wyodreamer - we're not in Wyo any more

[Lazy Gardener]

I am mulling my options for making a tractor/duck house for the garden. Turning most of the garden into raised beds (less than 12" high), with generous dimentioned walking paths. I envision a tractor that could be slid sideways from one bed to an other on 2 x 4 rails, or left mid way across as needed.

I have one 6 x 8 tractor covered with chicken wire that is on wheels. That would work well for some meaties if it was electrified.

The issue that I have found: If it's heavy enough to really do a good job, it's too heavy to move. If it's light weight enough to move, it's not at all predator proof. I need to research the small battery powered chargers. Wonder if they would provide enough jolt to do the job. Solar is out of my price range, but would be fantastic.

 

[wyoDreamer]

My intent is to lock the chickens in the coop part of the chicken tractor every night. If I need to move it, I will lock them up in the coop area while it is being moved.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Sounds like a plan!

 

[wyoDreamer]

I feel so bad - one of the Sapphire Gems got out of the brooder this morning while I was feeding them.
I can't let them loose into the stall yet because I need to finish cleaning up. I tried to catch her and ended with a handful of tail feathers. She went left as I reached for her and tore the feathers right out before I could let go! I was in a hurry so I could get to work so I didn't get to catch her and check her out to make sure she was OK.
I have been trying to get these girls less skittish, but that didn't help at all.
She is easy to pick out of the group now - as all the rest have pretty tails and she looks rumpless. These baby feathers will grow back, right?

Oh, and a couple of the kittens were at the fence watching the whole show. Jax tried to join in and help bme grab that dang bird - thank goodness we have 1/2" welded wire on the door.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Wow, can't believe those chicks are 7 weeks old already... time is sure going by fast.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Yes, they will grow back. Chicks go through ?8 juvenile molts before they get their adult plumage.

One thing I do to tame down a skittish bird is give her a facial massage. You may not notice results right away. But, without fail, the birds that I have selected for a facial massage (because they are the most skittish) end up being the ones who will later be under foot, and mooching for goodies. They are not lap chickens, nor do I even want lap chickens. But those gals who have received that treatment loose their fear of me being the big nasty predator who will gobble them up.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I will have to try that with a couple of these. I don't put them down until they stop screaming and fighting, and that has seemed to help somewhat too.
I don't really want lap chickens either, but for them to scream and hide is not good. I have mooches in my layer flock, but no lap chickens there either. My first flock had a shoulder sitter - but only on my husband, because he always set her up there as a chick.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

They respond well to having their wattles stroked with a gentle tugging motion, stroking around their eyes, and at the base of their comb, as well as along their jaw line. They will often lay their head across my chest and close their eyes.

 

[baymule]

They respond well to having their wattles stroked with a gentle tugging motion, stroking around their eyes, and at the base of their comb, as well as along their jaw line. They will often lay their head across my chest and close their eyes.

Awwwww..... we want a picture!

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Sorry, I'm a techno idiot. Have a very hard time getting photos posted. Got a hen? give it a try!