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Post by dg on Feb 15, 2011 12:34:48 GMT -5
I like it. Just enough nesting material to suit the chicken, but flexible enough to allow the egg to roll down the incline and out of reach of the egg eating chicken. Also easily replaceable for cleanliness. I may have to buy a cheap paper shreder.
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Post by bankedout on Feb 15, 2011 18:54:50 GMT -5
My chickens are fine even without nesting material.
I use the paper shredder because I generate so much waste paper from working at home right now. I also use the shredded paper on the floor of the coop.
Today I left them inside the coop because it was really windy. One of them figured out where the egg went.... So now I have to do a few modifications. I tell you these birds are diabolical when they are cooped up!
If you don't generate a lot of waste paper the shredder might not be as useful. I suppose you can shred your junk mail. I found one for about $20 at Target.
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Post by dg on Feb 15, 2011 22:29:40 GMT -5
I guess you'll need to extend the shield at the back of the nest. BTW, what angle/slope did you use to get the eggs to roll reliably?
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Post by bankedout on Feb 17, 2011 9:01:21 GMT -5
I measured my angle as 75 degrees. If you have bedding material it might take more of an angle.
I did the modification to extend the egg hiding area yesterday afternoon. I'll let you know if it works.
Otherwise you can always have a drop down system where the egg rolls and then drops in to some sort of container. If my idea fails I will move to that next. I just thought this would be less work to do it this way with my setup.
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Post by dg on Feb 17, 2011 12:36:04 GMT -5
I am assuming that your 75 degrees is measured from vertical, such that the eggs roll down a 15 degree incline. Right?
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Post by bankedout on Feb 17, 2011 17:49:47 GMT -5
Yes, I'm sure you are correct.
You can buy wooden eggs at craft stores. I used those for testing. I used to place them in the nest boxes to show the hens where to lay.
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Post by bankedout on Mar 5, 2011 16:57:19 GMT -5
I went to a drop down nest box design. The chickens were sleeping in their cozy hidden egg boxes. When chickens sleep, they poop, A LOT! So I carved an area in the bottom of the nest boxes. Then installed a gutter below. I padded the gutter with foam to protect the eggs and used some shredded paper. I also used the black landscape fabric (2 layers) to try and hide the eggs from the birds. So far it is working.    |
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Post by dg on Mar 5, 2011 22:33:30 GMT -5
So ... are you getting eggs now? If so, how many per week? You have just two of laying age, right?
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Post by bankedout on Mar 6, 2011 15:59:57 GMT -5
My two youngest started laying recently and have been averaging one egg per day each. They are about the size of medium grocery store eggs. I collected about 7 out of 10 lately. The ones I missed were damaged but not eaten.
My older hens are sporadic layers right now. I don't know if it is age or seasonal.
They have been spending a good deal of their days outside lately. They seem much happier and much less mischievous. They really like walking around the yard looking for food. However I don't think they are finding insects or worms yet. Nor are they getting green plants as food. So I think they are eating dead grass. Not really sure.
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Post by bankedout on Mar 7, 2011 19:39:57 GMT -5
Today was my first 3 egg day. All of them in pristine condition inside of the egg gutter.
Spring is only 13 days away.....
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Post by dg on Mar 7, 2011 21:25:36 GMT -5
SO now for the big question ... how many eggs per week can one safely eat without causing medical issues? I ask this while contemplating 6 chickens that will probably produce over three dozen eggs per week.
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Post by bankedout on Mar 9, 2011 9:47:51 GMT -5
When you perish, I will know you ate too many!  2 of my grandparents made it in to their 90s eating eggs, butter, bacon, etc. their whole lives. Eggs for breakfast and hard boiled egg in your salad too. You should have plenty. Give a few to the neighbors to keep them happy and friendly. |
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Post by dg on Mar 12, 2011 17:30:03 GMT -5
Well, today it is official! I bought my chicks heating lamp, feeder and waterer. I get my three barred rock chicks on the 22 nd and my three rhode island red chicks on the 5 th. Time for me to get into gear with my chicken house & coop design project.
Funny thing, I just mentioned what I was doing to a neighbor down the street while out today walking my dog, and I now already have someone wanting to buy eggs from me. Something tells me that I won't have any trouble getting rid of extra eggs.
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Post by bankedout on Mar 12, 2011 20:41:24 GMT -5
Excellent news!
I only have 2 neighbors nearby. I gave one neighbor 7 eggs last weekend, and the other neighbor 8 eggs this weekend. Kind of a down payment towards my chickens running over and eating their gardens this Summer!
My pullets are laying great, but the hens are barely laying at all. The chicken gutter is working great. All the eggs are in pristine condition.
Today I went shopping for coveralls and a farmer hat. When I was at the store, I noticed they had perennial fruits and vegetable plants on sale for incredibly low prices. For example, the local farm supply store was selling 6 asparagus crowns for $3.39 Walmart was selling blackberry, raspberry, seedless grape mini bushes for $5 each. I loaded up.
I hope you enjoy your chickens! They are fun to watch in the yard.
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Post by dg on Mar 12, 2011 23:45:12 GMT -5
How old are your hens? I read somewhere that hens are usually disgarded by the big egg producers after 2 years. In the UK people have chicken rescue organizations to take them after that basically for pets. They continue to produce eggs, but at a reduced rate.
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2 of my grandparents made it in to their 90s eating eggs, butter, bacon, etc. their whole lives.