Tonight we go to get three pullets, a Buff Orpington, a Columbian Wyandotte, and a Barred Plymouth Rock. We opted to get them all from the same place so we wouldn't be risking disease. Hubby thinks we should get a fourth from the same breeder. I'd rather wait for the exotics sale in Milo next month and maybe bring home something special. I'm still holding out for an Easter Egger or a Salmon Faverolles.
Last night we purchased starter/grower feed from Peavey Mart, two waterers ("one for inside and one for outside," Hubby says), and a feed tray. They are nothing like the PVC tube contraptions I had imagined, but this is what Hubby wanted to get. We'll see how we do with them. We already own a heated dog dish that we can set a waterer in for when temperatures dip; it could go below freezing again.
Princess Auto had an amazing clearance price on large, electric dog house mats, $30. I had wanted one for the coop for freezing nights, but they sold out and pet stores want a ridiculous price, $130. I'll keep my eye on Kijiji for a second hand heated pad or even an insulated tarp. Peavey Mart does have heat lamps if we need one.
Hubby doesn't like my idea of using a found branch as a perch; he says it will split as we try to mount it. He had suggested we buy a parrot perch, but at $20 each and the need for three, we decided to pass. He's likely buying lumber today, instead.
I found a small Rubbermaid bin at home that should make a durable and cleanable nest box. We must get straw for inside.
We'll have a plexiglass floor, I'm told. Easy to clean but more durable than plastic. Currently the hutch has a wire floor that I know is a no-no.
Hubby still doesn't think we need to paint the inside of the coop, but after seeing many photos of poopy coops, I am not willing to give up my cause. At the least, I may still get some corrugated plastic sheets to go inside.
I'll add photos of the girls in the coop tomorrow. I'm getting excited and scared for my first chicken adventure.
