Good Morning 2025

[labradors]

Our chickens go to bed before it gets dark, so no need for a light :).

[Killerbunny]

I have noticed nutmeg in apple pie...

Are these latches raccoon proof? I noticed on the internet many chicken coops have the following latches. I have always put a lock (with key) on everything coop related because I don't want to underestimate the intelligence of a raccoon but maybe I'm being too cautious?

No!
We have a ltch like the black one that is lockable

[Killerbunny]

One YouTuber suggested using bamboo for perches because they are easier to clean than wood. Does anyone see anything wrong with this? Maybe too slippery?

Another coop had rope wrap around the roosts to prevent bumblefoot.

He also said a light that goes off 2 hours after dark helps the chickens see where their roosts are.

Does anyone give their chicks "chick grit" as well as starter food which I believe already has grit?

I don't give chick grit.
I have a light that goes off after the birds are in bed because we have wanderer. Also they like to see into the coop when they go to bed. Ours are all on timers fro just after dusk.

[lolotsung]

January High and Low is -1 and -8
July High and Low is plus 26 and 16


Considering temperatures in Caledon. For a person that wants friendly pet chickens (not concerned about meat or egg production), free ranging in a rural area, what would be your suggestion for best breed of chicken(s)? I picked Belgian D'Uccles but I looked in a poultry book and there are so many types of chickens. A small flock e.g., 1 rooster and 5 hens. Is having only one type of chicken better wrt having a "happy" flock?

[ross]

caught 1 of our chicken killing weasels this morn . The male still got female to get .
Killed 7 chickens.

[lolotsung]

caught 1 of our chicken killing weasels this morn . The male still got female to get .
Killed 7 chickens.

You caught one male chicken killing weasel in a trap. You still have to catch the female weasel. Ok got it. Go get that female!!!!! Sorry about your 7 chickens.

I was reading about weasels and found this;

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/th ... eputation/

[labradors]

So sorry to hear about the weasel killing 7 chickens .

[ross]

It’s been about 5 yrs since last weasels around . Killed about 20 pigeons then .

[Killerbunny]

Sorry to hear about the chickens @ross

[Killerbunny]

January High and Low is -1 and -8
July High and Low is plus 26 and 16


Considering temperatures in Caledon. For a person that wants friendly pet chickens (not concerned about meat or egg production), free ranging in a rural area, what would be your suggestion for best breed of chicken(s)? I picked Belgian D'Uccles but I looked in a poultry book and there are so many types of chickens. A small flock e.g., 1 rooster and 5 hens. Is having only one type of chicken better wrt having a "happy" flock?

So my love is turkeys but I have some chickens for eggs too. I found that a nice mix gives me various eggs and if one isn't so productive the others pick up the slack. I have a couple of faverolles that are pretty but a bit dense who lay little but are pretty. My Buff Orpingtons lay nicely annd are very sweet. I have a couple of Easter eggers and a lavender olive egger. These mostly came from performance poultry as day olds and the pullets lay a fair bit. Even the older birds are now 5 and still laying. I have a partrdge chantecler who is a great broody and all business! I know folks have lots to say about non-heritage PP birds but I've found they have their place.
Here is a pic of one of the turkey pouts at 3 weeks.