Homesteading Chicken Coop Build, Chickens, Pond, Garden & Projects

Thanks, I'm the same with troubleshooting, but except for the first summer (mites) they've been fine and it was me being a worry wart. That and the dog attack.

 

Got the coop cleaned and fresh shavings in today. What a relief! Snow due Tues. This will be our 11nth winter here, the latest first snow since we moved in here ~2013

 

Coop winterized here as well- have a new heater to keep the water from freezing, we'll see how it does. 17°F tonight with heavy snow squalls- chickens warm and happy! Been boondocking for a few months, son running the homestead-

 

I've not seen any but would COOL if it was!

 

Farm innovators c-250 submersible. I cannot speak if it's quality yet.

 

Doggie was barking tonight while kiddo was jumping on the tramp in the dark, didn't bother as doggie gets the barking zoomies when she jumps and races around the tramp and yard.

Doggie didn't come in with kiddo but her Halo collar Warner said she was right here. She was in the chicken run! (chickens were locked in their predator proof coop). The chicken wire was pulled in up high in a couple spots, seems a racoon was in there and climbed up. Anyway. we found doggie , and fence repair for the chicken run tomorrow.

(The weak chicken wire is not dog/predator deterrent but way to keep chickens contained, our dog does not kill chickens thankfully.)

 

Molting is pretty much done, rooster had new feathers coming in. 1 egg in the last 2 weeks. One

 

I tried to zip tie the chicken run to repair today, bummer, the bulk pack of little zip ties I bought are junk. The little tab thing that catches the ridges broke off in 2/3 of every one I tried and the ones that did not snap off barely gripped the ridges. So, it's temporary but worked for now to keep them contained.

For sure something went on in there last night. Older heavier broken zip ties on the ground, extra chicken wire on the roof loose, the human door to chicken run is tweaked/bent and hard to unlatch/latch. Chicken wire pulled inwards is one thing but this must have come from dog telling the coon to take a hike. Lock the coop early again tomorrow night and Saturday try again with bigger cheap zip ties and hope they work. I have garbage bag twisties last resort.

 

Thank you, my "garbage bag twisties" are actually a spool like that, but NOT heavy duty. I'll see if I can order some. I have a lot of aquaruim tubing from before, and also marine speaker wire spools. I'll have to knot those though. Just thinking...

 

I have the exact thing here! Almost every point you made including my older hen's previous laying year round. Their molt is over a few weeks now.

 

Research your feed, the box stores have been back to manipulating the feed. Also the shorter days could be the cause.

I've been mixing in wild bird seeds to help mitigate this. Considering going back to the local feed store for the more expensive stuff.

Also check that the chickens don't have yolk face (eating their eggs)

 

Appreciate your info too! My pullets are just over 8 months now. I figured they should be laying because they are now hanging with the rooster when free ranging and I thought I saw the red ones squat, I'll wait longer. Meanwhile hope to get a different brand food and some wild game feed to see if that helps.