CHICKENSSS!!!

[EM2]

I like it!
You've got a nice big barn area for shelter.
How many chickens have you got? Eggs only, or meat chickens also?


.

The barn is 8'x12' and I built it so I could walk inside without having to bend over. I also wanted something that would look like a barn. I used scrap materials for all except the roofing and built it on the ground so they would have a dirt floor. This reduces maintainence considerably. You'll notice it is on a slight slope so I built up one side and filled it in with clean dirt so the floor is level.
The yard is 12'x12' and have fencing for a cover to keep out predators. I also buried fencing along the perimeter for the same reason.

I have 16 chickens all egg layers.
I have not yet gotten to the point where I will eat them but that may soon change.

[Dubious_Beans]

Well, I've been a Chicken Rancher for a full week now and the chickens & I have all survived the experience so far.

So I got 2 more today. That makes 10 total.
It's been big fun to watch them scratch and run around. Anytime one of them catches a decent sized bug, all the others chase it around trying to steal it. And it's amazing to watch them leap up into the air to catch flies. They are very good at snatching them out of the air or off of the wire fencing when they land there.

They're already pretty friendly with me and most are willing to come eat corn or grains right out of my hand. They've figured out that I'm "that guy with the goodies" and come running to great me when I come in the gate.

I'd like to get 2 more to make an even dozen. When spring comes we should be pretty well inundated with fresh eggs. I hope my friends and neighbors are up for that challenge.


Here's our 2 newest tenants in the hen house.





I'm enjoying the chicken experience so far. Can't wait for our first egg. Probably will be another month or 2 at least...

[Horton Fenty]

Nice. Keep up with the updates Beans.

[Roots78]

Nice looking setup for your chickens. I love my chickens. A rooster is a must if you want to have a supply of new babies over a long term. I personally like my Turkens (naked neck chickens) the best and I plan to get more and do away with some of the more ornery species. They are one thing that I plan to take with us when we move out to the boondocks this year.

[Eldraque]

this makes me want chickens

[Dubious_Beans]

A rooster is a must if you want to have a supply of new babies over a long term.

No rooster for me at this time. But maybe someday.
I don't think a rooster would last very long here. About the 2nd or 3rd time that it woke me up at 4:30AM I would probably send it off to Crock Pot Camp...
And I like my tenants (who live next door) and I don't think they'd appreciate a rooster very much either.

Just hens for eggs right now.

[Dubious_Beans]

this makes me want chickens

It's a dream come true for me.
Sometimes I dream small.

It's a good thing I got them when I did. I needed someone to eat those leftover brussel sprouts in the fridge. The chickens went nuts over 'em today.

[Roots78]

I currently have 3 roosters but I will be getting rid of 2 of them very soon. My neighbors don't seem to mind the roosters' crowing and I was raised on a farm so it doesn't bother me either. I sleep right through them crowing. I understand where you're coming from though. Enjoy your chickens and their delicious eggs!

[Fireguy]

When the tomatoes season is over the chickens are let into the veggie garden for a treat

[shanesanity]

[IMG][/IMG]

Anyone else see the photobomb?

[Curley Red]

those are some awesome chicken homes, I refuse to call them coupes. It feels like I am belittling them. I might just have to look into having some of my own, I love chickens, they are really cool.

[SMOKEYMOUNTAIN]

man u guys are serious with your chicken coops!

[paul0660]

I refuse to call them coupes. It feels like I am belittling them.

It would be a smart bird to know the difference, smart enough to spell coop, perhaps. It means much less to them than you.

Nice setup, dubious.

[Curley Red]

It would be a smart bird to know the difference, smart enough to spell coop, perhaps. It means much less to them than you.

Nice setup, dubious.

Wow, you got me. That hurt so much.

[paul0660]

Wow, you got me. That hurt so much.

Funny thing is, I know that is why you come here.......but not for your funky spelling.

I count you as a friend, Curley. Don't tear up.