Search found 26 matches

by HatcheryHelper
Tue Mar 04, 2025 11:42 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?

A pheasant kept hanging around and challenging my rooster. Weird territorial behavior.
by HatcheryHelper
Tue Mar 04, 2025 2:39 pm
Forum: Integrating Poultry with Gardening
Topic: Do You Use Your Chickens (or Ducks) for Pest Control? Hows It Working for You?
Replies: 4
Views: 7838

Re: Do You Use Your Chickens (or Ducks) for Pest Control? Hows It Working for You?


Ive heard a lot about backyard poultry being great for keeping bugs in check, and Im curious about everyones experiences!
Do you let your flock free-range in your garden or yard to help control pests like grasshoppers, beetles, or slugs?
Have you noticed a big difference in pest populations ...
by HatcheryHelper
Sun Mar 02, 2025 1:01 am
Forum: Behavior and Training
Topic: How to Keep Chickens Close to the Coop for Safety?
Replies: 9
Views: 12354

Re: How to Keep Chickens Close to the Coop for Safety?


Hello all,

I need some advice on how to keep my chickens close to the coop. They tend to wander pretty far, and I live in an area with raccoons and hawks, so I'm worried about their safety. There is a wooded area surrounding the property, and they love to explore there, but it makes me nervous ...
by HatcheryHelper
Sat Mar 01, 2025 11:37 pm
Forum: Incubation Tips & Guidance
Topic: How Long Can a Broody Hen Be Off Her Nest?
Replies: 10
Views: 20606

Re: How Long Can a Broody Hen Be Off Her Nest?

It's completely normal for a broody hen to take short breaks, especially in warm weather. The eggs retain heat well, and nature has built in some flexibility. You might notice that wild birds also leave their nests briefly without harming their eggs. Since she's returning within 30 minutes, there's ...
by HatcheryHelper
Wed Feb 26, 2025 8:23 am
Forum: Feeding and Nutrition
Topic: Skinny Hens Breed or Bad Nutrition?
Replies: 9
Views: 297945

Re: Skinny Hens Breed or Bad Nutrition?

If they were used to foraging and suddenly switched to a commercial feed, they may take time to adjust. Try offering a mix of high-protein feed, fresh greens, and treats like mealworms to encourage weight gain. Keep an eye on their behavior, and if they seem weak, a vet visit might be a good idea.
by HatcheryHelper
Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:17 am
Forum: Behavior and Training
Topic: The Broody Hens Last ChanceShould I Step In?
Replies: 7
Views: 15073

Re: The Broody Hens Last ChanceShould I Step In?

Since you've had some hatch already, the rest may have stopped developing at different stages. You can try candling again in a dark room to check for any movement or shadows. If nothing, they might not be viable.
by HatcheryHelper
Thu Feb 13, 2025 11:16 pm
Forum: Behavior and Training
Topic: Desperate for Help My Rooster Wont Stop Attacking Me!
Replies: 9
Views: 22796

Re: Desperate for Help My Rooster Wont Stop Attacking Me!


Im at my wits end with my rooster and need serious advice. He has attacked me multiple times, often violently, to the point of injury. Its gotten so bad that he actually waits outside my car and ambushes me as soon as I step out. He chases me to the door and attacks from behind, and he has no ...
by HatcheryHelper
Thu Feb 13, 2025 2:26 am
Forum: Flock Journals
Topic: A Fresh Start: Building My Dream Coop from the Ground Up
Replies: 7
Views: 11141

Re: A Fresh Start: Building My Dream Coop from the Ground Up

Electric fencing is a must in bear country. Also, keep all food locked up tight, no scraps left out!
by HatcheryHelper
Wed Feb 12, 2025 12:45 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?

I tried crossing a Bresse rooster with a Plymouth Rock hen, and the results were surprisingly good! They grew faster than I expected and had excellent meat quality.
by HatcheryHelper
Mon Feb 10, 2025 12:11 am
Forum: Feeding and Nutrition
Topic: Chicks Keep Getting Soaked, Waterer Mystery!
Replies: 235
Views: 37701

Re: Chicks Keep Getting Soaked, Waterer Mystery!

I had this issue once, and it turned out the waterer wasn't screwed on tightly enough. Try securing it really well and see if that helps.