New Member :)

Hello new friends..

My name is Jeanette and I am a new member of BYC, but not only that I am new to raising chickens as well.. VERY new.. How new you ask?? So new that right now we are looking for plans to build the perfect chicken coop.

I am very excited for this new adventure in backyard chickens as I am hoping that this will be something that all my kids will have fun with and we can all do this as a family.

Any and all advise that you can give me is not only welcome, but GREATLY appreciated. Anything you can tell me, I would love to hear it all! Tips, tricks, things that worked well for you, or things that you would have done differently, I want to know it all!!

I look forward to hearing from you and starting some new friendships here on BYC!!

Hello, Jeanette, welcome to BYC. Start by clicking on the Learning Center located at the top of the page. Then go to the forums and read and question away. Good luck in establishing your flock.

so glad you have joined us.

You should also explore the coops section for building ideas that meet your needs. Also would suggest you search specific questions, many have been discussed and the thread counts here are somewhat overwhelming.

IMO start with baby chicks, those early days are so much fun - read up on how to care for baby chicks and plan for the brooder and supplies you'll need.

Decide how many chickens you can manage - best to have 3-4 at least so they will be happier. Select a source that offers sexed baby chicks or sex-linked to reduce the chances of getting roosters. Do not get straight run chicks.

Once you select a coop/run plan that pleases you, draw it out on graph paper. Add details of where to place chicken doors/human doors, feeder, fount, roosts, nests. And then imagine how you will access the areas you will need for caring for the flock and cleaning chores.



Things I wish I had paid attention to in other folks comments on what they would have done different:

1 - Give them more space than you think, they will happier and easier to care for. I had to build on when my flock were only 1 yo! Figure in that the feeder and water fount each occupy the same space as a chicken. * I also had to scramble for a larger brooder when mine were only a week old, they will need to live there for 6 weeks or so.

2- poop boards under the roost - or at least locate the nest boxes so the gals don't have to walk under the roosts to access the nests - keeps poop out of the nests and eggs cleaner.

3- have an isolation box or cage ready in case you have to separate one that gets injured or ill. And build the coop/run large enough to accommodate reintroducing them or new chickens to the flock.


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Good luck with your plans and new adventure, raising chickens is a rewarding and fun experience I am certain you and your family will enjoy.

x2 on the Learning Center good luck to you!

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

Hi Jeanette, very nice to meet you. BYC has a wonderful coops section - with many types , sizes and styles. It's also good to check out the predator sections to learn how to safeguard your flock in a world where everything loves to eat chicken. Glad you joined the BYC flock.

Thank you all very much!! Already things that I wouldn't have thought about.. Which brings up more questions!! Lol!! Heading over to the learning center..

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

Welcome to the Forum. What part of California are you from? If you need any coop ideas hit me up.