For the last month or so, ever since we got hit by multiple feet of snowfall and daytime temps in the single digits, I've kept the chickens locked up inside their coop. Our coop is 12'x18' and I only have 25 chickens, so they are far from overcrowded. Two south-facing windows and a suspended lamp provide extra warmth, and a heated base keeps the water fount from freezing. Yesterday when the outside temps were below zero F, inside the coop it was a balmy 22.
We are getting about eight eggs a day now, and if we don't collect them each afternoon some of them invariable freeze and crack. Sometimes the chickens build a nest on the wood-shaving floor and I find an egg or two there. As long as no one starts pecking at shells, I'm fine with that.
I've chosen my breeds for variety--lots of different colors of both birds and eggs. I tend to stick with the utility strains, but last spring I did order a few leghorns, for the white eggs. My only bantams are the silkies, which I hope to use as brooders this season.
At this time last year, I discovered my chickens had mites. Knock on wood, no mites yet this winter. Also, this is usually the point in the season when bare backs start showing up on a few of the hens. Again, knock on wood, no bare backs yet. Although, my least dominant roo is missing most of his tail feathers. But what can you expect from rowdy roosters?
My chicks get free-fed grit and oyster shell, and a 19% layer mash. They are given fresh water every other day and occasional table scraps. For most of the year they roam free in a 50' x 30' fenced enclosure adjacent to their coop. The fence is to keep predators (mostly dogs) out, not my chickens in.
Last spring we planted two pear trees in the chickens' enclosure. Maybe someday we will order partridge chicks from the hatchery, and fashion our own Christmas cards. Yet another entry on the long list of farmstead possibilities.
7 comments:
If only all chickens had the good life yours do! They look like they're a pretty happy bunch.
We have a pear tree in our chicken yard also. But just one. Which never bears. Of course. Long story.
We've got our new chicks ordered for this spring. We went with Black Australorps and Light Sussex for the first time.
Very pretty flock indeed!
Now I am gonna ask a silly question, so forgive me for not knowing...is there a reason for a pear tree in particular that you both would have them in your chicken yard?
Just wondering if I need to plant one for our first flock coming soon :)
Apple Pie Gal -- No, no reason other than great minds think alike! Chickens are supposedly great for orchards, eating bugs, pooping, keeping weeds down, etc.
Mama Pea -- So, why does your pear tree not bear fruit? Should I be worried about ours not bearing? Share the story!
Black Astralorps are lovely birds, I love the green satin sheen to their black feathers. I had some speckled sussex a few years ago, very pretty birds with a good disposition. Now I'm thinking I should order some this year...
Beautiful girls! My kids love the "Sprocket chickens", that's what they call the black & white mottled ones, after their dog LOL! Your chickens lead a good life...
Wow, just look at all of those different breeds you have there...how fun. We just "acquired" a couple white leghorns and they are such busy little hens...I really like them. How do you know if your chickens have mites?
Hiya Girlfriend!! Have you ordered your chicks for this spring yet? You appear to have more chickens this year than last...how did that happen? Anyway, we're looking forward to seeing you over our spring break!!!
Hey Mr. H -- Sorry for such a late reply! I knew my chickens had mites last year because I noticed teeny tiny little black spots crawling around on their eggs. I did a bit of research and decided to hold off on the expensive and chemical pest control methods. A few weeks later I noticed the mites were gone, and they haven't been back since. The best prevention I read about was having a box of sand where the chickens can dust bathe over the winter.
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