- Feb 13, 2018
- 18
- 20
- 89
Hello everyone,
first time post here. I recently convinced my partner to allow me to get some chickens! She has told me she is "afraid" of chickens, but she knows this is something I have wanted for some time; after a lot of research and chicken videos she is finally on board!
Little does she know, I have already built a partial chicken coop in our detached garage that I was preparing to install over the summer. I have read through many of the threads and watched many videos on the coops and runs and I feel as though I am prepared to build an awesome chicken coop and run once the spring arrives. The coop I have made so far is insulated as well as already has ventilation installed. I just wanted to post on here to maybe hear some additional tips and tricks from the veterans; as this will be a learning process for me. I primarily want these birds for egg production/pets. The chickens will be part free range but will spend most of their time in the run; only to be let out when I am out in the yard to ensure their safety. Planning on getting 4-6 chickens depending on how big I end up making the coop and run and we are on about 2 acres of land.
My main concerns:
Bird types: I have seen online many different suggestions that some bird varieties can be less friendly than others. Seeing how I would love my nephews to come and spend time with the chickens; what common breeds would you all suggest for egg production and docile behaviour?
Keeping warm in the winter: I live in Canada, and it does get quite cold. I believe our average temperature this winter was around -10 to -15 degrees celcius with quite a few warm days above zero. I want to make sure my birds stay warm and dry all winter long (hence the insulated box). I plan to install an electric heater on a temp gauge in the winter months to turn on when needed. Does anyone have any additional tips or tricks for me? This is one of my biggest concerns.
Chicken Compost/chickens in the garden: We have a large garden plot on our land and I would love to use and produce my own compost from the chickens. I have seen people keep compost piles in the run to allow the chickens to peck at vegetables and insects; all while producing compost. This would not be for straw/pine shavings/hen house clean out; strictly compost from the yard and garden. Does anyone have any experience with this and again have any tips and tricks? Would I need to keep the chickens out of my garden when free roaming to keep them from pecking at vegetables?
Lastly; do you have any great informative websites, guides, videos, etc? Either ones made by you, or just ones you know and like....please share! We are making sure we are 100% prepared for these chickens before they get here. I intend on finishing the coop and run once the winter is done to allow me to trench the coop into the ground (predator proofing) and for warm weather for me to work in!
Thank you so much for taking the time for my lengthy post, which I apologize for! Would also love to see other people's home made coop and run set ups so post away. Have a great day and I look forward to posting updates on our progress!
first time post here. I recently convinced my partner to allow me to get some chickens! She has told me she is "afraid" of chickens, but she knows this is something I have wanted for some time; after a lot of research and chicken videos she is finally on board!
Little does she know, I have already built a partial chicken coop in our detached garage that I was preparing to install over the summer. I have read through many of the threads and watched many videos on the coops and runs and I feel as though I am prepared to build an awesome chicken coop and run once the spring arrives. The coop I have made so far is insulated as well as already has ventilation installed. I just wanted to post on here to maybe hear some additional tips and tricks from the veterans; as this will be a learning process for me. I primarily want these birds for egg production/pets. The chickens will be part free range but will spend most of their time in the run; only to be let out when I am out in the yard to ensure their safety. Planning on getting 4-6 chickens depending on how big I end up making the coop and run and we are on about 2 acres of land.
My main concerns:
Bird types: I have seen online many different suggestions that some bird varieties can be less friendly than others. Seeing how I would love my nephews to come and spend time with the chickens; what common breeds would you all suggest for egg production and docile behaviour?
Keeping warm in the winter: I live in Canada, and it does get quite cold. I believe our average temperature this winter was around -10 to -15 degrees celcius with quite a few warm days above zero. I want to make sure my birds stay warm and dry all winter long (hence the insulated box). I plan to install an electric heater on a temp gauge in the winter months to turn on when needed. Does anyone have any additional tips or tricks for me? This is one of my biggest concerns.
Chicken Compost/chickens in the garden: We have a large garden plot on our land and I would love to use and produce my own compost from the chickens. I have seen people keep compost piles in the run to allow the chickens to peck at vegetables and insects; all while producing compost. This would not be for straw/pine shavings/hen house clean out; strictly compost from the yard and garden. Does anyone have any experience with this and again have any tips and tricks? Would I need to keep the chickens out of my garden when free roaming to keep them from pecking at vegetables?
Lastly; do you have any great informative websites, guides, videos, etc? Either ones made by you, or just ones you know and like....please share! We are making sure we are 100% prepared for these chickens before they get here. I intend on finishing the coop and run once the winter is done to allow me to trench the coop into the ground (predator proofing) and for warm weather for me to work in!
Thank you so much for taking the time for my lengthy post, which I apologize for! Would also love to see other people's home made coop and run set ups so post away. Have a great day and I look forward to posting updates on our progress!
I am pretty new to chickens as well, and didn't really pick my chicken breeds because I got birds from friends, but those friends seem to agree on this point!
boo!!
.
