re: Raising Chickens

Went outside and one of my young roosters was on its side, pretty much paralyzed. Had to dispatch him. Hope it's not Marek's disease.

Hey, raising chickens ain't all cuddling.

Very nice!
I have the same feeder and discover not long after putting it up that the chickens were roosting above it and pooping into it(no lid). I went to Big Lots and bought a cheap cake pan and cut notches on either side so it slides over the hanging handle. and now the feeder is closed on top.

I have 20 chickens all kinds of breeds. Buffs, sex links, Reds, Americana, barred rocks, etc.

I built my coops out of pallets with tin roofs. I keep pine straw in them and they have a big yard to play in. When I get home in the afternoon we usually let them out to free range. They go all over eating bugs and stuff.

I love my RIR

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Gulf Coast Tiger

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Do you have a picture of your coop? I'd love to see your design. I am thinking about making a bigger coop next spring when I hopefully am able to convince my fiance we need 8 rather than 3 chickens.

Looks nice, man.

I got my first chicks at Easter. Speckled Sussex, RIR, and golden sex link.

The RIRs are the calmest so far.

None of these hoes like to be picked up yet, though.
Does that change? I had to improvise their living quarters a few times (got in over my head) so I think I stressed them out a lot early on. They have a good coop now and free range for awhile every evening, but I'm worried they'll never be very friendly.

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None of these hoes like to be picked up yet, though.
Does that change? I had to improvise their living quarters a few times (got in over my head) so I think I stressed them out a lot early on. They have a good coop now and free range for awhile every evening, but I'm worried they'll never be very friendly.

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That absolutely changes. Before mine were laying, none liked to even be touched. Then when they started laying they became super friendly.

Best way to get them loving on you and liking being picked up is to spend time with them, and to give them treats. Just hang out with them. I crouch down to be close to them a lot as they range the backyard. I'll handfeed them and now they come running to me as soon as I open the back door.

If they aren't laying yet, give it time. They will mature a lot and will be much more open to being handled.

I cannot stress enough; Don't chase them around trying to catch them! Try touching them without using motions that could be considered threatening.

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Thanks for the post. It didn't take me long to learn not to chase them.

"Go home, chickens" just about gets them back to the coop, with a little help from my shepherds (kids).

I do handfeed them a bit. They love meat.

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Then I wouldn't worry.

Pullets are like teenage girls. Once they start laying they will mature very quickly and truly realize that you take care of them. There are occasionally chickens that never like being cuddled but for the most part you will get the majority of your hens to be happy being held. I have 1 chicken that runs up to me and stands on my foot. I can pick my leg up and she stays on. I can pick her up and if I hold my arm out she will jump on it like a parrot.

Just keep doing what you're doing!

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Will never own reds again. Both of mine peck the other birds, are mean to the others. Bully them around, give them bald spots. I hate them. The buffs are amazing, sweet, calm, and gentle, as well as my easter egger. The frickn reds are satan spawn

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I have 3 reds, 2 white leghorns, 1 buff, and 2 black hens. They all get along just fine. I just got 4 chicks from my neighbor but i dont remember the breed.