submitted by Cunt to Farming1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 21:56:31 ago (+18/-0) (Farming)
I'm considering it to get more eggs and would be fun for the kids. I'm trying to butter my husband up on the idea. I would love to hear from any goats that have done it.
My main worries really are space and also that they can't be sexed until older and I'm too too squeamish for slaughtering cocks (although hubby would probably do that) and plucking.
Edit for clarity: I only plan to raise the chicks, then cart them off when old enough. My grandparents have a large chicken run but their flock numbers are dwindling and therefore so are my free eggs.
There was a video on the jewtube that someone with chickens posted showing how they have the chicken coop area attached to a larger frame with a hitch, so they could easily move the coop around to a different area of the yard every other day. No clean up - the chicken poop helps the grass grow, and the constant relocation helps the areas from not being completely destroyed.
If you are in a snowy climate, chickens require heated lamps. Otherwise, their feet will crumble apart. Any leftover scraps can be thrown to the chickens instead of compost. They make defeathering equipment, from quick and easy powertool attachments to full sized centrifugal spinning barrels - makes plucking a breeze.
There are a couple dozen different kinds/breeds of chicken - if you want more eggs, go with the White Leghorn. Different breeds lay different color eggs - the “brown eggs are the most organic, healthy” is complete bullshit; the egg quality depends on what you feed the chicken, obviously. if you get a lot of slugs and bugs near a certain corner of your property, you know where to place your chicken coop for an increased protein supplement.
For water and feed, I bought home depot buckets and cut out small holes near the bottom - placed into a slightly larger tray, or circular plant saucer, the food or water would fill itself into the saucer. Fill every week or so.
If he's going to worry about space, think about coturnix quail. They're mini chickens except more docile and get used to being handled. There are many pros over chickens.
If you want your kids involved, ducks are hardier in child hands. Kids can also hold and hand feed them when the ducks are full grown. There are also many pros over chickens.
I had a ton of info on both after voat went down over on poal. S/quail is probably still up.
You're going to keep each of those in cages/pens/hutches. Neither are loose in your yard. Maybe you're thinking about guineas? They love ticks and roam freely.
I've got a buddy that lets his ducks run loose in his yard. Only one has flown away. Then again I think he only has female ducks, so part of the reason they don't fly off is they usually wait for a male to lead them if they're gonna fly.
They'll stick around as long as he feeds them once in a while or had a shelter they like at night.
Most, if not all, domestic ducks can get off the ground, but I wonder what kind he had that could actually fly away? Were they call ducks or something kind of smaller/thinner? It's likely something snacked on it.
[ - ] Gowithit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:06:36 ago (+1/-0)
guineas! I love those stupid birds. Years ago a neighbor had some and they were absolute bullies to the chickens but then they would try acting like them all the time.
Guineas are a paradox. They're both always around and never around, but they always come back around. Idk how that would work out in town? I have a guinea/peacock guy, but he only ever offers me eggs. I'd hatch some peacocks just to look at, but Mrs. Ruck is afraid of them.
I knew a guy who raised those. He said to keep the mother hen in an enclosure where the chicks can interact with her but still roam freely. Despite being the semi-feral creatures they are, this sort of conditions them to the farming experience. They cannot be fully domesticated, regardless.
That was years ago in the mountains. and yeah they always went back to her house in their little group. Here in this area where im pretty sure we're going to die when shtf.. no. I dont see them working out here.
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:30:10 ago (+0/-0)
I fucking hate Guinea fowls!!!! I have one bastard that some nigger neighbours let escape, they moved out and it still lives around here and is noisy as fuck.
Clammy. I think it's clamhurtlegbeard? They do in fact produce a lot of eggs and are retarded. I never talked about yard birds until voat shut down and I was forced into a poal migration. I had no idea anyone else had anything besides chickens.
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:28:02 ago (+0/-0)
Ah so it's you! I knew there was a quail guy around here somewhere! I'll check it out. But "I" have an established coop at my grandparent's farm to send them to when they are old enough so not considering other birds.
I am a little considered about the rooster and older hens being mean to them. I could probably just get enough to outnumber the existing hens though if that would help the introduction. Not sure how to do a gradual introduction or fence off a portion of the enclosure for the introduction though, logistically.
Yeah, I'm the yard bird guy! I don't know enough about every breed of chicken or the setup of your coop to confidently give advice.
I will say never add just 1 or 2 birds to a coop. The odds of a pecking order beating increase. You can either dump in a bunch to spread out potential aggression, or pull the one asshole for a couple days. It'll be the newfag when you reintroduce it and the tables will have turned.
Spend the $3 on a single duck and raise them together with your chicks. Same feed, bedding, etc. Odd are your kids will enjoy it, and you can keep it in your yard.
Eh, they figure it out. Just make sure there is a lot of food for a while and it is spread out so the big chickens don't get it all. They will be maybe 8 weeks at that point so should be fine. I have my chicks delivered about 4/20 every year. It is just warm enough that they make it through the mail in the mid west.
The first time you put them in the barn, put them in at night time so they wake up with a home base. They will all make a giant clump of chicks until they an go up on the roosts.
From my experience quail are the opposite of docile, I could hardly have two in the same cage without them trying to eat each other's brains out. Never had problems with chickens being aggressive either towards each other or people, even my cocks have been docile.
I was talking about hand feeding an adult chicken as a child is a painful experience for your palm. An old coworker's rooster pecked his kid in the eye and sent him to the hospital. Either way, roosters are more dangerous than ducks and quail.
I wish you had found my stuff on s/quail. The aggression you're describing can be 100% prevented. I made guides for the entire process that anyone could follow for success.
I accidentally sent my reply so I,m going to finish. What did you want to know?...other than its a serious commitment that requires a lot of daily work. As a kid my day, my brother included, began at 5.45 AM, collecting eggs, changing water and cleaning the shit trough underneath the roosting beams, then there's the predators, raccoons, weasels, fox, coyotes, wolves, cats, crows, seagulls, hawks, they all take a toll, then there's the butchering...and with free-range you get loads of chicken shit all around the yard especially around the house...but hey, you get your own eggs.
Order online. Chicks can be shipped via postal service. The source will send you female only chicks. Tractor Supply and IFA usually has female chicks ready to pick up.
Check your zoning laws. Most cites have rules about keeping chickens. If you are "worried about space", that's probably a good indication that you can't have chickens.
In the closest incorporated area to where I live, the city requires at least 1 acre plot of land.
They get away with it because the are Mexicans. Karen from the HOA or City Council isn't going to let you use that as an excuse. So, check your HOA and check your city laws, and then sell your house and move someplace without an HOA or laws.
You can't have a duck running around your yard? I had a flock back in the day when I lived in town. Some of my neighbors had no idea until I'd give them huge eggs.
Let me know if you ever think about actually getting ducks and have questions. I had s/quail over on poal after voat went down. There's stuff on ducks too. All my posts are still up, but I'm aou changed my password after insulting him.
That makes sense. Originally I thought your town had a no duck policy or something. A lot of places don't allow roosters, so I'm not surprised. It's cool your municipality has clear cut rules available online.
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 01:26:01 ago (+0/-0)
The place I was looking at does ship (or I could make a day trip) but the day old chicks they sell are unsexed. Maybe I'll search more and see if somewhere else sells them sexed.
I think I can keep 4 legally but I don't want to keep chickens, only baby chicks. My grandparents have a farm and large coop but they haven't bought any new chickens in a while so the free eggs they give me are running low. Thought it might be a nice way to restock them and if it goes well cheaper in the long run if not straight away.
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 05:01:24 ago (+0/-0)
I have no idea what 4-H is but am assuming it's an American thing? Pretty sure I can keep them legally, although I would need landlord permission but he is pretty chill. 50% for the kids/my own enjoyment and 50% to restock the grandparents flock so I can get more free eggs.
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 16, 2023 05:10:34 ago (+0/-0)
I mean I could keep 4 HENS without problem but as chicks are indoors at least for the first while I think I could get away with a bunch more than that. 4 wouldn't really be worth it.
[ - ] Cunt [op] 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:16:06 ago (+2/-0)
Do tell me more! Is it as easy as it seems?
I don't think the smell would bother me that much, especially if we kept on top of cleaning the poop. Also it would only be for a few weeks. Husband has raised some concern over constant cheeping noise.
Did you ever have any problems with introducing young birds to older ones? Any issues with birds making a habit of sleeping (and pooping) in nest boxes?
Noise was never an issue for me. And yes, it's only for a short time. If you haven't yet developed a distaste for that "creamy cloaca" smell, it probably won't bother you much.
As for introducing younger birds to older ones, you will *definitely* have problems if you introduce them without some sort of physical barrier separating them. The older hens will peck them mercilessly, sometimes to the point of fatal injury.
What we would do when introducing a new clutch to the flock was set up a wire barrier in the coop with the new recruits safely set away from the existing brood. After a few weeks of co-habitation, they no longer regard them as foreign intruders and will accept them as part of the flock.
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:36:13 ago (+0/-0)
I know people say chooks can't fly but I've seen them fly far enough. Would I really have to fence off to the roof or how low could I get away with? How desperate will they be to enforce the pecking order?
There is an area that is feasible to temporarily cut off with chicken wire and both groups would still have shelter or there is a gate separating the main run from the shelter & small open space but that would probably stress out the resident birds I think even if I put a small temporary shelter up for them.
I have had maybe 64 birds for meat and eggs. This spring i will probably have 70ish chicks and turkeys. It isn't the poop smell, it is the dust from the feathers. First 3-4 weeks, they can go in a basement In like a big galvanized bucket you might have at a party for drinks. I have screen over mine with binder clips and a heat lamp. Week 4+ they move out to the garage with a heat lamp. I have some large dog cages for the garage. The dust comes when they start to get feathers.
Use the water drinkers that you get at the supply shop for chicks and put it on a brick in the bucket. If you use dishes, the chicks fall in and die from the cold.
Also, just use the regular chick food and not any grain. They can't digest the grain without grit so they starve in a pile of food.
That is the problem, even as valuable as chicken shit is for the garden, the urine/ smell is just atrocious.
You need to have a bit of property to consider and be fastidious in the cleanliness of the shed and composting, which also raises the cost.
Rabbits on the other hand are a relatively easier to handle, and you don't need to necessarily worry so much about the composting part, as you can throw that directly into the garden., especially if you embrace your carnivorous side, and are not looking for eggs.
Believe it or not, the plucking part is relatively easy after they have been dunked a few times, other than the few stubborn young feathers that may be found.
You may let them roam over a few acres and, however much room they have to roam, guaranteed they'll cover your patio and/or deck with bird shit.
As for processing, I've spoken with many folks that process 50-100 birds at a time and the de-feathering is uniformly their least favorite part of the operation, even when using a machine.
I tried the plucking machines. Not the power drill bullshit, the drum spinner kind. That's the way to go if you want whole chickens with the skin on. I don't do that anymore. It takes 60 seconds to rip the skin off and remove the wings, breast, and legs/thighs. You don't even have to mess with the guts. Plucking is gay no matter how you do it.
I have a couple friends who do it. They only keep egg layers so they don't have to worry about separating the chicks. The eggs are really good, I prefer them to supermarket eggs, and you can tell from the color of the yolks that there's actual nutritional value in them.
Ducks are worth considering as well, the eggs are a bit bigger and there's more yolk for the same amount of white.
Because their hens lay fertilised eggs and raise themselves?
Nah, he just bought some hens and female ducks from someone, he's not worrying about raising multiple generations of them. If you're just looking for some backyard chickens or ducks to lay enough eggs for your family and friends, it's not really a concern. If you're looking to farm them on a bigger scale, then you need to worry about keeping a rooster or two.
The chick doesn't start to grow past a few cells for the first 2-3 days. If you collect the eggs every day, you won't see any difference in a fertilized vs. Unfertilized egg. Just dont keep them under a heat lamp.
[ - ] Cunt [op] 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:20:43 ago (+1/-0)
Anything really.
I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos and read some websites so I think I have the idea, but there are some finicky differences everyone is convinced that their way is the best (different heat sources, enclosures, bedding, feeders) ... I'm pretty sold on a nipple water system, and I liked the zip up ventalted tent enclosure but not sure if it is really that durable against scratching...other than that haven't decided on other equipment.
I’ve used electric heated water feeders, but my favorite one was an old tire filled with heavy rocks (the black tire would absorb heat during daylight, and the rocks would keep the heat during the night), with a round metal snow sled placed on top - fed by a home depot bucket (with lid on top) that had holes near the bottom so the water would keep at a certain level.
I think it was the best because it required the least amount of attention or upkeep, but every one certainly has their own ideas.
We raise Coturnix quail every year. we are in the north, with snow, so i don't keep them over the winter, but you could if you provided just a small amount of heat and shelter. usually have about 1 or 2 males, and 8 or 10 females. don't know about chickens, but for quail make sure you get all birds from one hatching group. sometimes they get mean towards birds that weren't part of their hatching group and peck them to death. super easy to care for, just provide food and water and they provide eggs. each hen will lay 1 egg every other day in the summer.
[ - ] letsgetit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 01:00:58 ago (+1/-0)*
If you don't have enough space the chickens will eat every shred of green down to the dirt. 3 Adult Hens in a small suburban backyard is not enough space. 5-6 on 1/3 acre is doable.
When you buy the chicks you get like a 90-95% chance of the supplier picking female. It's not an exact science for most of these suppliers. We got 1 rooster with 5 hens when we asked for all female.
Adult chickens can tolerate cold pretty well, hot summers not so much. A well constructed coop is a good idea. Requires cleaning out/cycling occasionally; whatever flooring/wood chips you throw in there. Kind of smelly. Makes good flower bed fertilizer/dirt. They poop all over the yard so the more space you have the better.
One of our chicks almost got taken by a hawk. Rooster was on point and went after it. Hawk dropped the chick
had to kill a 3 month old the other day i raised from being hatched. wasnt much trouble, just let a broody hen do its thing and then made a small seperate enclosure. the dumbass was protected there but somehow managed to get his head stuck in a way it was exposed to the older hens. when i got home, she was being attacked and had her skull showing. they had ripped the skin off most of her head. i guess the point is, its not hard, pretty neat actually but things go wrong. you will be fine if you raise them to be large enough to fend for themselves when you mix them together.
We have only two hens, but they produce each day an egg. We can't eat all those eggs, we would get the jaundice, so we given them also away to the relatives.
[ + ] SumerBreeze
[ - ] SumerBreeze 4 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:38:34 ago (+4/-0)*
If you are in a snowy climate, chickens require heated lamps. Otherwise, their feet will crumble apart. Any leftover scraps can be thrown to the chickens instead of compost. They make defeathering equipment, from quick and easy powertool attachments to full sized centrifugal spinning barrels - makes plucking a breeze.
There are a couple dozen different kinds/breeds of chicken - if you want more eggs, go with the White Leghorn. Different breeds lay different color eggs - the “brown eggs are the most organic, healthy” is complete bullshit; the egg quality depends on what you feed the chicken, obviously. if you get a lot of slugs and bugs near a certain corner of your property, you know where to place your chicken coop for an increased protein supplement.
For water and feed, I bought home depot buckets and cut out small holes near the bottom - placed into a slightly larger tray, or circular plant saucer, the food or water would fill itself into the saucer. Fill every week or so.
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 4 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:28:49 ago (+4/-0)
If he's going to worry about space, think about coturnix quail. They're mini chickens except more docile and get used to being handled. There are many pros over chickens.
If you want your kids involved, ducks are hardier in child hands. Kids can also hold and hand feed them when the ducks are full grown. There are also many pros over chickens.
I had a ton of info on both after voat went down over on poal. S/quail is probably still up.
[ + ] SumerBreeze
[ - ] SumerBreeze 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:40:50 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 3 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:43:54 ago (+3/-0)
[ + ] NaturalSelectionistWorker
[ - ] NaturalSelectionistWorker 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:55:27 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 01:33:59 ago (+1/-0)
Most, if not all, domestic ducks can get off the ground, but I wonder what kind he had that could actually fly away? Were they call ducks or something kind of smaller/thinner? It's likely something snacked on it.
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:08:52 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] SumerBreeze
[ - ] SumerBreeze 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:46:37 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Gowithit
[ - ] Gowithit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:06:36 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:29:44 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] La_Chalupacabra
[ - ] La_Chalupacabra 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 00:37:07 ago (+1/-0)
He said to keep the mother hen in an enclosure where the chicks can interact with her but still roam freely.
Despite being the semi-feral creatures they are, this sort of conditions them to the farming experience.
They cannot be fully domesticated, regardless.
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 01:35:52 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Gowithit
[ - ] Gowithit 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:34:01 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:30:10 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] FellowWhite
[ - ] FellowWhite 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:44:20 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:10:47 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 22:54:54 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] Fascinus
[ - ] Fascinus 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:20:08 ago (+1/-0)
He's had nothing but good luck so far.
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:26:30 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Fascinus
[ - ] Fascinus 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:29:59 ago (+2/-0)
Lives in an urban area and is the "self-sufficiency" type.
Yard is the size of a postage stamp, so garage was his best option.
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 3 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:31:12 ago (+3/-0)
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:28:02 ago (+0/-0)
I am a little considered about the rooster and older hens being mean to them. I could probably just get enough to outnumber the existing hens though if that would help the introduction. Not sure how to do a gradual introduction or fence off a portion of the enclosure for the introduction though, logistically.
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 11:50:47 ago (+0/-0)
I will say never add just 1 or 2 birds to a coop. The odds of a pecking order beating increase. You can either dump in a bunch to spread out potential aggression, or pull the one asshole for a couple days. It'll be the newfag when you reintroduce it and the tables will have turned.
Spend the $3 on a single duck and raise them together with your chicks. Same feed, bedding, etc. Odd are your kids will enjoy it, and you can keep it in your yard.
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:16:52 ago (+0/-0)
The first time you put them in the barn, put them in at night time so they wake up with a home base. They will all make a giant clump of chicks until they an go up on the roosts.
[ + ] FellowWhite
[ - ] FellowWhite 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:43:13 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 11:37:43 ago (+0/-0)
I wish you had found my stuff on s/quail. The aggression you're describing can be 100% prevented. I made guides for the entire process that anyone could follow for success.
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:19:05 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] Fascinus
[ - ] Fascinus 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:21:33 ago (+2/-0)
One day they're your pet, the next day they're trying to spur you at every opportunity.
Unless you're interested in fertilized eggs, geese might be a better option for protecting the flock.
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:30:42 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] Zyklonbeekeeper
[ - ] Zyklonbeekeeper 3 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:26:30 ago (+3/-0)
[ + ] Master_Foo
[ - ] Master_Foo 3 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:24:27 ago (+3/-0)
Tractor Supply and IFA usually has female chicks ready to pick up.
Check your zoning laws. Most cites have rules about keeping chickens. If you are "worried about space", that's probably a good indication that you can't have chickens.
In the closest incorporated area to where I live, the city requires at least 1 acre plot of land.
[ + ] Gowithit
[ - ] Gowithit 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:29:34 ago (+2/-0)
However I hear roosters over at this mexican "bakery" less than a mile away and Im wondering how they are getting away with it.
[ + ] Master_Foo
[ - ] Master_Foo 6 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:34:59 ago (+6/-0)
Karen from the HOA or City Council isn't going to let you use that as an excuse. So, check your HOA and check your city laws, and then sell your house and move someplace without an HOA or laws.
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:35:10 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Gowithit
[ - ] Gowithit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:49:05 ago (+1/-0)
I brought up ducks after this anon guy on here sold me on them but Im not the one who gets to make the ultimate decision.
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:52:48 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Gowithit
[ - ] Gowithit 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:54:42 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:35:55 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Gowithit
[ - ] Gowithit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:44:54 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:50:14 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Gowithit
[ - ] Gowithit 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:53:28 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:00:53 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 01:26:01 ago (+0/-0)
I think I can keep 4 legally but I don't want to keep chickens, only baby chicks. My grandparents have a farm and large coop but they haven't bought any new chickens in a while so the free eggs they give me are running low. Thought it might be a nice way to restock them and if it goes well cheaper in the long run if not straight away.
[ + ] Master_Foo
[ - ] Master_Foo 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 01:33:50 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 05:01:24 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:28:31 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 16, 2023 05:10:34 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] Fascinus
[ - ] Fascinus 3 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 21:59:49 ago (+3/-0)
Chickens, ducks and geese.
As rewarding an experience as it can be, I probably won't do it again. It's the smell more than anything.
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:16:06 ago (+2/-0)
I don't think the smell would bother me that much, especially if we kept on top of cleaning the poop. Also it would only be for a few weeks. Husband has raised some concern over constant cheeping noise.
Did you ever have any problems with introducing young birds to older ones? Any issues with birds making a habit of sleeping (and pooping) in nest boxes?
[ + ] Fascinus
[ - ] Fascinus 5 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:21:34 ago (+5/-0)
Noise was never an issue for me. And yes, it's only for a short time. If you haven't yet developed a distaste for that "creamy cloaca" smell, it probably won't bother you much.
As for introducing younger birds to older ones, you will *definitely* have problems if you introduce them without some sort of physical barrier separating them. The older hens will peck them mercilessly, sometimes to the point of fatal injury.
What we would do when introducing a new clutch to the flock was set up a wire barrier in the coop with the new recruits safely set away from the existing brood. After a few weeks of co-habitation, they no longer regard them as foreign intruders and will accept them as part of the flock.
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:36:13 ago (+0/-0)
There is an area that is feasible to temporarily cut off with chicken wire and both groups would still have shelter or there is a gate separating the main run from the shelter & small open space but that would probably stress out the resident birds I think even if I put a small temporary shelter up for them.
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:05:56 ago (+2/-0)
It isn't the poop smell, it is the dust from the feathers. First 3-4 weeks, they can go in a basement In like a big galvanized bucket you might have at a party for drinks. I have screen over mine with binder clips and a heat lamp. Week 4+ they move out to the garage with a heat lamp. I have some large dog cages for the garage. The dust comes when they start to get feathers.
Use the water drinkers that you get at the supply shop for chicks and put it on a brick in the bucket. If you use dishes, the chicks fall in and die from the cold.
Also, just use the regular chick food and not any grain. They can't digest the grain without grit so they starve in a pile of food.
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 16, 2023 05:18:21 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] ParnellsUprising
[ - ] ParnellsUprising 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:31:52 ago (+2/-0)
You need to have a bit of property to consider and be fastidious in the cleanliness of the shed and composting, which also raises the cost.
Rabbits on the other hand are a relatively easier to handle, and you don't need to necessarily worry so much about the composting part, as you can throw that directly into the garden., especially if you embrace your carnivorous side, and are not looking for eggs.
Believe it or not, the plucking part is relatively easy after they have been dunked a few times, other than the few stubborn young feathers that may be found.
[ + ] Fascinus
[ - ] Fascinus 3 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:37:10 ago (+3/-0)
You may let them roam over a few acres and, however much room they have to roam, guaranteed they'll cover your patio and/or deck with bird shit.
As for processing, I've spoken with many folks that process 50-100 birds at a time and the de-feathering is uniformly their least favorite part of the operation, even when using a machine.
[ + ] SumerBreeze
[ - ] SumerBreeze 3 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:00:44 ago (+3/-0)
[ + ] ruck_feddit
[ - ] ruck_feddit 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:00:07 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] NaturalSelectionistWorker
[ - ] NaturalSelectionistWorker 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 23:15:21 ago (+2/-0)
Ducks are worth considering as well, the eggs are a bit bigger and there's more yolk for the same amount of white.
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:23:21 ago (+0/-0)
Because their hens lay fertilised eggs and raise them themselves?
I was very paranoid for a while after the rooster came on the scene, candling (/torching) eggs but haven't seen any fertilised ones.
I aggree fresh eggs are so much better than supermarket, been having to buy supermarket ones every other week now and it's just not the same.
Chicken coop is well established at my grandparent's farm so not considering other birds.
If I do it I'm only going to keep the chicks until their big enough to go in the coop.
[ + ] NaturalSelectionistWorker
[ - ] NaturalSelectionistWorker 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:42:47 ago (+0/-0)
Nah, he just bought some hens and female ducks from someone, he's not worrying about raising multiple generations of them. If you're just looking for some backyard chickens or ducks to lay enough eggs for your family and friends, it's not really a concern. If you're looking to farm them on a bigger scale, then you need to worry about keeping a rooster or two.
[ + ] MaryXmas
[ - ] MaryXmas 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 21:24:17 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] Zyklonbeekeeper
[ - ] Zyklonbeekeeper 2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:07:47 ago (+2/-0)
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:20:43 ago (+1/-0)
I've watched a bunch of YouTube videos and read some websites so I think I have the idea, but there are some finicky differences everyone is convinced that their way is the best (different heat sources, enclosures, bedding, feeders) ... I'm pretty sold on a nipple water system, and I liked the zip up ventalted tent enclosure but not sure if it is really that durable against scratching...other than that haven't decided on other equipment.
[ + ] SumerBreeze
[ - ] SumerBreeze 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:55:00 ago (+1/-0)*
I think it was the best because it required the least amount of attention or upkeep, but every one certainly has their own ideas.
[ + ] AugustineOfHippo2
[ - ] AugustineOfHippo2 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 08:28:58 ago (+1/-0)
[ + ] AugustineOfHippo2
[ - ] AugustineOfHippo2 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 10:12:23 ago (+1/-0)
they take a LOT less space. a 3ft x 3ft cage for 10 birds would suffice.
also, they are QUIET. you can have roosters and hens, and not worry too much about noise.
the poop is good for the garden too, we mix it into the compost bin.
[ + ] letsgetit
[ - ] letsgetit 1 point 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 01:00:58 ago (+1/-0)*
When you buy the chicks you get like a 90-95% chance of the supplier picking female. It's not an exact science for most of these suppliers. We got 1 rooster with 5 hens when we asked for all female.
Adult chickens can tolerate cold pretty well, hot summers not so much. A well constructed coop is a good idea. Requires cleaning out/cycling occasionally; whatever flooring/wood chips you throw in there. Kind of smelly. Makes good flower bed fertilizer/dirt. They poop all over the yard so the more space you have the better.
One of our chicks almost got taken by a hawk. Rooster was on point and went after it. Hawk dropped the chick
[ + ] shitface9000
[ - ] shitface9000 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 09:47:30 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] Cunt
[ - ] Cunt [op] 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 17:38:50 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] yolo
[ - ] yolo 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 02:08:05 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] boekanier
[ - ] boekanier 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 01:59:51 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ]deleted
[ - ] deleted 0 points 1.3 yearsJan 15, 2023 00:13:20 ago (+0/-0)
[ + ] JewChipper
[ - ] JewChipper -2 points 1.3 yearsJan 14, 2023 22:07:56 ago (+0/-2)
First you gotta make sure that bitch needs you.
Same thing with women.