• chickens

    THE CHICKEN CHEAT SHEET

    The Ultimate Chicken Cheat Sheet: Coops 4 sq ft per bird indoors 10 sq ft per bird outdoor run space 1 sq ft of ventilation per 10 sq ft of coop floor space 10″ of roost space per bird – use 2×4’s on the flat 1 nestbox for every 5 hens 14×14 minimum nestbox size for most breeds Insulation is a must!! Keeps it warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer. Heat is not necessary if you keep practical breeds (see below). Use stucco wire for fences, back that up with hardware cloth to keep out small predators like weasels. Use flight netting over top Heat vs. No Heat…

  • chickens

    SO YOU’VE BOUGHT SOME CHICKS …

    This is a thread on chicks for the new chicken keepers out there. I got 33 broilers, 7 Sex-sal-link brown pullets and 4 Red Rock Cross pullets last week. I have raised many chicks of many different breeds in the past. How to raise chicks successfully: If you have used your brooder before, use Virkon to disinfect it before you add new chicks. This goes double for any equipment (feeders, waterers, etc.). Mix according to the label and apply to all surfaces liberally. Surfaces must be wet for 15 minutes to properly disinfect so you may have to reapply. I use a small garden sprayer to apply mine. When you…