Brand new to the chicken raising world

My husband and I just bought Pawhut deluxe chicken tractor and want to have hens for eggs. It says it can hold 3-4 chickens but there are only 2 roosting boxes. Should we only get 2 hens or can we get 3-4?

Second,we have raccoons around, do they kill chickens or just go for the eggs?

Third, I was thinking about getting Orpingtons. Is his a good starter type? If no, could someone recommend a good breed to start with.


Thanks and I'm sure I will have more questions in June when I get my chickens.

Welcome to BYC.

Lets see....

The usual ratio is one nest box to 3 or 4 chickens. So you are set.

Racoons will kill chickens...I've lost a few to them. Not recently, but growing up in the country. Be vigilant and your girls will be fine.

Buff Orpingtons are awesome birds. In my opinion the Buff Orpington is the Golden Retriever of the poultry world...you will be very happy.

My phone is acting up...I was going yo post an image ir two of some Buffs that I used to keep.

See...now it works



I loved my Buffs, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the breed

They are beautiful!

How big is the coop you bought (feet by feet)? Honestly, I'd only get two - especially if your're getting Orpingtons, as they are a larger breed. Those prefab coops in my opinion advertise to hold more than they comfortably should. I see you're in the south, though, so that should help as they can go outside all year long. I'm in MN, and my chickens spend the better part of the winter inside the coop, so I want them to have plenty of room. I do wonder how hot it gets at night for you, though, and if they'll have enough ventilation and air movement.

Whether you have 2, 3, or 4 hens, you won't need more than one nest box anyway. I have six hens, eight nests, and they all want to lay in the same one.

Yes. Raccoons will kill chickens, as will skunks and oppossums. If your coop/run/tractor is made with chicken wire, you will want to replace or reinforce that with 1/2' hardware cloth. It's much sturdier than chicken wire.

Orpingtons are fairly calm birds and lay nice eggs. Will you be getting adults or chicks?

OH I'm so excited that you like the Opringtons. I was hoping I would get positive feedback on them. Can't wait to get some after my vacation in June. Thanks again for the info!

Not sure at this time, I'm going to see them this weekend hopefully. Ive heard it is best getting the young ones so they grow up with you. Is that true?

I've had started birds and I've raised them from chicks. If you want to interact and enjoy your birds on a higher level...raise them from chicks.

Much more fullfilling that way.

Handfeed your birds and they will be so comfortable around you.