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We wanted laying hens. So we got a nice coop, got food, got fencing stuff and waited for the chickens we were adopting to come.
We started out with 5 layers from a friend who had to give them up, then another friend offered us a rooster she wanted to get rid of.
I decided to accept the rooster, because sooner or later I will want chicks and I figured we'd be getting him first, so our dogs could get used to having another critter around. If he gave his life for the cause, no big deal.
So, we got the rooster, but she brought his brother cause he was getting picked on. No big deal, we have two dogs and I figure one would survive.
I kept them in the coop so they would feel like it was home. We went to move them to the fence and one excaped....with the dogs in hot pursuit. (I wasn't aware they were out - dang grandson). So, while the kids were looking for the escapee and trying to call the dogs back, I got the other one out and put him in the fenced area. (we're waiting for hubby to come home to make everything tight, but since they had been in there for three days, I figured they'd enjoy a day out.
I have a 6' high fence for them and plan to put a chicken wire fence over that so the hawks can't get them. However, I figured if I watched, they'd be ok for today. DUH! The remaining rooster decided to go find his brother and flew out of the pen. (note to self: don't assume anything with chickens)
So, now I have two roosters crowing in the woods. One did venture down to the coop and check out his new territory, so unless some critter gets them, I'm sure they will be fine. Good thing the girls aren't coming until Saturday, hopefully we'll get the bugs out by then.
I've only had broilers before, so this will be a learning experience for us.:p
We started out with 5 layers from a friend who had to give them up, then another friend offered us a rooster she wanted to get rid of.
I decided to accept the rooster, because sooner or later I will want chicks and I figured we'd be getting him first, so our dogs could get used to having another critter around. If he gave his life for the cause, no big deal.
So, we got the rooster, but she brought his brother cause he was getting picked on. No big deal, we have two dogs and I figure one would survive.
I kept them in the coop so they would feel like it was home. We went to move them to the fence and one excaped....with the dogs in hot pursuit. (I wasn't aware they were out - dang grandson). So, while the kids were looking for the escapee and trying to call the dogs back, I got the other one out and put him in the fenced area. (we're waiting for hubby to come home to make everything tight, but since they had been in there for three days, I figured they'd enjoy a day out.
I have a 6' high fence for them and plan to put a chicken wire fence over that so the hawks can't get them. However, I figured if I watched, they'd be ok for today. DUH! The remaining rooster decided to go find his brother and flew out of the pen. (note to self: don't assume anything with chickens)
So, now I have two roosters crowing in the woods. One did venture down to the coop and check out his new territory, so unless some critter gets them, I'm sure they will be fine. Good thing the girls aren't coming until Saturday, hopefully we'll get the bugs out by then.
I've only had broilers before, so this will be a learning experience for us.:p
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