Chickens coming soon

[yugogypsy]

Hi Everyone,

The chicken coop is nearly done and by the end of the month we'll have 4 Americauna hens to start with. I'm really pleased.

Once the chickens are installed, we're gong to move my parts car and start on the goathouse-after ripping down and re-building the woodshed and the back of the barn.

We're getting more done every day and the chickens are another step to our self-sufficiency.

I can't wait to get the goats now, but that will have to wait a bit, I have to save a few more $$$ first.

I'm off to the hardware store shortly to get more building supplies.

Take Care Everyone.
Lois

[Lord Azrael]

I've recently finished my chook house outside and my 7 Black Rock chicks, now 7 weeks old and big(!) have taken up residence.
They're absolutely brilliant and great fun just to sit and watch.
It'll probably be around October before they start laying their first eggs I reckon though, and then I'll be selling the excess for a small amount, which will pay for their food!

If you've got the space, get chickens...simple as that!

[Thurston Garden]

I have 20 odd Black Rocks and they are by far the best birds I have had. They lay large eggs, and although not as prolific as the likes of ISA's, they will outlive them by a good number of years.

You might find that by October, the day length is too short to stimulate laying. Hens need 15 hours of daylight to produce eggs. Last winter, I had a low energy light bulb in the hen house rigged up to a timer in the garage. I adjusted the on/off times to ensure a 15 hour day. You must ensure there is 8 or 9 hours of darkness so they can be undisturbed. That said, the hens do not need to be awake for 15 hours, it's the light hitting their head/comb that makes the hormonal reaction which stimulates laying.

My 30 hens are now far from the house and any electrical supply. I might have to investigate a remote lighting rig up from a 12v battery.

My parents are going to get some pullets at the end of the month. Unfortunately, these will just be coming into lay about October too. There is a chance that they might not come into lay until the spring....

[Lord Azrael]

Ideally, you could rig up a small solar lighting system on the chook house. I've seen solar shed light kits for about £20 now, and it would only take a bit of reworking (depending on your electrical skills) to put a timer on it.
I may have to get one of these just to 'tinker' with.

[CrazyParrot]

We have had black rock pullets which have come into lay in december, and after a few weeks went to laying almost an egg each every day. Thats without artificial lighting. black rocks are brilliant!

[ina]

I may have asked this before - can't remember now (blame it on old age! ): Does anybody know a supplier for Black Rock in or around Aberdeenshire?

[Thurston Garden]

Ina - ask and ye shall receive!

http://www.theblackrock.co.uk/agents.htm

[Lord Azrael]

That list is still a bit out of date as it doesn't have my supplier on yet:
www.happyhenhoose.co.uk

It may still be a bit of a drive for you, but Gerald and his wife are great, really helpful.

[benbaddam]

Hi everyone,

I have just launched my website - XXXXXXXXXXX
If you ar einterested in buying a chicken house I invite you to take a look around

Thanks,
Ben

[jimmyh1988]

ok wats the website address please