The girls are growing, too!

[barney]

They will be 3 weeks old this Friday! Just out of the brooder, and on the brooder house floor, quickly becoming the fun size. Where they grab a bug or moth, and run around the house for 10 minutes, to keep another from getting it, only to stop.......and another grab it from them and do the same..........for another 10 minutes!:D

I can't wait to get that first brown "pullet" egg, should be somewhere around Christmas. After the old girls got some age on them the productivity slowed, so I sold them. I replaced them with some, "Golden Comets" "Black sex Links" some "Black Beautys", and a few "New Hampshires" All are brown egg layers, and top of the line hybrids, except the New Hampshires, which are an old standard breed of brown egg layer. I got those because, the go "broody" or will set and hatch their eggs, something that has been bred out of the modern day hybrids, and some of the modern day standard breeds, in favor of........more eggs, instead of down time.;) Whats this world coming too, seems a dollar, is all that matters....any more!
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff95/barney097/garden025.jpg
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff95/barney097/garden026.jpg

[Scott7m]

man, i wish i could live in your shoes, you have the simple life figured out!

[KYBOY]

This is one of my coops. Its filled with this years hens I got in Feb. Buff Orphingtons, Barred Rocks and Rhode island Reds. I got my first eggs from them today. Two little brown pullet eggs:D The other coop is filled with Cuckoo Marans about a month and a half old. A few old goldencomet/white rock cross and a pair of exotic bantams..My coturnix quail (bottom pic) should start laying about any time.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/kytrapper/Picture10292.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/kytrapper/Picture10172.jpg

[MsgMills]

Now that's my kinda living, back on a farm type atomosphere...Gathering eggs daily, selling them to the neighbors and just plain having fun with the farms animals in general. We used to put duck eggs or goose eggs under the hens to hatch them out.....:D

[drakeshooter]

It seems like there are a lot more varmints these days than when I was a kid. Do you guys have trouble with them getting your chickens? My buddy's chickens were free to roam like my grandma's used to be, but his didn't last the summer.

[MsgMills]

Generally the chickens we had would be fine during the day...But if we didn't lock the door on the hen house at night. Seems something would come get a free chicken dinner every so often... We had a bad problem with rats getting the chicks at night...Until the old man put Carbide down the holes and then pour water in and then closed off the hole....The gas the carbide produced would generally kill the rats before they could escape out of another hole.

[barney]

This is one of my coops. Its filled with this years hens I got in Feb. Buff Orphingtons, Barred Rocks and Rhode island Reds. I got my first eggs from them today. Two little brown pullet eggs:D The other coop is filled with Cuckoo Marans about a month and a half old. A few old goldencomet/white rock cross and a pair of exotic bantams..My coturnix quail (bottom pic) should start laying about any time.

Ah, there ain't nothin like, big brown hen berries, or fresh chicken seeds....for breakfast!:D I may try to get a few Black Copper Marans, next spring. What do you do with the quail, eat the birds or keep them for layers?

[barney]

It seems like there are a lot more varmints these days than when I was a kid. Do you guys have trouble with them getting your chickens? My buddy's chickens were free to roam like my grandma's used to be, but his didn't last the summer.
A person has to be onguard at all times.......and leave nothing to chance. And you are right, they are more varmints than ever. When I was a kid, we could let the chickens run free range, and only had trouble occasionally in the winter, from a possum. Now its neighborhood dogs, in the day, and coons at night.

[doubleJ]

I started out with 30 chickens and know I have 1. I closed them up at night and let them out in the morning before going to work. I guess the varmits patterned me and would take them after I left. I'm going to start trapping this fall in hopes to thin some out. I guess I will start over with a new bunch but will keep them fenced in.

[KYBOY]

I cant let my chickens free range anymore. To many hawks and way to many owls..I can hear half a dozen owls hooting abck and forth in my hollar here every night. Ive caught plenty of coyotes,fox and even bobcat with 100' or so of my chicken coops. I lost most of my flock last year to "pets" :mad: I can understand the wild critters but when people let their "pets" run loose and kill my stuff I get....upset.

[BurleyDog]

Nice, clean coop and healthy chicks/chickens.

I admire your work and lifestyle. Keep it up!

[MsgMills]

Nice, clean coop and healthy chicks/chickens.

I admire your work and lifestyle. Keep it up!

Man do I wish I could get out of the City life and move back to a farm again...I got one of those wife's who acts and thinks like ZAA ZAA Gabor..or what ever or however you spell her name from the " Green Acre's Show "....

I keep telling her that if I can ever get her out in the Country and live there for 6 months, she'll never want to return to the City life again......

[KYBOY]

Barney the quail are for meat and eggs. Coturnix quail are ready to eat at 6 weeks old and start laying eggs around 7 weeks old. One of mine dropped the first egg yesterday and they will be 7 weeks old this Thur. Their like the rabbits of the bird world:D Im gonna sell the eggs too. Hopefully:p

[headoftheholler]

Man do I wish I could get out of the City life and move back to a farm again...I got one of those wife's who acts and thinks like ZAA ZAA Gabor..or what ever or however you spell her name from the " Green Acre's Show "....

I keep telling her that if I can ever get her out in the Country and live there for 6 months, she'll never want to return to the City life again......
As bad as people dog us from eastern kentucky, once you give it a chance you won't want to leave. Nice quail btw Kyboy, I've never had the eggs though, any good?

[huntindawoods]

Nice looking bunch of chicks, like the the coop you have for the hens

[KYBOY]

Yes, the eggs are very good. Just as good as chicken eggs in my opinion. Just takes more of em'..LOL

[barney]

Well.........I was wrong!!:rolleyes: I figured the first egg would arrive around Christmas, it came on Oct. 23rd. That put the girls at just over 4 months old. But, one reason for the early maturity is, these pullets were bred for egg production, and since the day they arrived........they have wanted for nothing! Production just keeps getting better every day, yesterday I gathered 18 eggs, gonna have to put the "EGGS FOR SALE" sign up soon.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff95/barney097/Picture122.jpg

I've not had very many chickens as calm and friendly as these either. Notice the shine on those feathers, that is a sign of happy and healthy birds!
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff95/barney097/Picture127.jpg

Busy day at the nests.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff95/barney097/Picture128.jpg

And, the "fruits" of a little investment of money and time!

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff95/barney097/Picture129.jpg

[rangerman2003]

nice looking chicks... seems like a nice little way to get some good food and some extra cash...

[barney]

nice looking chicks... seems like a nice little way to get some good food and some extra cash...
I like both.........food and cash!!:)

[Hammer]

here's a question from a city slicker ;)

I always thought you had to have a rooster to get the hens to lay. Is that not true?

on free range birds; I'm not sure the details, but when I was in Canada last on a hunting trip, the lady that cleaned our birds had free range chickens. dozens of them... They attacked the gut piles with a vengeance! :eek: Point is there are tons of predators there, and she didn't seem to have a problem. Wonder what she does?

Lastly, nice pictures! :D

[barney]

here's a question from a city slicker ;)

I always thought you had to have a rooster to get the hens to lay. Is that not true?

on free range birds; I'm not sure the details, but when I was in Canada last on a hunting trip, the lady that cleaned our birds had free range chickens. dozens of them... They attacked the gut piles with a vengeance! :eek: Point is there are tons of predators there, and she didn't seem to have a problem. Wonder what she does?

Lastly, nice pictures! :D
That is not true! A hen don't need a rooster in order to lay, only need a rooster in order to get fertile eggs.

Most predators strike at night. I am almost positive that her hens only free range in the day time, and have a nice cozy and well secured coop, for roosting at night fall.

and thanks!!

[KYHUNTER14]

With no rooster there is no worry about gathering a fertile egg.

[killinmammals]

As bad as people dog us from eastern kentucky, once you give it a chance you won't want to leave. Nice quail btw Kyboy, I've never had the eggs though, any good?
You won't hear any crap from me, I envy you. If I could have some land, grow my own groceries, have some critters to provide more food, both by laying eggs and eatin them and other tastey critters I'd be in Heaven

[CUZZIN]

Barn as always you got it going on buddy;) My hens have quit laying eggs for the past month, what do you think is the problem? But they did hatch out some new chicks would that be it with in that time would that be it?

[barney]

Barn as always you got it going on buddy;) My hens have quit laying eggs for the past month, what do you think is the problem? But they did hatch out some new chicks would that be it with in that time would that be it?
Alot of breeds slow or stop all together this time of year. These pullets are bred to lay........and never go broody, just like a Leghorn. The only difference is, these lay brown eggs. The only time they stop laying is when they moult.

Try putting a light on them to induce laying, it fools their internal clock into thinking its the longer days of spring. I used put a light on a timer, to come on in the hen house a couple of hours before daylight, and then switch off, it works like a charm!

[243win]

My early hatched pulletts are starting to lay . I love the hen house it looks a lot like mine!:cool:

[Snareman2]

Barn as always you got it going on buddy;) My hens have quit laying eggs for the past month, what do you think is the problem? But they did hatch out some new chicks would that be it with in that time would that be it?

I don't know how I ever missed this thread, this is right up my alley. I've had chickens for awhile now. Cuckoo Marans, Welsummers, Americanas, and about ten other varieties. Anyway, My hens usually go through a molt (new feathers) in October, they usually slow down quit abit then. However, they are getting some age, I find that I don't get any eggs here lately:( It will help if you can get a light on them, these short days don't go with egg production.

[CUZZIN]

Thanks Barn and Snare I will try this, thanks for the info;)

[KYBOY]

dang the cold and moult :mad::mad: My production is down and I cant keep enough eggs to sell right now..I figured my cuckoo marans would be laying right now but I guess winter caught them..Probably be spring for them..The rest uoght to pick up after they finish moulting...

[elkguy]

Hey Barney and other gents,

Where would you recommend I purchase day old chicks? We only have 8 pullets in a back yard pen now, and my kids want to raise some chicks. Looking for layers.

Dave

[barney]

Hey Barney and other gents,

Where would you recommend I purchase day old chicks? We only have 8 pullets in a back yard pen now, and my kids want to raise some chicks. Looking for layers.

Dave
I have ordered from all of the major hatcherys in the past, with good results. But due to the economic down turn, the big name hatcherys were booked months in advance this past spring. I look for it to be that way this spring too.

Just by chance, I stumbled upon this one. I gave them a call, and they were only about a month out on orders.....so I ordered from them, also with no problems. They have great prices on pullets to boot! For brown eggs, I highly recommend the HYLINE GOLDEN COMET or the BLACK SEX LINK both start laying at an early age, and are laying fools!
http://www.sunrayhatchery.com

[elkguy]

Thanks Barney. Nothing like sitting down to a meal where you grew, killed, and/or produced everything on the table. I had chickens when I was a kid, and me and my wife had chickens after we first got married. I miss those fresh eggs. Between hutning, fishing, the garden and now chickens, I am trying to let my kids know where food comes from. Plus, it is fun. All I need now is a hog lot, but I don't think my neighbors would want it.

I need to find another place in the sticks.

Thanks again.

Dave

[carpenterguy]

Thinking about getting some barred rocks...But the black sex linx seem to be a good cross of it and the rhode island red. So i'm unsure. I found this hatchery and am thinking about ordering one of there egg layer combos. I have a good friend who offered me some barred rock eggs to hatch and i'm considering just getting those and a red rooster to breed my own. Those with the combo should really be a nice batch.

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/category/standard_breed_chicks.html

Check out the link and see what you guys think? Kinda new to this. Thanks

[barney]

Thinking about getting some barred rocks...But the black sex linx seem to be a good cross of it and the rhode island red. So i'm unsure. I found this hatchery and am thinking about ordering one of there egg layer combos. I have a good friend who offered me some barred rock eggs to hatch and i'm considering just getting those and a red rooster to breed my own. Those with the combo should really be a nice batch.

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/category/standard_breed_chicks.html

Check out the link and see what you guys think? Kinda new to this. Thanks


If you are just wanting a flock of chickens..... your plans will work perfectly! If you are wanting brown eggs, and lots of them, get the sex links. They are bred to lay better than others,they come into production faster, are more productive, and feed efficient, and they are also a very calm and friendly chicken. If you want white eggs, get Leghorns, they are the most feed efficient and productive breed available....though not usually as friendly as the sex links.

In my opinion, most of the hatcherys provide good service. I have ordered from several of them over the years. But,some people prefer one over another, I don't. I order from the one that has what I want, and can get it to me when I want it. This past spring ALL of the major hatcherys, were booked several months in advance. If you know what you want.....I would call and set up a delivery date SOON........

[KYBOY]

For just egg laying sex links like golden comets are machines..Though not "as" good for a eating chicken, in my opinion anyway..My chickens have been molting late on me and my egg production is way down right, even for winter :mad: I hate telling people who call wanting eggs to call back because we'er out :rolleyes:

[carpenterguy]

I def want brown egg layers...Not really interested in just a flock but he father in law is raising the Araucanas which my wife loves the eggs from..Personally I like the brown..Will probably just get some sex lynx. Maybe i'll wait to order the assortment till the boy gets a little older and let him raise em;)

[MsgMills]

What is the average cost of eggs going for these days? I have a close neighbor who is selling Brown Eggs as well. I tell ya, nothing like fresh farm raised eggs to eat.....yum yum yum.....:)

[barney]

What is the average cost of eggs going for these days? I have a close neighbor who is selling Brown Eggs as well. I tell ya, nothing like fresh farm raised eggs to eat.....yum yum yum.....:)
My new pullets are paying for their keep right now, and thats all I ask of them. I sell eggs for $2 a dozen, right now. I have somewhere around 50 pullets, and the last few weeks I have averaged 20 or so dozen eggs/week to sell. The feed bill runs around $25/week, so I pocket a small amount, + I keep the small, jumbo, or extra dirty eggs for personal use.

I have heard of prices in $4-6 dollar range, for fresh free-range eggs. I may raise my price to $3/dozen this spring, because demand......greatly, exceeds supply right now.:)

[drakeshooter]

Lately I've been giving $1.78 per dozen for brown eggs at Walmart. They are Farm House brand and are supposedly from free roaming nesting hens that are fed natural grain feed. All I know is that they are large and almost, but not quite as good as home raised. For the extra 80 cents or so per dozen, I think they are worth it.

[barney]

For just egg laying sex links like golden comets are machines..Though not "as" good for a eating chicken, in my opinion anyway..My chickens have been molting late on me and my egg production is way down right, even for winter :mad: I hate telling people who call wanting eggs to call back because we'er out :rolleyes:
Hang a pic of a big pot of boiling water in the coop........they'll get the hint!:D

[barney]

Lately I've been giving $1.78 per dozen for brown eggs at Walmart. They are Farm House brand and are supposedly from free roaming nesting hens that are fed natural grain feed. All I know is that they are large and almost, but not quite as good as home raised. For the extra 80 cents or so per dozen, I think they are worth it.
I have heard other people say that those were good eggs, never tried them myself. And you are right, the extra money is well spent!

Most people will never know what they are missing! I think a store bought egg has basicly the same difference in taste, and quality, as a store bought tomato does in January, verses a garden tomato in August......

An "egg factory" hen in a cage, fed the bare minimum,scientifically analyzed diet, and never seeing the light of day, will never, produce a flavorful egg. A good quality egg has a rich, yellow/orange colored yolk, and a viscous, stand up in the skillet, white.....with flavor to match.....well worth the extra $$. Another thing most people don't realize is, most store bought "fresh eggs" are more than a month old. I read somewhere once, the average age of a store egg was 6 weeks!:eek:

[KYBOY]

Hang a pic of a big pot of boiling water in the coop........they'll get the hint!:D
A couple already have ;) I was getting 16-19 eggs every day from 20 hens all summer..My marans didnt get big enough in time so they wont start until spring..I should get another 7-9 every day from those 10 hens..Right now Im lucky to get 6 a day from 18 hens :mad:..Some of em' look half plucked right now because of this late molt:rolleyes: Ive never had them molt this late befor :confused:

[barney]

A couple already have ;) I was getting 16-19 eggs every day from 20 hens all summer..My marans didnt get big enough in time so they wont start until spring..I should get another 7-9 every day from those 10 hens..Right now Im lucky to get 6 a day from 18 hens :mad:..Some of em' look half plucked right now because of this late molt:rolleyes: Ive never had them molt this late befor :confused:
I wish my pullets were Black Copper Marans, and were laying at the rate they are right now. That would be tons of fun, selling eggs for $25 dollars each!:eek: A feller could get "well" pretty soon. LOL http://cgi.ebay.com/6-MARANS-COPPER-BLACK-CHICKEN-EGGS-4-HATCHING_W0QQitemZ230315170830QQcmdZViewItemQQptZB I_Farm_Supplies?hash=item230315170830&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Might try up'n the protein a little, to speed that molt up. I have had that problem before too. My hens were a little deficient in protein, and as new feathers grew in, the other hens would pick them out. I clipped the tips of their beaks, to stop the picking, and fed a higher protein feed for a few weeks, to help feather development. They feathered in nicely, and production was up, within a few weeks!

[KYBOY]

I wish they were black coppers too..Ive seen a half doz eggs go for $150-$175 several times on ebay :eek: Mine are cuckoo marans..Im feeding 16% right now, I may buy a bag of 30% game bird feed next month to mix in..See how that goes..

[elkguy]

I gotta get me some pullets. I bought 10 "pullets" about 3 months ago. Two died and now 6 of the remaining 8 are crowing.:D

Time for a backyard chicken-killin.

[carpenterguy]

Well I placed my order last night. Went with 10 Barred Rocks, 10 Black Sex Lynks, and a few arracaunas and buttercups. I also got a Rhode Island Red Rooster... now i can produce all the sex lynks i want!;)

[barney]

Well I placed my order last night. Went with 10 Barred Rocks, 10 Black Sex Lynks, and a few arracaunas and buttercups. I also got a Rhode Island Red Rooster... now i can produce all the sex lynks i want!;)
Enjoy the chickens! I have for the most of my life.

I'm thinking of adding a few "green eggers" this spring too. Seems alot of people are asking about green eggs, in the renewed interest in chickens and eggs.

If you need any help building a coop, just hollar!:D:D

[pbrdrnkr]

I cant let my chickens free range anymore. To many hawks and way to many owls..I can hear half a dozen owls hooting abck and forth in my hollar here every night. Ive caught plenty of coyotes,fox and even bobcat with 100' or so of my chicken coops. I lost most of my flock last year to "pets" :mad: I can understand the wild critters but when people let their "pets" run loose and kill my stuff I get....upset.
Yes I do as well I talked to the police and they said if the dogs were killing my chickens I would be justified in shooting them. I don't like shooting dogs but just cause its the country doesn't mean let them run free. I have kids that play outside and don't like the dogs wandering in on them either.I usually scare them off with a shotgun a few times if that doesn't work then out comes the rifle.

[KYBOY]

Yea, it can be an aggrevation.. Thats for sure..I dont like taking shots at what might be someones pet so I usually try and scare them off the first time..If it really is a pet often times that will work..Kytrapper on this forum lost 22 full stock cuckoo marans last spring to wild dogs :rolleyes: He was pretty hot..