NH Homesteader- turkeys!

[babsbag]

I like that. My coop is set up where the roosts are in a cubby so that wouldn't work for me. I have a long 'door' at floor level that I can open and push stuff to the outside and it works ok but there is sure a fast build up under the roosts. I have been thinking of putting a board across the floor in front of the roosts and make a big sandbox using Stall Dry. Supposedly I can just rake and and collect the droppings. We'll see.

Here is a picture of my clean-out door from the outside.

 

[CntryBoy777]

It will probably work Babs, as long as they don't scratch it everywhere like chickens Love to do. With your door there I would just put a thin layer of hay down and it would easily sweep right out.

 

[babsbag]

I had thought of using wood chips but didn't want to add that to the compost pile as decomposing wood uses a lot of nitrogen. I don't really have a compost pile, it usually goes onto a tarp for a while and then into the orchard as mulch and I don't need to deplete the soil, defeats the purpose. The hay I never thought off....duh. Like I don't have hay at my place. I can buy bales of wheat hay cheaper than straw too so the chickens can pick through it and get treats too. I need to clean the coop on the next sunny day and then I will try that. Thanks

The floor is wood painted with some really good oil based deck paint, I have been surprised at how well the paint has held up. Next summer when it is 110° I will lock the chickens out at 5 AM and power wash and repaint it. I need a hot, long day for that project.

 

[NH homesteader]

Nice I like that idea! Thanks for sharing it!

Yes the pigs are cute aren't they? Not as cuddly as the goats though, haha!

Just got a call from the vet. CAE test for my little now wether is negative, yay!

 

[Hens and Roos]

that's great news on the negative CAE test for your wether!!

 

[NH homesteader]

So we moved the Jersey Giants in with the main flock last night. They're being shunned a bit but no aggression, pecking or anything. My husband tried to pick one up this morning to check her out and Brewster the rooster spurred him pretty good. He was disciplined and is now hiding in the coop. At least he's protecting the new hens right?

 

[CntryBoy777]

Ouch!! Hope he's okay...the DH, not the roo. I won't rehash passed discussions, but suffice it to say I'd tell ya to add one to your Order.

 

[NH homesteader]

He's fine. He is actually a good roo, he isn't typically aggressive but the whole flock was abnormally wound up with the new additions. He has never gone after anyone for no reason. My daughter can walk around him with no issues. He's just protective of his ladies!

We will end up with 3 roos after our spring chicks arrive, but they will be in separate pens.

 

[CntryBoy777]

Well our 2 stay together, they have skirmishes but when they are in the yard they both hang together, and when one is topping tbe other pecks their comb to get them off. They haven't had any aggressive behavior either towards us. My thought is if they have each other to concern theirselves with, they might just leave us alone.

 

[NH homesteader]

They get more aggressive around 1.5-2 years, in my experience at least. Maybe you'll luck out though