on a few sites, that in the US, it is a fairly rare breed.

Are 2 Roosters too many for 8 hens?

invalid@example.com (temple1612) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 23:21:15 +0000

We suspect we have 2 roosters that are 11 weeks old. If they are both roosters 1 is definitely more dominate than the other. Are 2 roosters too many for 8 hens? If we re-homed the more dominate rooster would the other rooster take charge and lead the flock? View attachment 1110727
View attachment 1110723

No idea what I'm doing but I love my bird and didn't want him to become food

invalid@example.com (Turkeybird) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 20:57:25 +0000

Hello Backyard Chickens! My name is Adrienne, I live in Missouri, and happen to find myself with a rooster chick after a weird road trip with a friend to the country. I live in the suburbs, however a rather woodsy part of it (we get a lot of wild-life like wolves and turkeys even though it's a neighborhood).

Like most I found out, I didn't know my chicken would be a rooster when I got him from the random "meat" bin for about 50c. It worked out for the better though, as mentioned, I live in...

No idea what I'm doing but I love my bird and didn't want him to become food

Rooster Chat

invalid@example.com (cluckcluckluke) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 20:30:16 +0000

Talking about everything rooster/ cockerel - behavior, meat, sex ID, breeds etc.

Chicken harness?

invalid@example.com (The Camo Bulldog) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:30:23 +0000

I would like to get a chicken harness for one of my chickens, Calla, but I'm looking for advice, what I'd like to do is put it on her and leave it on her so that I could tell her apart from the rest of the flock easier, she's an australorp so there isn't much variation physically between her and the rest of our australorps, and also so I could walk her on a leash, I know it sounds funny but I think it would be fun. My mother doesn't think it would be a great idea to have it on her all the...

Chicken harness?

Run away chic

invalid@example.com (TSturgis) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:40:40 +0000

I left my ladies out in their run while my husband & i ran a few arrends this afternoon. When we got back i went to check on them & only two out of 6 were in the coop! Not realizing they are still to small & can slip through the fencing. So i found three.. leaving 1 out someone alone in the woods to roam. We searched for over an hour for her. Makes me sad. Im hoping she finds her way home! Has anyone had one ever return?

Adding new members to our lone survivor

invalid@example.com (amarti23) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:33:22 +0000

I"m new to chicken owning. We got our flock of 4 in March and raised from chicks. This past week while out of town our pet sitter didn't latch the coop door all the way and the wind blew the door open. 3 got out and our dog got them . Now we have a 5 month old Crochin (still not laying) all alone. I'm trying to find chickens the same age and so far what we have found is some 5 month olds but mainly 14 week old pullets. Is it ok to mix the ages together? Will our lone survivor be more...

Adding new members to our lone survivor

Doubling My Flock

invalid@example.com (RocketDog1) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 12:07:37 +0000

My granddaughter and I are ready to kick it up a notch and go from 2 to 4 chickens. We currently have two barred rocks- one of them is sweet and somewhat docile while the other tends to be a bit bossy. We'd like to add two birds. My concern is in finding a breed that will hold its own against our more aggressive girl. We could go with two more barred rocks but we'd like to have something different. Any suggestions? We like the idea of getting a couple of Orpingtons but from what I've read,...

Doubling My Flock

New Chicken

invalid@example.com (Sandra Verbreyt) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:55:17 +0000

I had 1 chicken and today I bought her a friend but she is bullying it and pecking at it. They have a free run of my garden and a large chicken house just for the two of them Babs and Margo.
Any advice on how to get babs to accept Margo. Both are the same breed and same size. Zijdehoeven. They look like the footballer Filaney with mad hair.

Girls are not laying

invalid@example.com (hebegray) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:44:15 +0000

I have eight hens, no roosters. Seven of them are not quite a year old. The eighth one is about five or six months old. The youngest one is not laying yet, and the other seven have really slowed down – they went from six or seven a day to three a day. I'm laid up with an injury, so I can't get to them to tell if they are losing feathers. I have someone taking care of them for me, but I'm not sure he knows what to look for. Are they too young to molt? is there something else that could be...

Girls are not laying

Should I bother keeping a rooster?

invalid@example.com (Erin80) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 11:41:26 +0000

Right now I have 3 cockerels and 9 pullets. I know I need to get rid of two cockerels, which is fine.....one is already being annoying and a jerk. Two of my pullets are silkies and one is a cockerel. Is 9 girls too few to keep one rooster? 5 are barred rocks, one icelandic, one Ameraucana and two silkies. The rooster I would keep is ameraucana. Or I could give away all three. I don't want my hens stressed. The only reason I'm thinking of keeping one is because so far, he's a really good guy!

Free Ranging or No?

invalid@example.com (Chicken_Guru) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 23:14:01 +0000

I've made this so people could tell me ... Should I free range or not, My goal is to get the LEAST chicken deaths and the MOST eggs , Also I have a little rat dog that could kind of protect my chickens.

Keeping rooster in seperate pen

invalid@example.com (PhoenixPharm) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 21:55:28 +0000

Hi, I am rescuing an 11 week old rooster that was going to be sent to auction and I was wondering if I put him in a separate pen next to my girls will he be content? They would be able to see each other but not mate. My other option is to put him in with my goats.He is extremely friendly and used to being held. I do not want fertilized eggs. Opinions?

Eclipse preparation for chickens

invalid@example.com (RAsChickens) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 18:34:41 +0000

I'm hoping to get this featured, but I thought I'd share some tips I came up with to prepare your backyard flock for the August 21st eclipse. I saw on our local news that the upcoming eclipse can damage people and animals eyes! I was wondering if I should try to make tiny eclipse glasses for my girls, but my fiancé came up with a better idea. He said we could lock them in the coop during the eclipse and cover the window with black cloth. So that's what we are doing for the girls! I would...

Eclipse preparation for chickens

How Do I Keep Chickens Cool In Summer

invalid@example.com (Paige And Hens) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 16:57:47 +0000

My chickens usually have there mouths wide open and one of mine have there mouth open and there wings slightly spread out. I put ice cubes in there water and put some cold water on there back and rub them with water to help. And sometimes they have shade depending where the Sun is.... They don't like lettuce for some reason and One of mine named 'red' Gets sick when I feed her new treats like watermelon Should I get a kitty pool ? Or will they just poop all in it and I have to clean it...

How Do I Keep Chickens Cool In Summer

Introduction Tips?

invalid@example.com (CookieChicken18) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 12:35:39 +0000

I have 6 hens and 1 rooster in my chicken coop right now, and I need to introduce 3 pullets (they turned 2 months old on Sunday) to the flock. We put them in a large cage in the coop and had them get to know each other for a few days. I let them out in the coop together and it was a disaster. The other hens went up and started to peck them, and the rooster tried to mount one and pulled out several feathers.

I don't think I'm doing this right. I've introduced flocks before and everything...

Introduction Tips?

Handling a young cockerel tips?

invalid@example.com (MageofMist) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 05:55:38 +0000

I have a young silkie who has come of age, he has started crowing... If you can call yelling "WOOOO!" crowing, and this morning he tried to mate with my foot...

It was 8 am when he started "woo"ing and I was concerned about the neighbors even though it wasn't very loud, so I went out to get him and he did another "WOOO" and ran at me, I didn't move and just watched as he grabbed my trouser leg, and, well, tried to mate with my foot. I picked him up after he tried to mount my foot and...

Handling a young cockerel tips?

breathing trouble

invalid@example.com (Mmurphy030) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 02:32:54 +0000

my chicken was in the dirt bath with others then all scuddled suddenly she wheezing sneezing and effortful breathing. perfectly fine seconds before and shes very healthy and laid today?

PT Testing in Texas

invalid@example.com (Sherol) — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 00:27:03 +0000

Texas is no longer doing the PT testing for free by the state. We are now being trained to be authorized testers. They are in the process of doing the training at this time and getting the new program rolled out. Since Texas is such a big state, I have created a Facebook group for the San Antonio and surrounding areas to help those needing testing done reach those authorized to do it. If you are within an hour or so from the San Antonio area, please feel free to join the group....

PT Testing in Texas

Can I Have 2 Roosters?

invalid@example.com (theheberleinclan) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 22:00:00 +0000

We currently have 6 mature hens and 2 mature Drake Pekin ducks. We just picked up 12 chicks after enlarging our coop. I suspect that we have 1 Salmon Faverolle and 1 New Hampshire Red rooster out of the lot. I also let everyone out to free range during the day in a 1/4 acre predator safe yard. We live in Washington and during the wet weather the chickens usually choose to stay in the coop. Based on our flock size and coop space, do you think I can keep both roosters?

P.S. There are two...

Can I Have 2 Roosters?

Adding 1 more chicken?

invalid@example.com (kierstog) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 21:23:15 +0000

I have a roo that is 16 weeks, 5 hens that are 13 weeks, and 2 hens that are about 10 weeks. I would really like to add one more hen, maybe a little older than the ones that I have. But then I read that you should only add new chickens in pairs.
Has that been y'all's experience? Do I need to add 2 or none?

Aggressive young roo attacking one young hen

invalid@example.com (lizziemt) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 19:49:13 +0000

Hello, all, I'm a first time poster. I have 4 pullets that I thought were hens. I've had suspicions that one, if not two, were roos. But hadn't heard a cockle doddle doo until today.

We purchased 2 auracana chicks and 2 buff orpiington's from the local feed store in April. One of the chicks, Dusty, an auracana, has been much more stand offish than the rest. Doesn't want to sit on lap, etc., and we have just let Dusty be Dusty. While I've wondered if she is really a he.

Well today I...

Aggressive young roo attacking one young hen

Chicken Math.... introducing 2 older hens to 16 week pullets...

invalid@example.com (DaytonHillRabbits) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:00:23 +0000

Hey all!

So ... I've now had my 6 (16) week old pullets for a few weeks.. they're all doing fabulous and I am totally enjoying them! I have decided to add 2 mature (2 year old) laying hens to the group. I just would like to have some eggs now, as well as having the older birds kind of show the young ones the ropes if possible.

I'm picking the 2 news gals up tomorrow evening after they go to roost, so to introduce.. should I just place them in the coop with the pullets when I get them...

Chicken Math.... introducing 2 older hens to 16 week pullets...

My hen is setting in her nest box all the time!

invalid@example.com (Archambault56) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 16:59:12 +0000

how can I get my hen to stop setting in her nest box? When she began laying, she would lay an egg and then walk away allowing me to just walk in and grab it. Now she is just sitting in her box for a large portion of the day. i have puled her out, and when i do this she will sit on the coop floor for a minute then get up and walk around, eat, and scratch around in the run like she used to do. Is this normal? Or should i just let her be? Any help or insight would be much appreciated. thanks...

My hen is setting in her nest box all the time!

Hen with chicks and worming

invalid@example.com (Harris Chicks) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 15:29:17 +0000

I have a great momma hen she has 4 day old babies. Needing to worm the flock. Should I keep her and the chicks separate. The chicks have a small bowl of water and can't reach the wormer water. But is it ok to worm mom while she has the chicks.

Rooster Flocks!

invalid@example.com (RoostersAreAwesome) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 14:40:37 +0000

So I think that more people need to know about rooster flocks. I think a rooster flock is a good way to keep those "extra" roosters.....

All you need to do is make sure there aren't any bullies, and if there is you might want a bigger pen for them.

Here's a pic of my flock of 5 roosters
View attachment 557008

A wool hen - creating one today

invalid@example.com (Mrs. K) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 14:40:21 +0000

I am expecting chicks soon. I do not have electricity to the coop, and my dear and patient hubby is not a fan of chicks in the house. For years I have used broody hens, but coons put an end to that for now. So today I am taking some chicken wire, leftover wool yarn, a cooler and seeing what I can come up with.

At first I was a bit dubious of this idea, but really if people can ship day old chicks, and they do this all the time, and those chicks most often arrive alive, this should work....

A wool hen - creating one today

Non Aggressive Breeds

invalid@example.com (MassChick) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 11:26:04 +0000

Hi, I have a Buff, a Barred Rock and a RIR. My RIR is brutality attacking the Buff to the point after trying everything I am rehoming her to a good friend. The Buff and the Barred Rock get along wonderfully. I would like to try to get more chicks. Only about 3. What other breeds are as docile as my Buff? She's my sweetheart. Her name is Clarabelle.

Considering Chickens

invalid@example.com (SR4E) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 03:00:41 +0000

We are new to the site, we are Susan and Robert, and we have fundamental questions about 'having' (as opposed to 'raising') chickens, to suit our particular need. We have a seasonal get-away in central Maine that we occupy in July, August and September. We're considering chickens as TICK CONTROL, primarily; their eggs are not important to us.

Our Questions:
A. How many chickens for @ 1 acre of tick-infested land?
B. What type of chickens?
C. Any thoughts on 'free-range-coops' or...

Considering Chickens

Feeling guilty about re-homing my rooster

invalid@example.com (loftygoals) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 02:14:50 +0000

Full disclosure: I am a first time chicken owner after ten years of waiting (til I was out in the "country so to speak"). I purchased 8 chickens last spring. (My husband picked out two of them and the rooster is one he picked out!). To make a long story short. He was the most affectionate one. (Barred rock). I did a lot of chicken research and worried he was a rooster because he was so sweet. He was also HUGE. Well he turned out to be a rooster, a big beautiful one who would sit on my...

Feeling guilty about re-homing my rooster

HEAT alert in Portland, Oregon. Worried.

invalid@example.com (AnnieSantiago) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 01:37:06 +0000

It's supposed to get up to 106-107 by midweek here in a bizarre heat wave.
I'm really worried about my hens. Not sure what I can do to help them through it.

Any advice?

can i make my roosters tail grow faster?

invalid@example.com (king tail) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 01:31:08 +0000

I have a rooster that i want to show next month but he lost his tail. Is there any way to make it grow back in time?

Hen Houdini?

invalid@example.com (alohamade) — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 21:45:08 +0000

That's it. Her name is Ariel, but I'm changing it to Hen Houdini because I have a feeling she's Harry Houdini's pet descendant
Every morning after my morning 'alarm' (rooster) wakes me up and the kids are off to school, I let my flock of 8 hens free range our property. They're very tame and friendly and I am super proud of them!
I normally watch them free range outside every single second of the day when I let them out, because we have...

Hen Houdini?