11 Ways To Accidentally Kill Your Chickens

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Welcome back to The Happy Chicken Coop, the hub for all things poultry-related! Today, we're addressing a subject that might seem a little scary, but is incredibly important for every chicken keeper to understand - "11 Ways You Could Accidentally Harm Your Chickens".
We all want the best for our feathered friends, but sometimes, despite our best intentions, we might be putting our flock in harm's way without even realizing it. From feeding mishaps to security oversights, these are pitfalls any chicken owner could accidentally fall into.
In this video, we'll unveil these common mistakes and misconceptions. We'll talk about everything from feeding blunders to environmental hazards, and discuss the importance of appropriate housing, healthcare, and nutrition.
But don't worry, it's not all warnings and dangers! Alongside each potential pitfall, we'll provide you with practical advice and solutions to ensure that you're giving your chickens a safe and nurturing environment.
So, are you ready to become a better chicken parent?
Join us in this essential episode to safeguard your flock. And remember, for more insightful tips and advice, like, share, and subscribe to The Happy Chicken Coop!
Subscribe to our website using this link to receive your free ebook on the 10 Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds: pixelfy.me/g7i3zd

[@jenniferharris1761]

As a firefighter I have seen coops and barns burn with the lamp still secured. Dust stirred up by flapping wings, etc. can ignite easily. Good video!

[@thehappychickencoop6460]

Great point

[@therandomguy1966]

I was about to say, didn't think a lamp falling down would be the only reason

[@zsuzsuspetals]

I've belonged to chicken forums for years and have never read anything bad about the Sweeter Heater since it's not a heat lamp. It's made more like a heating pad but sits above the chickens. I'd never use a heat lamp but I'm considering the Sweeter Heater.

[@dudester873]

wow -- would not have thought of that; thanks for that tip!

[@heavymechanic2]

@@zsuzsuspetalsI'm using a 100w ceramic bulb inside a bell shaped cover and a tote, secured the lamp with wire above, not had any problems and expect to remove the heat soon as the chicks are growing. Weather may not allow putting chicks in the coop for another month.

[@rickhunt3183]

Never let your chickens have access to firearms. A chicken with a shotgun is a bad combination.

[@LoideAlves-h5o]

Oh my word!!!

[@funguy894]

And alcohol. Terrible combo

[@anissayohe4294]

😂

[@margaretgraham1336]

Speaking of chickens my chicken just died and you are the first comment i see😢

[@rickhunt3183]

@@margaretgraham1336 what happened to your chicken? I had chickens as pets and that was the best money I ever spent. They provided lots of entertainment for me. They couldn't do any tricks but they did the best they could. Unfortunately hawks ended up getting them as well a a fox. I was upset about it, but the hawks may have had babies they were trying to take care of. I would consider getting some guineas too. they stay wild and are always eating bugs. if their heads are down. they are eating a bud, and they will search your yard for ticks to eat. I'm sorry to hear you lost your chicken. to some people they are just things, but I understand how easy it is to get attached to your animals. take care and thank you for being so nice.

[@lillianeconner3444]

Been feeding tomatoes for 25 years. The plants are the poisonous part not the fruit

[@heimdall4148]

My chicken loves ripe tomatoes!!

[@legalyzeit]

Thanks for sharing, i feed mine cherry tomatoes and they love them, i only give them a few every other day and none of the plant

[@davinasquirrel7672]

Before I knew about the plant, three of mine demolished a small cherry tomato plant in a couple of days. None showed any ill effect. But of course, now that I know, I keep them away from tomato plants. They do get cherry tomatoes from time to time.

[@lost_mythos_69]

Yeah I give my chickens tomatoes all the time in the summer

[@e357magnum]

Yeah, I've fed tomatoes to my chickens for 58 years. I call bullshit.

[@jms9057]

Don't use poison for vermin, use hot red pepper flakes mixed in the feed. Chickens aren't bothered by it, but vermin generally hate it and won't revisit.

[@amberblyledge7859]

Like this idea!

[@sammokkasmith]

Hot pepper also gets rid of worms in your animals.

[@laurasutton1551]

Rats actually don't care

[@juliesheehan41]

This works cos pepper evolved to let birds eat them ,fly and spread seeds but to stop animals eating the seeds

[@juliesheehan41]

Hmm!

[@eledhwenmare2403]

A had a couple of hens that were past producing eggs so I retired them to the hay barn where they became excellent mousers.

[@EC-dz4bq]

should just retire them to the frying pan.

[@eledhwenmare2403]

Too tough.

[@EC-dz4bq]

@@eledhwenmare2403 slow cooker then

[@Radhaun]

I'd like to add for hawks, if you're in an area where you know crows or ravens are nearby, if you leave out food they like (pretty much anything you'd feed a chicken, peanuts I've heard are a favorite, I've used bits of old bread) in an area where they can easily see it, you can convince them to make your yard part of their territory and they'll help keep hawks away. I haven't had a single hawk attack since the crows moved into this area.

[@WC3fanatic997]

I can add to this, we had some crows make our property part of their territory, and during the nesting season they would regularly chase off many would-be intruders. One particularly interesting spectacle (which got the attention of all of us, including the smaller birds and wildlife who watched from afar) was when a hawk came and tried to raid their nest, and an hours-long aerial battle ensued with the male crow going after it without hesitation. Crows are literally the smartest of all animals besides humans and as such are one of the few that can go toe-to-toe with just about anything that flies. Even Eagles find them not worth the trouble most of the time. Also they like hard dog food, apparently; easy for them to pick up and store for later since it's dried, they just have to add water.

[@lizxu322]

I will also add that crows and chickens sometimes are mortal enemies and I watched a video earlier today of chickens pecking crows to death as the latter often steal chicken chicks. Chickens, hawks and crows are like a 3 way hate fest. That said, ive heard birds of Prey are less likely to attack black chickens as they look more like crows

[@Radhaun]

@@lizxu322 I think this is more of an issue when crows can easily see/access chicken eggs. Chickens become much more dangerous to anything trying to eat them or their eggs. But definitely not a "throw them together and hope for the best" situation.

[@auntlouise]

Yes!@@lizxu322 I have crows (not on purpose) that eat my horse's feed, and they guard my property but do not have access to my chicken area. My neighbors free range their chickens, and when they have chicks "my" crows will carry them off.

[@carriecree1789]

​@@WC3fanatic997the crows in my neighborhood love scones. They come to the door caw for them, and carry them away. They are a local murder for over 13 years now.

[@Artbug]

For over 20 years we've thrown all of our kitchen scraps in the chicken yard; coffee grounds, tomatoes, avocado, onions, citrus peels... if you keep your hens well fed, they only eat the scraps that interest them, everything else is made into compost

[@davidsosna5913]

Totally agree.

[@hazeleyez9144]

So these things aren't poisonous to them?

[@kubakielbasa5987]

@@hazeleyez9144 They are but if they have enough of everything else to eat then they'll avoid it

[@lemongrab6173]

Empty buckets are one of the most dangerous rookie mistakes. At night when they try to perch on empty plastic buckets. As a result the bucket flips on them which typically suffocates them it cooks them alive too if it’s in summer. So be very very careful around big empty plastic buckets.

[@michaelsasse8427]

We had this happen this year. I would never have thought about this before. Very upsetting that we lost our best layer.

[@sv160]

Sorry for you Lose 😢

[@andromedastar1]

I had a heated water bucket in the run and my fave silkie drowned. I still have not forgiven myself. Now it’s full of bricks so no one can fall in.

[@andromedastar1]

@@michaelsasse8427 same here but it was a heated water bucket. My favorite silkie drowned. I still feel horrible. Sorry you lost your girl too.

[@dudester873]

wow -- would not have thought of that; thanks for the tip!

[@Nightowl5454]

1 HUGE thing that you forgot to mention is proper ventilation for the coop, especially during winter because if it isn't ventilated enough then ammonia gas will build up in the coop and kill all the chickens.

[@jeanettecook1088]

Birds in all types of aviaries need three things: space, ventilation, and light. I build coops with partial solid and transparent panel rooves. The biggest mistake people make in general, is putting too many birds in one space. Crowding is a continual source of trouble. 🎉

[@Nightowl5454]

@jeanettecook1088 yes, it creates a lot of stress for the animals and unhealthy living conditions with manure and waste. So you end up creating this bad situation with too many in a small space and they start pecking 1 another and diseases spread very quickly, by trying to save money on space it frequently ends up costing you MORE money.

[@LuluDumpling]

Thank you for the terrifying yet helpful comment & replies I will always keep this in mind

[@Nightowl5454]

@@LuluDumpling ammonia gas is something many people that are just starting out with poultry don't know about and how deadly it can be, not just to the birds but people as well. It only takes a small vent at the top because ammonia gas is lite and raises to the highest point, so the gas can escape.

[@zenofhen3255]

Appreciated this; thank you. I've been keeping hens 20-some years. I'm mindful of overfeeding treats like scratch, but in the winter when they need a few extra calories, spreading a little scratch on a couple of boards right when they come off the roost is an easy way to check each bird's behavior. If everyone is active and eating, great. Birds who aren't are worth a second look. (Bonus: The pecking and soft talk of hens first thing in the morning has to be one of nature's sweetest sounds.)

[@love4mykids03]

I have 6 chickens I am raising now and I can tell you I never knew how happy a chickens sound can make you feel, for me it’s therapeutic ❤ I’m absolutely in love with my gals🐓🐥🐣❤

[@yatalayhehu]

hi im about to have some hens definitely not 20 i dont have enough land for that to be legal but will have 4 or 3 of them for a school project, do u have any tips on bedding ? i watched a lot of videos but they say something is good and then immediately say its not good and idk what to do i was thinking like straw or wood shavings but idk

[@kiwirooks7299]

​@@yatalayhehuPine shavings are best from what I've used. I get the biggest ones possible so they don't accidentally eat them. Also the compressed pine pellets are good around their little free roam area, because when it rains they absorb all the water and poops (usually it's used as horse litter to absorb all the pee).

[@Strangedream]

​@@yatalayhehuPine PELLETS are the absolute best in my opinion. They are fairly inexpensive if you get them from tractor supply. They smell lovely and clean. They absorb ALL odors and suspicious moisture, they last forever before you have to change them out. I started using pine pellets in my litter box as well and will never use anything else. Pine pellets in the litterbox insanely neutralizes any smells and stay fresh forever. Easy to clean up, too. I learned the hard way about pine shavings--- pine shavings are infuriating to clean up because they clog up anything you're likely to use to clean them, like a vacuum or a shop vac or even just a broom and a.... Wow, I'm seriously concerned I have early onset dementia. 40 years old and I seriously just had to go to Google and search for the name of the thing you use with a broom to pick up the dirt (DUSTPAN!!). English is my first and only language and I use a dust pan 100 times a day. Something has eaten holes in my brain! Help! Anyway, picking up pine shavings even just with a dustpan is messy and annoying. I would definitely steer clear of these but that's just my opinion.

[@cassiejo0012]

What a great video! Thank you so much. A lot of people don't realize how awesome chickens are. You have no idea how many times I've heard someone tell another person who has lost a pet, "Oh, it was just a dog/cat/chicken." Animals are absolutely incredible. Every single one of my chickens are amazing and I love them. Thank you for making this video to help keep our babies safe.

[@sboz86]

"It's just a kid, you can always have another." Imagine if we said this to them.

[@americanpatriot7247]

Cassiejo - I was glad to read your comment about the value our pets & chickens have. I am a first time chicken owner (4 Easter Eggers, 4 Barnevelders - raised them all from 2 day old chicks & got them with the idea to have continual eggs) and I can't believe it but I think I've come to love my chickens! Surprised me. I can't believe myself.... lol!! The Easter Eggers come to my feet, look up at me, & wait for me to pick them up and cuddle them.... & the Barnevelders act like they are going to die if I touch them.... go figure! Lol!!! Difference in breeds I guess. I gently pick them all up throughout the week and find myself kissing their heads.... with the Easter Eggers cooing back at me and the Barnevelders clucking or schreeching in panic as I gently stroke them. (They started laying eggs in late Sept. They taste 'pure' if that makes sense. Only been 3 days with no eggs since they started laying.) Anyway, have a good one, ma'am. Sorry for my long winded comment. Didn't feel so silly after reading your comment. Blessings.

[@SheepAmongG.O.A.T]

No chicken would ever compare to my dog.

[@rjay7019]

My grandson helped me name my chickens 😂

[@eden8817]

They’re annoying as hell tho and just make noise & shit on everything , I came here to find out how to get rid of them 😅

[@markthomas4083]

In todays times…. We need and appreciate videos like this one. Informative, clear and no bull crap to bore us with babbling phrases. Great content.

[@cassiejo0012]

Amen!!! Absolutely

[@silversurfer3636]

Stop being an idiot Mark! This info is from a large corporate unhealthy operation! This channel is exact opposite of how a healthy free range flock should be managed!

[@user-ul8hu7bc6l]

Or mentioning over and over to “like and subscribe.”

[@archerbowyer7704]

I use some old chainlink fence (free on CL) under the run about 6" inside and the rest outside. Planted grass on top of the fencing to make it easier to walk on.

[@gabrodermond]

lol my male rottweiler raised and cleaned up after my baby chicks. we had our neighbor’s puppies behind our house, sneak under the fence and chase our (now grown chickens) all around the yard. my rottie cornered the 2 puppies and corrected them, they were so scared 😭. (they were returned safely to their owners !) he also gets along with our bunnies aswell

[@viwanton]

Thanks for this direct, no nonsense video without unnecessary chatter. Every new chicken owner needs to see this

[@mosheshekelsteinspanbergbl5624]

But it is nonsense.

[@silversurfer3636]

False, this is a huge corporate operation and does not have healthy free range chickens, do your research before commenting!

[@lauracollins3176]

I accidentally killed a chicken That was sick by giving it water with a syringe. Not aware that they have a hole in their tongues. She took it fine, but the last one I was going to give her evidently was too much or too fast and she threw it up and choked to death very quickly . Was devastating to watch and will never forget that vision.

[@winniecash1654]

😢 I'm sorry for both you and the chick.

[@HOL5210]

This happened to me & my hen too. I’m felt so bad afterwards 😢

[@OurWeeTennesseeHomestead]

So sorry....😢

[@juliemcglade5697]

Never heard this thanks

[@AlexLopez-ey2pu]

Why wouldn’t you cpr it

[@Cherrycreamsoda1]

Chickens are very good at hiding injuries and illness since they’re prey animals, so don’t want to show any signs of vulnerability to predators. Unfortunately this means it’s harder for humans to spot the warning signs before it’s too late :(

[@JeremieMartin3x]

Interesting and very logical

[@willardmakinishi6980]

Excellent knowledge and guidance to secure the poultry. Sending you love all the way from Zambia.🇿🇲❤️

[@ItsMe-ic7on]

Wow there's a lot of care that goes into raising those little guys. Thanks

[@DementiaSurvivor]

True that! He just talked me out of raising them. Glad I know the precautions 😅

[@Skorpionion]

I built my coop with pig penwire and qtr inch hardware cloth on a concrete slab and a tin roof. Added bracing and supports until I felt I would feel safe in there if surrounded by zombies. It's a good benchmark for construction standards and keeps like a little more whimsical and exciting.

[@ponpom1488]

We've had solar flood lights that are motion activated at night when fox and other predators in our area immediately leave when activated. We also have a thicker wire for our coop that goes under the fence border with small boulders covered with dirt for added security.

[@thehappychickencoop6460]

That's awesome sounds like a chicken fortress

[@dahlene444]

My hubby did the same thing!! Works great! We have flood lights too! Our coop and run is like fort knox!😆

[@MelCarter9]

Flood lights are a great idea. I used large wire staples every 2 to 3 inches to pin down the fencing around the chickens. So far, it's worked.

[@ponpom1488]

@@MelCarter9 Great idea!

[@lizzyleepeszka2412]

Yes, we added solar alarms as well as solar lights, which are pretty loud, after a bob cat attack, but we live in the country, so the alarms don't disturb neighbors.

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

another strategy is: don’t feed your chickens inside the coop. The coop is just for sleeping and laying. keeps the coop a lot cleaner too; u know, if you have that option. Also I planted my apple trees in their ranging area, and they often eat windfall apples, but never the seeds they always leave the core. They can also eat milkweed and poke weed and bitter nightshade berries. As long as you’re feeding them they know what they can, and can’t eat.

[@EquineHorses_official]

It might keep it cleaner but it also brings squirrels if you keep it out side

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

@@EquineHorses_official and racoons, I get that😄

[@christopherjohnson769]

I have found hanging my feeders from either string or rope works well. I have also switched from crumbles to pellets quite a while ago. Its easier to get them on pellets as soon as they are done with starter. But hang your feeders just below head high, and they sit around like they have manners and simply eat. Where as if you feed them off the ground they swing their heads down and fling food everywhere attracting rodents. I bring the outside feeders inside every night and do have an area in my yard I throw stuff out for them to scratch, but no where near the coup or house. Believe it or not I switched to this method about 3 years ago and havent seen even a trace of a rodent since.

[@tiffanyclark-grove1989]

@@christopherjohnson769 excellent 😊

[@maple5800]

i try but the pigeons always get to it and theyre left without food until i notice.

[@MiraOntl]

I check my chicken's for parasites every day, I'm 9 yrs old,I want to be a vet when I grow up.

[@MotivateElevateTN]

Might not be a good idea depending on how you're checking

[@jmad160]

That’s a good goal, I’m sure you’ll be a great vet. That being said, you should not be commenting on the internet at your age. There are very bad people on the internet that will say very nasty things for no reason.

[@naturegirl4074]

Good job :)

[@darylrichardson8567]

💯💯💯💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@AntoDesormeaux]

go you ❤

[@auntlouise]

I had my chickens get out of their run and eat my roses, which are okay. However, one got into my front yard where my hydrangeas grow and ate a bunch of petals and she just laid down and after a few hours she was dead. So I make sure that none of my landscaping is deadly for chickens: no hydrangeas, azaleas, allium, daffodils or tulips, or wisteria. I have lots of hostas and roses. They can also have a lot of the flowers that you grow in your vegetable gardens such as marigolds, nasturtiums, petunias and zinnias.

[@PhoenixAurelius-138]

If you keep the chickens well fed, they won't usually go for flowers they know are toxic for them. I've grown azaleas in hydrangeas in the yard where I keep all of my chickens, and they've never done anything but use the plants as shade and protection.

[@MickyBellRoberts]

I have just subscribed after watching your channel from start to finish. I just aquired a coup with seven chickens and really enjoy taking care of them. Thanks for posting this video.

[@ronbarnhardt5201]

So when the heat lamp 250 watt bulbs that you buy gets so hot the solder melts and shorts out and bulb blows out of the the fixure and burns your place down. I have seen it many times. That's why a friend's barn burned down.

[@smason3541]

I left a bowl in the chicken run since I was busy doing other things to go back and get it. When I came back to get it one of my 2 month old chicks was suffocated underneath it. 😱😱😭 we have all of the above toxic wild plants and flowers including tons of elderberry and our chickens seem to never have a problem with any of them. Like you said, chickens are smart about what they can and can’t eat.

[@JillBallenger]

Great video! Informative and enjoyable, a tough combination to create. Thank you for your efforts to educate new chicken owners. It's almost Easter and a lot of innocent new owners are out there, waiting to be disappointed when their new chicks don't make it past the first week.

[@dandeleona4760]

Cannibalism. Chickens in an overcrowded coop will kill and then eat each other in a neglected coop, usually the smallest and most shy in the flock, or the one hen that's different color. My neighbors consistently say it's weasels but we don't have any, or raccoons, but here's no sign of entry. But the chicken that dies has usually been bullied because they take a 5 chicken coop and buy more chicks so there's 15 in there. And they don't clean the floor so they live in a constant cloud of methane. And there's 6 broken down nesting boxes for 15 hens and one roost bar that's only 5 feet long. The bullied hens never get up there and live in the methane cloud all winter. Winter is the worst. The water freezes over because the boy doesn't want to put on his boots and check on them and I find the food dispenser empty at least once every two months. I feed and water them and I'm just the renter neighbor. They've had about 25 hens in the time I lived here and always lose enough down to six, after which she buys more chickens because she thinks they're cute and pretty. Fortunately, they seem to be coming around after all my badgering, cleaning up the coop a little, and allowing them to free range at least twice a week (we have eagles). Thank goodness they're realizing these are living creatures utterly dependent on their captors and not just egg factories. I was afraid I'd have to call animal rescue on them. But anyway ... cannibalism. Chickens will do it without a second thought.

[@SopranoJessi]

Oh wow.....that is horrifying....those poor creatures! Thank you for what you have done to help save the lives of the survivors.

[@dandeleona4760]

@@SopranoJessi There are people who love the IDEA of raising chickens, but when it comes to the inconvenience of caring for a dependent creature, they lose interest. :( lol. She's jealous when she lets them out and they all run to me when they see me. :D

[@Strangedream]

Just as a note to add to this-- something that will spark cannibalism in a second is if a feather gets pulled out, like during a scuffle. If you pay attention to chicken fights, you'll notice that each bird will be trying to grab the other bird's feathers and pull them out. This is also how you can tell the difference between a real fight where one or both hens are just cranky and have a disagreement and a packing order related pecking that is just about vying for and maintaining position in the flock. When this happens, they will grab each other's feathers but release long before any feathers get pulled out. This is simply necessary violence for chickens to maintain status in the order. If no one is around to break up a violent chicken. Interaction, and a feather gets pulled out, the result will literally be blood spraying or pouring out of the resulting wound and at the sight of this, the other chickens will be helpless against their own programming and kill the injured bird. This is why they sell something called anti cannibalism spray that you spray onto blood and it changes it's color as this whole story only applies to red blood.

[@andreaseawright5847]

I give mine spent elderberries after making syrup, they love it. Where did you find information saying they were toxic? Please and thank you ☺️

[@kathymc234]

If you check with an elderberry group, I don't think they are toxic once they are cooked.

[@juliapope7663]

I expect he means the other bushes that look just like elderberries except the leaves are different. Can't remember the name.

[@casper3130]

You left out a very destructive chicken killer, the Bear. I just had a black bear kill all 8 of mine, 2 Roosters, 6 hens. I had an upper enclosed coop with a hardwired bottom coop with an exit door into an outside pen area. The upper coop had hardwired doors on it with lift up doors to open in the summer and close down in the winter. The Coop design worked really well for 4 years allowing the chickens to stay warm in winter, cool in summer, locked up while I was gone and freed when I was home. Then one night while I was asleep around 3-4 am the bear ripped the door off the upper Coop and apparently some of the birds got caught others went down in the hardwired part of the Coop and the bear ripped it open getting them. I found a place in the woods with feathers and all sixteen sets of wings were left. I've been wondering if it was more than one bear since all of the birds were killed and eaten.

[@aliciakatalina4875]

So sad, so sorry you lost all of them🐔🙏

[@andromedastar1]

Same thing happened to my friend. A bear tore down a Chain link fence like it was made of paper. Got all of her silkies. I’m so sorry that happened. Your coop sounded awesome.

[@noway2216]

My chickens are surrounded by an electric fence. It keeps ground predators away.

[@lizzyleepeszka2412]

We live in Fl so let's of predators. We lost a flock before, so now we built a small barn out of T1-11 lumber, which is almost indestructible, as before we used a thin lumber, and Bob cats literally chewed through it. the chickens, ducks sleep in there at night, and we have a chicken heater for cold nights, which turns off at a set temp. We also have solar lights, solar alarms, double fencing on runs, and solar electric wire running around the perimeter of the enclosed yard area.

[@Letsbhonest0828]

We lost some through high temps.

[@Iness79]

FENCES. If you have a fence with just enough space to put chicken's head between boards (or metal parts, whatever) they can HANG themselves, please, pay attention to that! I was surprised it wasn't said in the video.

[@michaelfredieu-ec6we]

For anyone just tuning into this, LISTEN to your chickens. I heard my chickens going crazy...and sometimes this is nothing. But I'm sad to say...this one time they were going crazy because one of their sisters was caught by her leg in the fence. She died. Upside down, caught by her leg. I was devastated. They were trying to tell me something and I didn't listen. 😢 It only takes a couple minutes to check on it when they go crazy. I could have saved her. Don't make my mistake!

[@Strangedream]

Very very good advice!

[@musicteacher5757]

In Florida, despite my efforts, my chickens have run out of water in the summer heat. If you think a chicken is seriously dehydrated, put a small amount of salt or baking soda in the first water you give them. I had one hen have convulsions after I refilled her water bowl in the summer.

[@jackielowrey3032]

Get a bigger water reservoir. That’s your responsibility. AND buy poultry electrolyte mix at the supply store when temperatures are high.

[@tina0718]

I freeze treats and give it them. Especially watermelon

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

Mine like to drink their water from the ground, so in the heat of the summer I make little puddles they can stand in while they drink.

[@ChickensAndGardening]

Lost a chicken to a hawk and had a couple of other near misses. Then we strung a thin red ribbon back and forth over the run, in random zig zag patterns. I've seen a hawk flying overhead, sometimes causing the chickens to squawk, but it did not come down. Not sure if this will last through snow and ice or will have to be rehung in the spring; will find out soon!

[@tolynette]

I’d add something about introducing new chickens to the flock. Surprising how many just throw them together and expect good results. Helpful video!

[@sharilynremington78]

Really need that video soon

[@candyarthur8568]

​@@sharilynremington78 We have added young hens to the existing flock a few times now. Our hens have a good sized coop. We never just add 1 or 2, 3+ is best. We cover up all incoming light from the windows. After it is dark & all are roosting, slip in the new birds. When morning comes, uncover the windows. They wake up thinking the new birds should be there. This has worked for us.

[@redactedrebel9368]

I had to learn the hard way introduced 2 new hens I bought to replace 2 I had lost & didn’t quarantine for a month working a week 2 of my fine laying good mothers hens dies all of a sudden now I have to pray that it doesn’t go to the rest of the flock and yes now I kept them far away

[@shantillydrake283]

Where I live we have two separate flocks but when they're turned out together there's no problems.🤷‍♀️ Guess we have weird chickens 😂

[@crazychicken4063]

​​@@candyarthur8568 Oh dear.. we got two Easter eggers to add to our 4 buff orpingtons that we've had for 3 years. They are around 13 weeks old. Right now they're in a separate temporary coop. We've tried putting them together but it hasn't been successful. We also have 2 new buff orpingtons that are about 4 weeks old that are in a tote... I'm wondering how to go about putting them all with the older hens.

[@denisedobbs1664]

Thanks for this information but I have a question about the dried, raw beans: does this include dried raw legumes? Asking because I’ve been researching alternative, homemade feeds and legumes are in a majority of the recipes. Thx

[@DenDoig1956]

Cook the beans or soak them until they are soft. I cooked some beans for mine and they are fine. Dried beans may enlarge in their gizzard.

[@tealkerberus748]

There's plenty of information online about which legumes contain lectins or other toxins and which are safe raw. It's kind of complicated to it's worth reading up on.

[@lanon3277]

Worth noting for drinkers: there are automatic-refilling options and chicken drip-feed drinkers available now (called the "chicken fountain") which seem to work well. They're directly attached to a hose so they pull water from there.

[@tresfingeros]

Only problem I've had is in the heat the water in the lines heats up and freezes in the winter

[@UsmanFaraz854]

Very practical informative and compact video, really love to see the precautions we should follow on our farm, extra care can make things better and profitable 😊😊😊

[@karlaboissenet5910]

I just planted a Hall's honeysuckle to have grow up and over the poultry yard fence. Never heard they were poisonous , do I need to remove the vine? Birds need some shade.

[@chefrobertmoltzan228]

I use food grade DE sparingly, food grade Lime and food grade pdz. Knock on wood haven't had any issues. Just a sprinkle with pine and cedar shavings.

[@beccashea5109]

Cedar is poisonous to chickens

[@Bigislandguy]

I don’t use DE anymore because I put a big scoop on some maggots that were eating the chicken manure and it didn’t do anything. Even after 2days covered in DE. Use a regular dewormer.

[@susanringer5465]

DE isn't a poison. It works by creating holes in exoskeletons. It works much better on adult insects or at least ones that have a hard exoskeleton throughout their lifecycle. It doesn't work on eliminating maggots living in manure very well. New eggs get laid in it daily and you'd have to use A LOT, an entire 50lb bag or more mixed in to affect maggot numbers depending on how much manure we're talking about. The reason it works inside the gut is because of their inability to escape and it has to be ingested daily for a week to 10 days to work. Those maggots were obviously living in manure and could escape it, I'm sure some died but by shear numbers it would have looked like it did nothing. The best way to prevent maggots in manure is to compost it. Or make sure it completely dries. The high temperatures in a good compost pile kills maggots. 😊 Hope this was useful info for you.

[@oldhaggys]

Don't use poison ever. There are way better alternatives with trapss and more. Poison gets into other wildlife and ALWAYS a risk for pets and livestock too. Potatoes and tomatoes themselves are not toxic but the plants are.

[@blackcatcrossingfarm]

I lost two chickens by drowing in my sheep livestock waterer, despite putting in a ladder. Two separate instances. I also lost one that I could not find anywhere. I looked for hours. She had fallen behind the hay bales (very very narrow opening) and couldn't get out and died. I only found what was left of her after I used most of hte hay stack. If I had only thought to move the hay bales until I could see all the way to the bottom!

[@randomlyweirdproductions8749]

Ok im guilty of how this video started off i did absolutely no research cuz i thought it'd be common knowledge and now im finding out that everything i did was wrong so now im here trying to fix my mistakes

[@marciaolson4878]

Hardware cloth is the absolute best and safest for our girls! Another great tip is to bury the hardware wire, so important!

[@reneebrown2968]

I had less problems with my dog than the cat. She wanted to hunt them so bad. So I kept her away till they were bigger than her. As far as digging my chickens are the only ones that tend to dig.

[@suemauer5965]

Newbie question here; when you say “bury hardware cloth” do you mean extend it straight down into the earth, or bend it (inward or outward) at base of coop walls?

[@davinasquirrel7672]

You can do either. Outward from the coop walls is easier, plus, you should check on it from time to time, as metal in the damp ground is likely to rust away.

[@thehappychickencoop6460]

Exactly what Davina said. I personally have never done inward, I was always taught bury it down and bend it outward. I could see bending the wire inward not being as discouraging to predators that dig but again I have no personal experience bending inward

[@davinasquirrel7672]

Just to clarify, I think I quickly read the question, and took 'inward' to mean straight down. It was probably late at night... LOL Other things you can do- put heavy rocks or pavers around the outside perimeter. At least they won't rust.

[@halfacrehomemaker]

I put a small amount of DE in my chickens’ dust bath without mixing it in and it gave one a cough immediately and several got a runny nose. They all survived, but it was something I’ll never risk again.

[@surferduderocks200]

whats DE?

[@nicatnyte]

@@surferduderocks200 Diatomaceous earth. There are two types. Only use the food grade for chickens. DE is also sold at large box stores to kill ants etc, but that is not food grade and the particles in it can kill, be careful and wear a mask.

[@coziii.1829]

I use it in food as well Mix it not just on top But I use a Mobil chicken coop too so I don’t have to clean it just move it

[@shantillydrake283]

I bought 2 bags from Amazon of the food grade and I haven't even used up one yet. It's truly great to prevent ants. 😁

[@WingsOfAzazel]

Thank you so much for this. I'm planning on having chickens next year and this is super knowledge

[@coffeeandcupcakes7310]

Me, a chicken owner who has thrown tomatoes apples and just about everything out into the yard for them to snack on. I've also emptied out my espresso machine puck into my garden and turned around to see that our ladies had just completely obliterated that puck in seconds. They were...very active that day. Hubby has also been out enjoying an afternoon bonfire with friends and spilled some IPA on the ground and they drank it. None of them died, all of them had a great time. I'm not saying you're wrong. Maybe I have some really hearty ladies...idk.

[@SuperBotanica]

My chickens live in a winter-free country together with parrots and rabbits. The only enemy is the bad chicken feed from the shop. I have now deleted that. Now I only feed boiled potatoes, rice, some oatmeal, salads, papaya, grapes and banana. The aviary is huge and the floor is covered with grass. In an extra part of the aviary there is a compost heap and stones and wood to turn because the delicious worms and termites are underneath. Sometimes a rat snake snakes its way through the aviary, but I'm always quicker at collecting the eggs. I have 2 plastic tubs in the aviary that always provide clear water through aquatic plants. the chickens love it

[@annap62407]

Zip tie the heat lamp to the chain for extra security but the heat plate & if needed a coop heater are definitely safer & much less expensive to operate than heat lamps

[@annap62407]

I also recommend not using open water bowls around chicks, we’ve had babies fall in when trying to drink out of a bowl with their mamas

[@rayburnyarborough4695]

@@annap62407many waterers have a recessed bottom. I had a baby chick accidentally get trapped under one and it killed it. For about two years now I keep saying, “I really hate learning things the hard way.” It was very disheartening 😢. I’m so tired of all the cheap products.

[@rayburnyarborough4695]

I use brooder lamps that have the cage around the open bulb.

[@Fiscals_Organics]

My chickens ate the heck outta my tomato plants leaves. All six of them were a ok and did this throughout 110 degree heat, they are way more tough to kill than you guys think

[@nogames8982]

I have completely stopped using heat lamps for my chicks. I know use. The Mother heating pad method. Even outdoors. Works great.

[@thebirdmaster7]

Yep heat lamps can totally be dangerous I should know because I lost 7 animals plus my coop, food and supplies to a fire two months ago right now I just use the heating plate don't worry about heat lamps right now because it's summer but securing the heat lamp is one thing definitely gonna fix when the coop is done

[@johncraig7763]

Question: Where do I get and What can I use if I think that my chickens may have worms. I haven't found a resource.

[@carolynmbragg2078]

Thanks for this--it's good to know what to expect when I get chickens. So looking forward to it :D

[@KenHowland]

Hi Carolyn where are you from?

[@bayangnelson]

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge

[@tamaskarsai2072]

Here are 2 more. 1. having too many roosters. In 1 flock you should only have 1 rooster, even 2 roosters in 1 flock is too much and they fight each other every time, and if you have more than that they may gonna try to jump on 1 chicken as a pack of roosters, so when there are 10 roosters that means hell for chickens. So keep the rooster count low. 2. dropping food above the fence to them. If you have small chicken try to give them food not above fence, otherwise you may gonna hit 1 of them and have the chance of it being fatal if you giving them water melons and similar big or bulkier foods. So be careful giving them bigger foods.

[@RonBaker456]

I used heavy gauge wire mesh with a 6" bend facing out on the bottom 2' of the coop, which I buried 6-8" below the ground. If an animal tries to dig around the perimeter they hit that mesh and it stops right there. I've seen several attempts over the years but haven't lost one to a critter yet in 8 yrs.

[@lizxu322]

i had a bunch of whole mixed grains i gave to my mum to feed my chickens when i went on a trip. I came back and my mum told me she cooked thr grains into porridge and ate it herself, and said that the chickens can find their own food. The chickens laid less eggs than they used to for that time period. Shes never looking after my chickens again, and yes, this is the same woman who said goldfish doesnt need food either, they eat particles in the water. Guess who'll be living in a nursing home by herself (she is quite malicious and refuses to learn unless she faces consequences)

[@kathymc234]

My mom is a narcissist.

[@dudester873]

"Guess who'll be living in a nursing home by herself (she is quite malicious and refuses to learn unless she faces consequences)" Remember that God commands us to love our (human) neighbors -- not our chickens and goldfish.

[@shellydesormier4646]

Jesus 😮

[@anandasmom]

😂

[@valnpaulvanorden]

Yikes,,!

[@a234633]

So I am wondering I am getting chicks next week but it is Summer I am in a tiny house it is hot do I still need to use the heat lamp I am far north Minnesota so at night it will get cool 50 so would it be use at night not the day or still use in day any help would be appreciated thanks

[@Mindlyft]

just saw this and hope you used a heat lamp at night and gave them a big enough area to escape the heat when they get too warm, then can go back to it when chilled.

[@a234633]

I did they are now outside it worked out fine thanks 👍

[@thebirdmaster7]

Yeah you definitely need to keep an eye on the chickens that are at the bottom of the pecking order I have a Polish rooster that was not getting enough food because all the hens and ducks are greedy so I separated him just so he can get enough to eat

[@jabba0975]

I do a weekly health check on all our chickens. These are some of the questions from my health assessment: Have you had any changes to bowel or bladder elimination? Have you been feeling like life is not worth living? Are things you used to enjoy doing no longer pleasurable? Have you used any tobacco products in the last week? How many drinks have you had in the last week? Do you wear a seatbelt while in motor vehicles? Have you seen a dentist in the last 6 months? Do you feel safe in the coop? Are there any firearms in the coop? How many hours per day do you spend on social media? What are your main sources of news? Have any of the other chickens expressed any extreme views or conspiracy theories such as humans wanting to steal their eggs or eat them? Have any chickens mentioned possible violence against humans? If you encounter an extremist chicken, do you know how to report them to the humans? Would you feel safe doing so? Are you aware of the 'Segregated for Safety' program the humans offer to avoid retaliation? Is there anything else the humans could be doing to facilitate your laying more or gaining weight? What are the 5 nicest things humans do for you? How have humans improved your life? Which human is your favorite, and why? What 3 things can you do to help the humans? Do you feel qualified to apply for the 'Superior and Gifted Chicken' program taking place behind the barn? What 5 things can you do in the next week to make you better qualified for the 'Superior and Gifted Chicken' program? Our chicken Wellness Center has been providing an optimal, healthy free-range environment for chickens to actualize their most productive selves by leveraging the full range of psychological, physical, and spiritual development since 1984. We envision continuing to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in poultry to support Agenda 2030 and perfecting sustainable inter-species relationships and mutually-beneficial outcomes across the full agricultural-business spectrum.

[@LeafyWalnut]

I keep telling the girls no firearms but they always somehow manage to smuggle one in 🙄

[@thehappychickencoop6460]

😂😂😂

[@_FMK]

🤣🤣

[@bohemianfapsody9218]

Cluck Around and Find Out

[@christinenanaguy1143]

I cook for my girls on a bi weekly basis one week their diet is supplemented with cooked rice and veggies and opposite weeks is fruits and salad greens! They love watermelon rinds! I leave a lot of the red fruit on the rinds 😋🐓diatometious earth food grade is used every six months on their body’s as well as dusting the coops. I don’t use poison on mouse control, my cats don’t harm my chickens and catch mice with ease!

[@KenHowland]

Hello Christine where are you from?

[@Mindlyft]

I have a domestic and a cared-for feral cat. My chickens go after them!

[@carolsanborn5332]

11:45 Glad to hear about DE. I suppose it isnt good for human breathing either... I bought a huge bag of it +have been liberally dusting their bedding + around the coop walls. I am paranoid about insects feeding on my feather babies. Please give me some suggestions of how to eliminate misquitos from drifting into the coop + feasting on my little 14 chicken flock. I myself am ferociously attacked ( + so know they must be also bitten throughout the summer nights) whenever I check them at night, +after I turn them out into their run while I'm cleaning their coop. Non poisonous, yet effective sprays or whatever you suggest are my first desire, but if those attempts fail, I may resort to some sort of fog pest bomb. I dont think the chickens can see the skeeters to eat them so I really feel bad for them .

[@robrenhar]

Tack screen netting like window screen behind or between your 1/2 inch hardwire and cover the edges with a wood frame around the window or vents. You may have to vacuum or brush periodically due to dust and or feathers

[@carolsanborn5332]

@@robrenhar Thanks for the idea; will look into it asap. I'm not very handy with projects like that, + because I fear the staples coming loose + one ingesting one, I'm going to have to approach that very cautiously.

[@robrenhar]

@carolsanborn5332 my husband used a heavy duty stapler like for furniture or wood. They end up being sandwiched between the hardware clothed and the wood frame which he screwed in. It's quite sturdy.

[@tina0718]

I attach solar fans on the coop to keep flying insects at bay....found it has helped significantly and keeps my girls cool.

[@dianaherring-gy1se]

I keep a bug zapper going away from my coop.and it seams to draw the bugs to the light to be killed

[@mikealalee2889]

Iv seen alot of peope recommend diatomaceous earth and not really calrify how little should be used. I personaly use general purpose sand. Its super dusty. Put it in a wide low edge bin, a kiddie pool or an already dirt spot in your yard and bring the chickens over 2 or 3 times a day (however much they seem to enjoy) They love it and cluck like nuts when they do it. Hope this helps.

[@WaningGibbous]

Dust if u must..but less is best..an old saying of exterminators. We have a puffer that gives a fine dust...only works if it's dry.

[@mikealalee2889]

You know I should get a puffer and do that. They get enough on their own in the dirt around the yard, but I like to use the earth at least once a month for extra parasite control. Thanks for the comment!

[@jeanettecook1088]

Great video... however, just a note, most veterinarians won't treat chickens. Surgery on birds is a very tricky business, because their body temperature is very high and hard to regulate under anesthesia.

[@crystaldyer3735]

Yep. That's why we've ended up doing most vet care ourselves. I keep poultry wound spray and save-a-chick electrolyte powder stocked at all times.

[@jillspangler5139]

Ive had chickens for years. It is sad when you lose a bird. The headline on this vid is so funny!

[@karengates8091]

Curious to were you got the information about elderberry being toxic for chickens. To my knowledge and research it is a highly medicinal plant for them and humans??

[@karengates8091]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIC9mJ14ma1ljNE

[@juliapope7663]

I expect he means the other bushes that look just like elderberries except the leaves are different. Can't remember the name.

[@marthaanne3263]

I've read so many people say elderberry is toxic. The deer have plenty of yummy things to eat around here but prefer to eat my elderberry bushes to the ground, and the wild birds strip an elderberry bush of fruit as soon as they're barely ripe...

[@SheepAmongG.O.A.T]

I remember seeing an episode of something like 20/20 cant remember like 30 years ago of a kid that developed a brain tumor. His mother sought after a fix. Eventually she heard about apple seeds. Kid ate apple seeds daily and his tumor vanished. Ever since then when I eat an apple, I eat the entire thing minus the stem.

[@cheryllindberg1975]

Apricot seeds are a cancer reducer I've read

[@Mindlyft]

apple seeds have cyanide I believe, in them but it is typically so minute that you would have to eat a lot of them to get sick as an adult. wouldn't give to young children though.

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

Ive seen elderberry listed as toxic in several videos and on a few online lists, but all the real world accounts say that their girls were fine living with an elderberry shrub in their run for a decade and other similar accounts. I think there is something more to look at with this issue given the disparity between the literature and real life.

[@LeafyWalnut]

I heard the whole plant is bad for them, except the berries, but the berries must be either fully ripe or cooked. Of course only given in moderation

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

@@LeafyWalnut im seeing KZbin videos and experts say its bad but with no actual evidence to that end. I think they are assuming toxicity based on the compounds present. But people with elderberries in with their chickens say that the chickens know to avoid them and that they havent had issues

[@Artbug]

Agreed. People out here wanting to make click able content, but not actually researching information or real world experience. Just repeating some junk off the net

[@HungaryGardener]

I agree. I have a large elderberry tree in my run and the girl love to eat to berries when they're rip. But haven't touched them when they are unripe. We have yet to see any adverse effects from this.

[@MimsysGarden]

Yup , mine love a few ripe berries and they definitely love the ones left over from making syrups. (Not tinctures)

[@christineelsbury5479]

us and my grandparents fed and feed our chicken raw potato skins with out ever having any issue's. Just thought I would share

[@KenHowland]

Hello Christine where are you from?

[@SophieBolton-ls2eb]

Is it ok to be mixing a cup of de in my chikens food per day about 2 days a week I have 21 chikens and its a small bucket of food per day

[@Anthus.]

How do you keep larger birds of prey, foxes, and coyotes from getting your hens. Also, keeping the occasional really large king snake from getting your eggs can be a challenge., I had a couple of king snakes around my place for years that were probably 6-7 feet plus in length.

[@andromedastar1]

Do not free range without supervision. Cover top of run with sturdy netting. We have chain link. You wont lose one to aerial predators doing those two things. We used to free range all the time but now it just seems like the foxes are getting so aggressive. They come out during the day so we can’t let them out unless we’re up there with them.

[@marieschaaf5473]

Get a Pyrenees and a cat....they keep all predators under control....bird netting across your run if possible but it has to be high enough to make sure your chickens can't get caught in it....that stuff is nasty and unforgiving.

[@jamesbackyard7192]

Both my dogs were old when i got my first chickens, they learned very fast and now are part of the flock.

[@lindaburrows509]

I put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per gallon of water, it really does help the chickens

[@theknockoutladysaint23]

How does it help them?

[@lindaburrows509]

@@theknockoutladysaint23 it helps there digestion and boots there immune system

[@theknockoutladysaint23]

@@lindaburrows509 cool, thank you

[@lynncarter4964]

It also helps keep the waterbourne bacteria from growing in that 24 hr period.

[@FVWhimsy2010]

Old heat lamp bulbs can explode and cause fires. I replace the bulbs every three months, if used only at night, and monthly if used 24/7. I use the older bulbs during freezes to save sensitive trees and plants that aren't in coops or barns. For new hatchlings, I now only use brooder plates...because they also love the security of being underneath the plate. Even with the plates, do NOT pile up hay or wood shavings to where it touches the plate....it's not necessary. A thin layer of shavings is sufficient to absorb droppings (which should be cleaned once or twice daily. Raccoons can/will reach in and grab chickens too....and kill them by trying to pull them through the wire. Foxes jump and climb like a cat...and can jump up to six feet high...so a four foot fence will not keep them away. Best deterrent for predators is a well trained dog...Pyrenees and Maremmas are bright white and visible deterrent.

[@BKMay-wx7os]

YOU CAN ALSO USE HALF BAKING SODA, AND HALF CORNBREAD OR HALF CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX. PUT IT IN A BAG FIRST AND SHAKE IT UP TO MAKE SURE ITS MIXED THEN PUT IT IN A CONTAINER THAT YOU PUT HOLES IN SO THE RODENTS CAN ACCESS AND OTHER ANIMALS CAN'T. IT ISN'T DANGEROUS TO OTHER ANIMALS AND THE DEAD RODENTS ALSO AREN'T DANGEROUS TO OTHER ANIMALS . IT WORKS.

[@jerichojohnson3219]

A BUCKET TRAP?

[@martasoto3403]

Thought chicken couldn't have chocolate nor anything with caffeine

[@ponyxpress3]

Does it work on squirrels?

[@FeonaLeeJones]

Super helpful. We had two dogs kill numerous hens even though we trained them. A dog is a dog and it’s their nature to kill hens. I also once left twine in the coop and the chicken got entangled in it and was hanging upside down on one of the hottest days of the year. She survived but I felt so bad!! 😭😭😭

[@Mindlyft]

you can train dogs to avoid chickens with e-collars after you've had the training on how to use them Properly. Dogs won't chase squirrels after this training, so they won't go after your chickens either.

[@JayzeVo17]

Folks are swiching over from heat lamps to heated brooder plates. Much safer and much easier for the chicks to keep themselves as warm as they wan to be.

[@thehappychickencoop6460]

Funny you say that. I was just watching a video the other day where this KZbinr uses an infrared heating plate hung on chains too. Said the same, more reliable, and safer

[@johnharris1360]

Dance chicken, dance

[@normbograham]

you can also buy a 40 watt heat lamp bulb. 250 watts, is a bit much, in some states.

[@EvanBlack-x5i]

Thanks. This is a great video for a starter like me

[@robertcastello2961]

Excellent informative video. Dixie general store Heflin Alabama

[@violet_0293]

One of my girls have gape worm and I love her so much ( she might be my favorite) her name is Reese she had gape worm for abt a year or so before she was coughing sneezing gasping for a lot of air we got medicine but it didn’t work much but did something we gave her yogurt bc she wouldn’t eat at all. Idk what we put in there water but it was to take the worms out, anyways she is still living she is at the lowest pecking order so I do have to keep my eye on the others. But I do limit the time when she runs if she runs too much she start coughing so I either separate her or I’ll give her water and pat her back to kinda help and just hold her in my lap til she’s ready to go back and eat more gras and be a chicken. Edit: so sorry it’s long (I said a little too much but that’s alright lol(

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

I put apple cider vinegar in their water every once in a while. Seemed to stop gapeworm, but I also added a smashed garlic clove every once in a while, so it may have been that too. They get regular feedings of plain yogurt too. Helps them balance their systems.

[@violet_0293]

@@theurbanthirdhomestead oh ok I’ll try that thank you

[@andromedastar1]

Your a wonderful owner.

[@violet_0293]

@@andromedastar1 thank you💗

[@keithwatson8228]

My coupe is even bear proof while giving them plenty of fresh air. I free range them during the day. So They get plenty of sunlight when it's available.

[@Mindlyft]

We used to do that too, but eggs were all over the place and when we find them and collect them, they just send me hunting again for their new laying spot.

[@keithwatson8228]

@@Mindlyft I actually ended up keeping them in a pin. But that was because my neighbor started complaining. Later on, he washed where my chickens went. As if he wasn't the reason I kept them locked up. Either way, they did fine up until I gave them away so I can move across the country. This time I'll do it better.

[@lisagayhart2482]

Good information. Thanks

[@RyansGoslings]

1- Farmerboy Ag sells safety lamps that wont catch your coop on fire. Use thick glass bulbs to prevent shattering. 2- If you don't trust your dog, keep them away. simple. you don't need to bury wire mesh - just lay it on top of the ground, affix to a fence, min 18" from the fence. 3- Racoons - Hot wires help a lot. Same as movable electric net fence. Wacky Wavy arm men help with hawks on 15-30min intervals. 4- Newer rat poisons wont kill birds. Keep baits away from birds, and clean up dead animals. 5- Chems... i've watched chickens drink gasoline and hydro oil and survive it. not saying they should drink it... Chickens like shiny, so yeah. clean up nails. 6- Auto waterers. Hauling water is miserable, and freezing weather stops them drinking. 7- Chickens are incredibly dumb, but generally they wont eat things they don't like. Potato and Tomato is fine to feed. 8- Neglect... Don't neglect your birds. 9- Garden plants... again, chickens will generally not eat things they don't like. Jimson week, and Devils trumpet are halucigenic thru toxicity. so, they'll go wack then die. 10- Mites, treat with sevin dust or bifenthrin. Gape worm - Worm your birds with levimisole when each time the grass comes on, and goes(spring and fall). Red spider mites, burn down the coop. 11- DE doesn't work for anything. Don't use it. huge waste of time.

[@FreshEggsDaily]

Please dont use chemicals like Sevin on or around your chickens! It's a known carcinogen. DE absolutely does work. And its much safer than anything else.

[@PinkieJoJo]

My chickens eat tomatoes all of the time. In fact my neighbor gathers leftover tomatoes from my garden for hers every year and sometimes her turkeys come to eat out of my garden.

[@aliciaspears7847]

Always the controversy but my understanding is they can eat tomatoes just fine; however, any other part of the tomato plant is toxic.

[@PinkieJoJo]

@@aliciaspears7847 thank you.

[@jamesarcher1289]

Plant is poisonous. Not the fruit. Night shade family.

[@Worlddownsideup]

I have 6 dogs. 3 are large breeds. G. Shepherd, Husky, and English lab/chow mix, and one of my small dog is a rat terrier which is a known killer breed. My husky is a straight killer (possums beware 😅). My husky was bringing headless chickens home for a while. We live in the country and don’t know where the nearest chickens are? Anyway we have now had chicken for 2 years and all my dogs protect and are super gentle with my gals and rue. My shepherd especially has taken to being their protector! He now prefers to sleep outside and watch the property.

[@markthomas4083]

Very informative, thank you sir! My young Scout took great pleasure in destroying all four of my chickens. I feel so bad bc this adventure was totally preventable, a mistake I won’t ever make again.

[@nowirehangers2815]

Tie a dead bird around his neck and leave it there

[@bethh.172]

That didn’t work for us.

[@carolsanborn5332]

​@@nowirehangers2815My dog eats cat poo out of her litter box when the gate is accidentally left open. Most dogs I've known would roll in dead + discusting things +think they are wonderful; the stickier, the better they relish it ! Discusting. You can train a dog to leave chickens alone in your presence, but they cannot be trusted not to sneak after them when you aren't nearby to able to stop them. Even the most Nobel dog doesnt posess a conscience so they have no reliable integrity unless they have been highly trained, so it's not worth the risk of the greif of finding out you wrongly trusted your dog not to be a opportunist. So please 1/4" hardware cloth every inch you can of your coop AND run. Free ranging is for folks who don't really care if their bird(s)get picked off or wiped out completely. It's not a matter of IF, but WHEN a preditor will happen by +make you regret leaving them vunerable - if you love them like the dear pets they should be to everyone who deserves to own them.

[@PattiCooper-vm6ob]

I have 9 assorted breeds of dogs have introduced them to my chickens always on a lead also hold a chicken on you lap and let them sniff it but make it clear it is not for biting or play .do this a couple of days and then remain vigilant till you are sure the lesson has sunk in.

[@SimplySunrider]

​@@bethh.172didn't work for our Rottweiler either.😢

[@debbriggs5811]

My daughter's chicken was injured from a dog. I think the neighbors tiny dog grabbed his leg from under the fence, I grabbed it and got the chix. The chicken seemed lethargic for awhile. It did have some blood on its leg. Will a chicken be ok after an attack.

[@juneramirez8580]

Depends how badly attacked

[@denisehaley9271]

I used a heat lamp for 4 days, thats it. Chicks do NOT need a heat lamp. Added heat can and does slow their feathering out.

[@KenHowland]

Hello Denise where are you from?

[@crystaldyer3735]

They need heat if raised in a brooder to mimic the temperature under the mother hen (90°s F). The chicks we hatched from our hens were developing feathers by day 3.

[@bellajackson]

Hey at around 5:16 you say the vitamin poison has no antidote but the video says it does? Still should be used cautiously but yea

[@johncasey37]

a $30 automatic dog waterer will water 50 chickens and you just clean it once a day. I spend a couple days when the chicks are 2 weeks old to get them on a automatic waterer. I put blocks of wood around the waterer for them to get up to the water while they are small.

[@thehappychickencoop6460]

Yes this is a great idea! Currently, we have a nipple waterer setup

[@StinkySploinky]

6:20 im constantly finding nails in my chicken coop, can i do something to prevent this?

[@quincyberman5629]

Snakes are tough predators to protect from. Most around here are small and could just eat chicks or young birds but we do get some big enough to eat a full grown Brahma.

[@winniecash1654]

Kidding me? A Brahma? Yikes!

[@andrewrsanchez]

Use fake ceramic eggs around the coop. It'll kill the snake.

[@winniecash1654]

@@andrewrsanchez oh I wouldn't want to be that unfortunate snake.

[@EC-dz4bq]

@@andrewrsanchez how do you make fake ceramic?

[@shellydesormier4646]

My geese warded snakes off. 🐚🌸

[@FallofftheMap]

Avocados, really? I live in a part of Ecuador that is full of avocado orchards and free range chickens. I frequently find half eaten avocados that have fallen off the trees and been pecked at by the chickens. What’s the issue with chickens and avocados?