05-16-2010, 01:08 PM
John, you certainly are correct about the Rhode Island reds, they have great personalities. I had one that was such a pet when I was in 3rd grade that he told on me. Baffled me how Mother always knew where I was, especially when I was where I shouldn't have been. Henry told on me by always being on that side of the fence of the chicken pen nearest where I was. She figured that out.
He was a beautiful thing, half my height, bright red. This rooster's black tail makes me wonder if he is a bit of a mix.
A nesting box need not be anything fancy, nor much bigger that the hen requires sitting. It affords her protection while she is vulnerable laying. She needs only her sharp bill to defend herself in a five sided box. And, yes, straw or other bedding material will encourage her to think of it as a good place to sit, especially if it gets her up off the ground a bit. A hen will gladly climb a small ladder to get several feet off the ground.
The eggs are definitely edible if you get them fresh before they sit out too long. Do be mindful of mongooses. They will quickly learn to visit the nest and eat eggs. A good pellet gun permanently discourages them. A Gamo> has the velocity of a 22 but will not carry as far, making it safer for the neighbors.
He was a beautiful thing, half my height, bright red. This rooster's black tail makes me wonder if he is a bit of a mix.
A nesting box need not be anything fancy, nor much bigger that the hen requires sitting. It affords her protection while she is vulnerable laying. She needs only her sharp bill to defend herself in a five sided box. And, yes, straw or other bedding material will encourage her to think of it as a good place to sit, especially if it gets her up off the ground a bit. A hen will gladly climb a small ladder to get several feet off the ground.
The eggs are definitely edible if you get them fresh before they sit out too long. Do be mindful of mongooses. They will quickly learn to visit the nest and eat eggs. A good pellet gun permanently discourages them. A Gamo> has the velocity of a 22 but will not carry as far, making it safer for the neighbors.