Search found 31 matches

by HappyHens
Wed Mar 05, 2025 12:45 am
Forum: Free-Range vs. Confined
Topic: Finding the Right Height for My Flock
Replies: 12
Views: 24899

Re: Finding the Right Height for My Flock

If you have breeds like Leghorns or Easter Eggers, they might fly over 5'. If they do, you could always add a topper or some netting later.
by HappyHens
Tue Mar 04, 2025 8:15 pm
Forum: Behavior and Training
Topic: When Rooster Rivalry Turns Bloody What Can I Do?
Replies: 9
Views: 12703

Re: When Rooster Rivalry Turns Bloody What Can I Do?

If he's attacking everyone but the biggest roo, he sees the others as competition. Some roosters just won't tolerate rivals.
by HappyHens
Tue Mar 04, 2025 2:16 pm
Forum: Integrating Poultry with Gardening
Topic: Whats Your Experience with Ducks in the Garden Compared to Chickens?
Replies: 4
Views: 156516

Re: Whats Your Experience with Ducks in the Garden Compared to Chickens?

Ducks are easier on the soil, but their water mess can get out of hand if you're not careful.
by HappyHens
Sun Mar 02, 2025 1:58 am
Forum: Behavior and Training
Topic: Why Does My Hen Keep Sticking Her Head Under the Other Chickens?
Replies: 5
Views: 10598

Re: Why Does My Hen Keep Sticking Her Head Under the Other Chickens?

I've seen similar behavior in my flock, and it often happens with birds seeking warmth or a sense of security. Since your LB is higher in the pecking order, she might also be using this as a subtle form of dominance , claiming her space by physically pushing others aside. It's funny to watch, but I ...
by HappyHens
Thu Feb 27, 2025 11:18 pm
Forum: Predators and Pests
Topic: Whats the Weirdest Predator Youve Ever Dealt With?
Replies: 20
Views: 23325

Re: Whats the Weirdest Predator Youve Ever Dealt With?

We had a run-in with a massive snapping turtle that found its way into our yard. I caught it halfway into the coop, and my chickens were screaming like the world was ending. It took some serious effort to relocate that thing safely, and now I always check for gaps near water sources. Never expected ...
by HappyHens
Thu Feb 27, 2025 5:48 pm
Forum: Behavior and Training
Topic: Help! My Rooster Is Walking Backwards and in Circles Whats Going On?
Replies: 3
Views: 6507

Re: Help! My Rooster Is Walking Backwards and in Circles Whats Going On?

Sounds like possible wry neck or neurological issues. Try giving him some vitamin E and selenium , it often helps with balance problems.
by HappyHens
Wed Feb 26, 2025 8:26 am
Forum: Pets and Other Animals
Topic: Raising Quail for Fresh Meat & Eggs Where Do I Start?
Replies: 232
Views: 28046

Re: Raising Quail for Fresh Meat & Eggs Where Do I Start?

You might want to try raising jumbo Coturnix quail. They're larger, so you'll need fewer birds to get the same amount of meat compared to standard-sized quail.
by HappyHens
Sat Feb 22, 2025 1:26 am
Forum: Selective Breeding
Topic: Breeding My Own Meat Birds Whats the Best Cross?
Replies: 11
Views: 21631

Re: Breeding My Own Meat Birds Whats the Best Cross?

Have you thought about using Red Rangers or even Dixie Rainbows? They breed naturally, grow faster than heritage breeds, and can be a solid alternative to Cornish Cross.
by HappyHens
Thu Feb 20, 2025 6:16 pm
Forum: Flock Journals
Topic: Harvesting Armyworms: Turning a Pest into Poultry Gold
Replies: 236
Views: 38134

Re: Harvesting Armyworms: Turning a Pest into Poultry Gold

Pressure canning might work, but the smell could be intense! Have you considered fermenting them like black soldier fly larvae?
by HappyHens
Thu Feb 20, 2025 1:01 am
Forum: Health and Wellness
Topic: Sudden Egg Issues Soft Shells, Color Change, and a Week-Long Pause
Replies: 8
Views: 19903

Re: Sudden Egg Issues Soft Shells, Color Change, and a Week-Long Pause


Hi everyone,

I have a 1.5-year-old Olive Egger who has always been a reliable layer, giving me large green eggs in the nesting boxuntil last week. Suddenly, I found two of her eggs under the roosting bar with extremely soft shells. After that, she stopped laying completely for a full week. Then ...