FAQ > Chicken Coops (25 entries)
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Extremely. The list of predatory animals that will prey on chickens is long, and includes hawks, owls, rats, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, skunks, snakes, dogs, cats, crows, foxes, and more. To ...
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That varies according to factors including age, breed, and type of shelter. For most backyard sized chicken shelters, a minimum of two square feet per bird inside the roost box, and ...
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My Pet Chicken is a reliable online source of fertile hatching eggs, baby chicks, and juvenile chickens.
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Pullets are females have been sexed by the hatchery. Straight run chicks are less expensive, but typically about half pullets ( females ) and half cockerels ( males )
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Chickens can be brought outside when they are between five and twelve weeks old, depending on the temperature. Wait until they are fully feathered to bring them outside.
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Three hens will typically lay a total of two eggs per day.
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A Bantam egg is simply smaller, there is no difference in nutrition.
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Chickens will often lay eggs into their teens.
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Hens typically begin laying eggs at four to six months of age.
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Six feet is a common height for poultry fencing, and netting can always be added overhead to prevent chickens from flying out, and predators from flying in.
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Pine shavings are ideal, while wheat straw also works well.
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Cedar or SPF (Spruce, Pine, Fir) treated with a non-toxic sealant are better choices than pressure treated lumber, even over the newer, safer ACQ pressure treated pine.
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Perches should be made from wood branches or dowels, as plastic or metal is too smooth for a chicken to grasp. Perches should be 2" in diameter for regular sized chickens ...
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Eight inches or more per chicken.
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The lowest perch should be at least 24” off the ground.
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One for every four hens.
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12’ wide , 12” deep and 14” tall.
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About two feet.
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Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns are two of the most productive laying breeds.
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Starter ration until eight weeks, grower ration until eighteen weeks, then layer ration. Supplement the layer ration with ground oyster shell, as it helps keep eggshells thick.
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Scratch is a good treat for chickens. It’s cracked corn and wheat mix , and is available at most feed stores.
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They could be too young, too old, sick, or are molting. Even healthy laying hens need a rest from time to time.
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About ten years
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An annual process that typically happens in the late summer or early fall, where chickens lose and re-grow their feathers. Egg production may pause during the molting process.
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To keep fighting to a minimum, separate new chickens and existing birds with a wire fence barrier so they can see each other but not directly interact for a period ...