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real simple mama
United States
Приєднався 24 січ 2016
Real simple answers from a mom who wants to help you on your parenting journey. Let's talk about everything from breastfeeding to mom shaming to what's in our playroom!
As of fall 2017, also helping families learn about the wonderful world of backyard chickens. Contact me at themama@realsimplemama.com with questions or opportunities. I'm here to help.
As of fall 2017, also helping families learn about the wonderful world of backyard chickens. Contact me at themama@realsimplemama.com with questions or opportunities. I'm here to help.
Automatic Coop Door - Incident and Warning
RSM had a near tragedy with the automatic coop door this morning and it wasn't anything she's warned you about before. Luckily the backyard chickens are just fine but check out what happened with the string and learn how to prevent it from ever happening. RSM does still recommend having an automatic coop door but also wants to be honest about things to look for and potential concerns!
THE CHICKEN TENDER'S JOURNAL IS READY FOR PURCHASE! RSM is so happy to offer this, and really appreciates your support. realsimplemama.com/the-chicken-tenders-journal-printable-download/
Remember that RSM has literally hundreds of videos here to help you get more detailed information on all kinds of topics, from chicken medical issues and general health, to chickens and your plants, to chicken treats and snacks! You can also email her at theMama@realsimplemama.com
This video description may contain affiliate links. That means you don’t pay any extra money, but a cut of the purchase is paid to RSM. Feel free to email with questions or concerns. Thanks for supporting this teacher and her little flock!
RSM is not a medical professional.
THE CHICKEN TENDER'S JOURNAL IS READY FOR PURCHASE! RSM is so happy to offer this, and really appreciates your support. realsimplemama.com/the-chicken-tenders-journal-printable-download/
Remember that RSM has literally hundreds of videos here to help you get more detailed information on all kinds of topics, from chicken medical issues and general health, to chickens and your plants, to chicken treats and snacks! You can also email her at theMama@realsimplemama.com
This video description may contain affiliate links. That means you don’t pay any extra money, but a cut of the purchase is paid to RSM. Feel free to email with questions or concerns. Thanks for supporting this teacher and her little flock!
RSM is not a medical professional.
Переглядів: 783
Відео
Let's Simplify: What Do You REALLY Need For Backyard Chickens?
Переглядів 63021 годину тому
RSM wants to break it down and simplify the three main things that you need if you want to be a chicken tender. Whether you want a small backyard flock or you're looking to expand, let's go back to the basics. Keep your feathered investment safe, and learn about what's really important when it comes to giving your backyard chickens a quality life. THE CHICKEN TENDER'S JOURNAL IS READY FOR PURCH...
Why I Took The Bird Netting Down... And Why You Shouldn't
Переглядів 525День тому
RSM has some changes going on in Jurasschic Park especially since the loss of her beloved Gracie this summer. Now RSM has decided to take down the bird netting. But she still believes in its usefulness for many reasons! Learn all of the reasons why you SHOULD use bird netting to protect your backyard flock, and why RSM is calling it quits for her own personal chicken run. THE CHICKEN TENDER'S J...
Plants in the Chicken Run? Yes! But - Consider These Tips.
Переглядів 42414 днів тому
RSM loves putting plants in with her chickens, and it's possible to have greenery in with your backyard flock! See RSM's established chicken yard and the plants she's put in, but get some "I wish I'd known" things to consider. This is ideal if you are thinking about adding plants - flowers, bushes, trees, etc. - in with your chickens but you don't want the flock to destroy everything! Do you wa...
The Loss of Gracie - And A Frustrated Chicken Tender
Переглядів 73021 день тому
RSM lost Gracie, the adorable and endearing barred rock who has been in Jurasschic Park for years and years. Losing a beloved chicken is never easy, but this also signals some frustrations and potential changes with RSM and her backyard flock. RSM hits "Record" and talks out loud through some of the difficulties of having backyard chickens, and her future plans. THE CHICKEN TENDER'S JOURNAL IS ...
The Rat Saga Continues at Jurasschic Park
Переглядів 626Місяць тому
RSM is battling a rat infestation! - well, sort of. There is a rat nest in the yard next door and they're quickly becoming intolerable. While no chicken tender wants rats to steal their flock's food and dirty up the chicken coop, what can you do that's also chicken-safe? Go through some tips and strategies with RSM to learn about flock-friendly remedies to help minimize damage (and theft!) from...
Chicken With A Pale Comb? Check These Two Things.
Переглядів 888Місяць тому
RSM's back with another "Five Minute Chicken Tip" video about something she just learned, and believes is true, when it comes to a pale comb and wattles on your chicken. While a chicken will often turn pale in the face when they're hot (and RSM has lots of videos here on the channel to help you combat the heat with your backyard flock), there's another possibility if that chicken is a laying he...
Frozen Treats For Your Backyard Chickens? Consider This Too.
Переглядів 667Місяць тому
RSM has a quick video to make you go "Hmmmm" when it comes to giving your backyard chickens frozen treats. While it's hot outside and you want to help your chickens be more comfortable, sometimes a frozen snack (or ice water) can do more harm than good. Listen to the strategies, decide what works best for you and your backyard flock, and keep everyone safe and healthy this summer. (Also, RSM is...
Quick! A Rapid-Fire List of Hot Weather Remedies for Backyard Chickens
Переглядів 975Місяць тому
A super speedy video, RSM comes for another Five Minute Chicken Tip to list off all the things she's doing in her chicken coop and run to help keep her backyard chickens cool this summer. Heat in places like Texas can be killer for your birds, so take notes and learn more about what you can do to help your chickens stay safe and healthy, no matter how hot it gets out there. THE CHICKEN TENDER'S...
Planning You NEED To Think Of As A Chicken Tender
Переглядів 528Місяць тому
Do you have chickens? - or are you thinking about getting them? If so, please take the time to consider these two main factors from RSM. Chickens are living things and although they do live outside, you need to do some long-term planning to give them a quality life, year-round, for their whole life. Get a few quick tips from RSM and keep the conversation going down in the comments. RSM is here ...
Wild Birds and Chickens - Watch Out!
Переглядів 1,5 тис.2 місяці тому
RSM wants to teach you about the concerns with having wild birds around your backyard chickens. (Do as she says, not as she does.) If you have the ability to design your chicken run or you want to learn more about the dangers with wild birds near your flock, watch on! We're all here to learn, help each other, and do the best that we can for our birds. That's what being a great chicken tender is...
A Tour of ALL The Most Popular Pests on Backyard Chickens
Переглядів 8232 місяці тому
RSM gives you a breakdown of all the most common pests who can feed off your backyard chickens. In order: stick tight fleas, scaly leg mites, poultry lice and mites, gapeworms, and round/tapeworms. Learn some basic information, including what to look for and treatment options. Remember that RSM is not a vet, please always do more of your own research and pick the treatments that are best for yo...
Materials for Under Your Roost Bars - Five Minute Chicken Tips
Переглядів 9052 місяці тому
RSM is in the chicken coop and wanted to show you the materials that she uses for under the chickens' roost bars, and why. Get some information, some options, and some "what not to do"s so that you can make the best choices for your backyard flock. Amazon Affiliate Link for PDZ I use: amzn.to/3PMW2bP THE CHICKEN TENDER'S JOURNAL IS READY FOR PURCHASE! RSM is so happy to offer this, and really a...
Complete Predator Check Walkthrough for Backyard Chickens
Переглядів 5203 місяці тому
RSM is doing a spring check of the coop and run to make sure her backyard chickens are protected. There are three categories of predators to be aware of: aerial/flying predators, predators that dig, and predators that reach in. See some of the materials and strategies that RSM is using in Jurasschic Park to keep her flock safe, and pick the remedies that work for you! THE CHICKEN TENDER'S JOURN...
Plants for Shade in the Chicken Run 2024
Переглядів 1,1 тис.3 місяці тому
RSM has plants in her chicken run that really make a difference! See the long-term benefits of adding some green into your flock's backyard. While it will probably take at least a year or two for new plants to provide all of the perks you see in this video, that's motivation enough to get started now! Also check out RSM's playlist here called "Chickens in your Garden" to get more ideas about ho...
Cool The Chicken Coop - What's Working in 2024
Переглядів 1,4 тис.3 місяці тому
Cool The Chicken Coop - What's Working in 2024
Wheatgrass - Attempting to Get Greens to the Chickens
Переглядів 7603 місяці тому
Wheatgrass - Attempting to Get Greens to the Chickens
Chicken Field Trip - How To Let Out Your Backyard Flock
Переглядів 1,1 тис.4 місяці тому
Chicken Field Trip - How To Let Out Your Backyard Flock
Water Additives For Backyard Chickens - 2024 Edition
Переглядів 9214 місяці тому
Water Additives For Backyard Chickens - 2024 Edition
Why Is There Chicken Poop... On The Roof?
Переглядів 1,4 тис.5 місяців тому
Why Is There Chicken Poop... On The Roof?
Prepare for SPRING In Your Backyard Chicken Run
Переглядів 7165 місяців тому
Prepare for SPRING In Your Backyard Chicken Run
Don't Give Up! - Winter Is (Almost) Over
Переглядів 3375 місяців тому
Don't Give Up! - Winter Is (Almost) Over
CONSTANT VIGILANCE With Your Chicken Coop!
Переглядів 8976 місяців тому
CONSTANT VIGILANCE With Your Chicken Coop!
Backyard Chickens Go On A Field Trip
Переглядів 1 тис.6 місяців тому
Backyard Chickens Go On A Field Trip
Automatic Chicken Coop Door - Five Minute Chicken Tips!
Переглядів 5787 місяців тому
Automatic Chicken Coop Door - Five Minute Chicken Tips!
How to Protect Outdoor Plants in Winter Freeze
Переглядів 3957 місяців тому
How to Protect Outdoor Plants in Winter Freeze
How to Give Your Chickens More Protein - Five Minute Chicken Tips!
Переглядів 3 тис.7 місяців тому
How to Give Your Chickens More Protein - Five Minute Chicken Tips!
How to Help Cold Chickens This Winter
Переглядів 1,7 тис.7 місяців тому
How to Help Cold Chickens This Winter
How to Clean Your Backyard Chicken Water Bucket
Переглядів 9308 місяців тому
How to Clean Your Backyard Chicken Water Bucket
Yep just saw that so I ran to UA-cam. Thanks for the video
May switch to another brand of door
Only one of my hens had poopy butt. I trimmed the fluffy butt, which fixed the problem
I open and shut the door. I’m lucky that I can do this. Water in the coop only on the very hot nights. I like to just check on my girls a few times a day as well as morning and night.
Yes! I love doing this on the weekend and when I’m home from work. ✌🏻❤️🐓
I prefer using a manual door. Heard so many stories of accidents with these automatic doors.
I’m glad they are ok. I have a solar powered (what I could afford) door that this week is closing fine but not opening in the morning. Thankfully I am up early and can open it. I’m still trying to figure out the issue. The instructions that came with it were not great.
If you look on my website I do have a more detailed description and my own brand’s instructions, including how to set by time va by lumen, etc. ✌🏻❤️🐓 RealSimpleMama.com
I keep water in the coop. I’ll be out to check and feed them however I never want them in 108° to not have water.
Glad they are ok! ❤ Thank you for the great tips and reminders. 🥰
Thank goodness! We have one as well. We have to keep a phone alarm for evenings (of course I'm out there all through too) to make sure it worked properly. My husband just took the waterer out of the coop bc they knock it over ever so often.We went back and forth on this topic - I'll have him watch this video; thank you. My daughter is kinder/first grade teacher w/26 children. I have such appreciation for the teachers that put their hearts into their profession. Thank you for your service. I know how seriously she takes it. She was in bed by 7:30 when I called to find out how 1st day went😂 I don't know how you all do it having to come home and parent your own after being with so many littles all day!
Oh yes! And yay for teachers! I do library and STEAM and have over 650 littles 😎😎😎
both of my coop doors are omlet brand ive never had a problem they work well
My door is solar. So it only needs a minimum amount of light to work all the time. It's motor driven. I haven't had any issues.
I am so glad your girls are ok! Scary!
I love my automatic coop door, especially in the winter when we have snow, but I have a camera on it to make sure it’s opened and I always manually close it at night because once I a while I have a chicken that likes to hang in the doorway and it almost got stuck under it.
Oh that’s smart. Which camera do you have? I may have to do that too! ✌🏻❤️🐓
I like mine too. Does yours have the setting that you can control pressure? If a chicken was in doorway when it comes down, it will just pop back up. Still makes me nervous so I check it often. Just like the garage door should be checked every now and then.
@bmac5242 oh no! No mine doesn’t buy mine have been so well trained, and it moves really slowly.
@@realsimplemama I go some blink cameras. It was a deal at Costco a couple of years ago.
@@bmac5242 it doesn’t. And luckily I was there when it happened. It’s rare but once in a while on stays in the doorway. Usually in the summer. It really doesn’t bother me to shut the door. I always check on them anyway at night. I really wanted the door for the morning. Especially when It snows or in the summer when the sun is up so early 😀
Im in Phx Az and i propped my nesting box lids open andcran a fan to exhaust 110° air til post sundown temps dropped. Im going to add secured1/2 inch or chicken wire to top/bottom for nxt summer and a whole 3 way solar fan to laying coop. My chichen run build out is going to be super neat but bottom line its going to have an easy floor fan placement outside that can run w/o sun and at least 2 pools or1 i big to cool off. Im adding in a whole new vine in that will flourish and add to west side shade. & thinking about a wall planter pots to block sun w elephant food for cool look and cooling effect. Gotta get a few pallets fot that.
I have been watching your videos for a little over a year now, I love all of them! You are very helpful! I agree with all that you said in this one as well. We have 8 hens and 1 rooster, have had them since Aug 9, 2023 and we really enjoy them!
I’m so happy for you! You’re doing a great job. ✌🏻❤️🐓
❤
I'm freaking out. My chicken got attacked yesterday during the day by a dog and the dog ran off with her. We thought we lost her. We called the cops/animal control and made a report. And i locked my chickens up right after the attack. This morning my girl came home. She is torn up really bad but she survived and came home to us but i didn't know what to do for her and no vet will look at her 😢 this video is saving me right now. I need to rush to the store.
Email me if I can help more. I’m so sorry but I’m proud of you. And what a smart brave little chicken you have! You will be ok and so will she. ✌🏻❤️🐓 theMama@realsimplemama.com
Brill info thanks
I have a 13x20 cage both ends and sides are mesh 13x10 is mesh the other half camo tarp also a large bath with pavers in it I put ice in daily to cool the bricks. I have two fans mounted to the ceiling with a temp control it kicks on at 85 and will run until it drops below. I pit a gallon jug frozen in their 5 gallon water container When they get hot they lay under the fans but they get moved every 7 days for fresh grounds before I move them three days before i water the ground three days around 15-20 min until the ground is 6-7 inches moist It gets as high as 115 here in the cage
I have a 13x20 cage both ends and sides are mesh 13x10 is mesh the other half camo tarp also a large bath with pavers in it I put ice in daily to cool the bricks. I have two fans mounted to the ceiling with a temp control it kicks on at 85 and will run until it drops below. I pit a gallon jug frozen in their 5 gallon water container When they get hot they lay under the fans but they get moved every 7 days for fresh grounds It gets as high as 115 here in the cage
Good morning from Oklahoma. My chickens are my precious babies. I didn’t realize chicken math and they were tiny and adorable I bought over 30. I have had them way over a year now and I have not lost any to predators. I lost one egg bound, due to lack of knowledge. I really pay attention now. I have 6 separated from the flock due to bully issues. Girls getting beat up a few with injuries. So I am going to build a little run inside the run for the injured ones so they can live safe. I am always checking my new run. I haven’t moved the entire flock yet because the coop is an OK structure shed and it’s too hot this time of year to keep them inside that. So we have a commercial grade fencing and a run with a nesting box and roosting area, a swimming pool waters and I even have extra hardware cloth around the entire things so no predators can even reach in and grab my chickens. I see things trying to dig but they can’t get under. I added some sand and wood chips they love that. But we are in the country lots of predators. Chickens are so neat. Even my rooster is sweet. I pet mine talk to them and hold several of them and one loves to hang out in my lap. I truly enjoy the chickens. Another thing about them they make friendships and hang together with their buds. It’s so cute! I will be adding chcikens safe plants and herbs for the inside. They love the dust bathing. I enjoy your channel! Stay cool down there in Texas! Wendy❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸
Sara I’m currently in a similar situation to where I thought my girl was egg bound & now I’m wondering if she has water belly. What treatment did you ultimately give your hen when she had water belly? Thank you. I really appreciate all of the advice & information you share. R.I.P. sweet Callie. ❤
Hey there, I’m so sorry about that. I didn’t get a chance to drain her because she passed away but I wish I had time to learn how. I did keep her isolated and simplified her diet but I know that wasn’t really sufficient. ✌🏻❤️🐓
Whats the best way to prevent hens from digging around trees?
I’d add some kind of little fence or barrier like garden borders. You could “bury” hardware cloth flat top but that would be more labor intensive. Or you could add heavy stones that they can’t lift. The last idea I have is to consider giving the chickens their own “run” yard space that’s separate. ✌🏻❤️🐓
When are you getting more birds ?
Honestly I don’t know. I am leaning towards seeing what happens weigh these two but probably not getting more at this house. ✌🏻❤️🐓
Good thoughts
I agree, it is so important to spend time with your chickens. It's so rewarding to have them run to the door when they see you and jump on your shoulder or want to be held.
Thanks for this video! ❤🐔 It has been the best one I’ve seen summarizing personal experience with the breed and not just reading the Wikipedia history about them!
Oh I hope it helps! They’re bigger birds so we have to be really careful that they don’t hurt their joints from jumping too high, or getting too hot in the summer months. But they’re so beautiful and sweet. ✌🏻❤️🐓 my Lacie is about ten years old!
If I'd had coffee in my mouth, I would have sprayed it all over the living room with your 'using the bathroom in privacy' quip. TOO FUNNY! I always enjoy your vids, and being a fairly new chicken enthusiast, I'm always open to sensible advice, which you always offer. Thank you!
Oh thank you! Very glad I wasn’t responsible for a coffee accident 🤣✌🏻❤️🐓
Great video. I am using 1/2 galvanized hardware cloth for their coop and run. I'm picking up my new flock on Saturday. I just finished their coop and run. This has been something I have wanted to do for years and now we are in the right place at the right time to get some hens.
Yay! I’m so happy for you! ✌🏻❤️🐓
Anyone have any deterrent for yellow jackets? Thank you.
Hi! A few - peppermint oil mixed with white vinegar and water, sprayed anywhere in the area and/or soaking the nest. Do this at night when they’re sluggish to not get stung. You can also hang up an upside down brown paper bag to look like a nest - they are territorial so they will assume that another hive already exists there and they will move. I have also heard that if you paint the ceiling or make the area around it look sky blue, they get confused and think that is the sky and there is nothing to attach a nest to.
@@realsimplemama Thank you for the ideas!
Polyurethane plant trellis. It is inexpensive. I have my whole garden covered.
I had bird netting but because I couldn't tie it high enuf & taunt enuf, it was a hassle. If u can put it at least 6 ft high & stretch it tight, then it may work. It doesn't work with snow! WI here.
I had bird netting but because I couldn't tie it high enuf & taunt enuf, it was a hassle. I u can put it at least 6 ft high & stretch it tight, then it may work. It doesn't work with snow! WI here.
It's so hard to lose our feathered babies. I'm sorry for your loss.
There is no way I would be able to go without bird netting. I agree it is a pain in the booty but once you got a system that supports it and it looks nice it is a great piece of mind. I have hawk pressure really bad. My backyard is adjacent to a huge wooded area. (A state park) At the moment I have morning glory covering half of the netting and I kinda like it ❤
YES that’s what I plan to do long term too. Have a structure and then let vines cover it up! Lots of beautiful options - morning glories technically are toxic, but I must admit my chickens are around them all the time, and I’ve never considered ingesting them at all. Plus morning, glories bloom, really easily, are really easy to take care of, and they reseed and spread! 🌱☀️❤️🐓
Great video! We used the plastic deer fence to cover our run! It’s a bit stronger and held up during WI winter. The hawks have no chance lol
Ooh that’s a good idea too! I’ve also seen wooden trellis material that I think looks lovely. But then I wonder if it starts to rot or deteriorate…
Is it still working well? I need indoor irrigation systems for 200 plants, pot size range from 4inch to 8inches. Do you think each unit can support 60 plants per their description?
Hi! Yes it still works well and my unit has been outside. You’d have to check the product listing to see how many hoses/stakes each kit comes with so that you know you have enough. 🌱☀️❤️
@@realsimplemamaHi. Thank you for your reply. It comes with 30 sets but they advertise that they can support up to 60. I can buy extra hoses, tees and stakes separately. Do you think that would work for 60 plants?
@Js-gl4vx oh yes! Then I think so. The only other thing to consider is because you were watering a lot more plants, you will have to make sure that your tank or reservoir of water is full all the time. I am lucky that I have two separate 100 gallon barrels and we have had a lot of rain this summer due to hurricanes, so I have not had to refill it. 🌱☀️❤️
My silver laced does the same thing to me when I go into the coop. 😆
Do you cut if it grows too long
Hi! Yes you can certainly prune it how you see fit. 🌱☀️❤️
So helpful!!! I’ve been freaking out and I think this is what’s happening with one of my 8 week old pullets.
I was just diagnosed and I went through the same thing. My regimen is muscle relaxer and tramador when needed sometimes, get massages on trigger points, dry needling and less stress. Do not take IBUPROFEN!! Tylenol doesn’t work. This should be permanent disability by SSI
I agree! And I’m so sorry for your diagnosis. I literally feel your pain. I’ve also learned that I must sleep well and I need to manage my cortisol levels so I don’t stay chronically stressed and in “Fight, flight or freeze” mode. I’m taking supplements that help! I also try to do little stretches like calf raises when I’m brushing my teeth, going to bed, etc. For me it’s lots of little tasks that I do every day, and then big tasks less frequently like therapeutic massage, which help me make it through my day. ❤️ I’m here for you!
@@realsimplemama do you think a parasite cleanse would help? There is a parasite that causes rheumatoid arthritis what’s your take on it?
@janetr8751 hello again! I don’t know enough on that topic to have an opinion, to be honest. I don’t want to steer anyone wrong.
I tried draining my girl and she died in my arms tonight. I feel like I killed her. She for sure had water belly. She was happy before I started. Have animals is hard
Oh no. I am so very sorry. You did not kill her, you were acting in love and selflessness. She was ready and waited until you were there with her because she trusts you and knows you’d never hurt her. I’m proud of you for trying to help her. ✌🏻❤️🐓
Getting lots of ideas here to repurpose things from around the house. Thanks!
Yay! Yes please do. I hate making people feel like they have to spend a lot of money. Dumpsters and the side of the road have helped me before too! ✌🏻❤️🐓
A piece of solid copper can keep the algae out of your waterer.
Yes! You know what I saw that recently and haven’t tried it but I really want to. It could be so helpful! ✌🏻❤️🐓
I moved out of central Tx 4 yrs ago. Thinking of moving to Dallas rural area next year.
Beautiful chicken garden❤
We just finished with the large chicken run build. I will be landscaping side for my sweet chickie’s. They do love Purple Hearts. And lambs quarters. I will add a lot more. Thank you! Wendy❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸
Yay! Oh how fun to get to plan all of that! I’m so excited for you ✌🏻❤️🐓🌱
Wow that fig is amazing. I’m in weatherford and I see these in pots….im thinking maybe needs protection when we get super cold in January. I want one!
I did have to baby it for two years’ worth of freezes, and simple things like mulch definitely help… but honestly now I just say “Good luck baby, stay warm!” And she’s totally self sufficient and magnificent!
Hi would you know if it’s safe to put a monkey puzzle tree in with chickens?
Hi! No I’m not sure so I would Google it or ask on backyard chickens forum to double check! ✌🏻🐓❤️
Lost 3 over the past two days. Fox. Love your suggestions. Dude at the plant store suggested morning glories. 😂
Oh my gosh I’m so sorry. That’s terrible about the fox. And NO MORNING GLORIES - they’re toxic! (And incredibly invasive!) 🤣✌🏻❤️🐓🌱
Good suggestions