Tag: chicken

Silkie Chickens Sleeping in the Corner on the Ground at Night?

Why Silkies Don’t Roost at Night

While this behavior can surprise new owners, it is completely normal for this breed. Because Silkies don’t fly well, hopping onto high perches is difficult, so they often avoid the challenge entirely and cuddle together in a corner on the ground for the night.
To accommodate this behavior, you can provide a wide, low perch (a 2×4 works well) no more than a foot off the ground with a sturdy ramp for easy access. Your Silkies may still choose to sleep in the corner on the ground, but at least you have given them a choice. Because Silkies spend more time on the ground, regular cleaning is especially important to prevent dampness, parasites, and dirty feathers.
Although their habits may seem unusual at first, they are simply part of the charm of this beautiful and unique breed.

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Seriously? Let’s Look at the Spendy AI Smart Coop by HatchingTime

HatchingTime AI Coop

First of all, I have no experience with this “Smart Coop,” so take that however you want. But I just left the website for this coop, and right off the bat I see issues. On top of the already SHOCKING price tag, be prepared to dig even deeper into your pockets if you think this coop is suitable for a new chicken keeper. I say “new” because any seasoned chicken keeper is laughing at this setup. Maybe as an extra coop, for quarantine, sick, or injured birds, but at that price? No.
Let’s Get to the Root of the Issues…
Unless it has a floor, which it isn’t described as having, it’s not at all predator or rodent proof, so plan on an additional expense there because predators don’t just exist at night, they are a threat at all times. The wire spacing is also too large, small predators can easily squeeze through it. And the size of this coop? The square footage is only really suitable for about 4 standard birds, or 5 bantams, and I’m being generous. The manufacturer claims 8 birds, that is true, but expect drama, bullying, and unhappy birds due to overcrowding.
If you can still see the possibilities in this coop, and for some people it might be a fit, that’s fair. But are you 100 percent comfortable trusting technology, especially AI in its early stages, to handle something as important as feeding, watering, safety, and relying on solar?
That’s a NO for me.
We all have our own opinions on the best way to enjoy our flocks, so if your interested, here’s the website for the AI Smart Coop by HatchingTime, because to be honest, only you know what fits your needs best. 🙂

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The Buckeye, Breed Profile

The Buckeye was bred to be a functional “utility” bird, meaning it excels at both egg production and meat quality.
While the bird is primarily a deep, lustrous red, it has a few distinct color traits that set it apart:
Black accents: Black feathers in the tail.
The Buckeye was developed out of the Plymouth Rock, Cochin, and Red Game fowl to give the Buckeye its heavy, broad build and tight feathering.

Color: A unique, rich Mahogany Red (darker than a Rhode Island Red)
Comb Type: Pea Comb (small and flat, making them highly resistant to frostbite)
Body Shape: Slanted back with a powerful, stout build.
Weight: Roosters: 9 lbs; Hens: ~6.5 lbs.
Legs & Skin: Yellow legs and yellow skin.

Foraging : They are incredibly active and prefer to find their own snacks (bugs and greens) rather than sitting at a feeder all day.
Disposition: Generally calm and friendly toward humans, though they are very “busy” birds.
Cold Weather: Thanks to that tiny pea comb and thick feathers, they handle freezing winters better than almost any other breed.
Egg Laying: They are steady producers, typically laying 4 medium light brown eggs per week.

Conservation Status: They are currently listed as a “Watch” breed by the Livestock Conservancy, meaning they are relatively rare and benefit greatly from dedicated backyard keepers.

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