I am just starting out too. Just picked up 5 Australorp chicks on Sunday. They will be 3 weeks old this Wednesday. Already planned the coop design from the wonderful index supplied here. The thunderstorms this week have put a damper (no pun intended) on getting started on the build. I haven't even thought of a name for the coop, but there are plenty of good ideas on here. I let my kids name the chicks.
Where I live there are predators everywhere. Does anyone have a suggestion on how far away to place the coop from the house. I have 3 acres, 1.5 wooded, and 1 neighbor. thx
Re: Predators - build your night coop like a tank! And be sure you get them in before dark every night - I set my cell phone alarm so I hear it wherever I am. I read somewhere on this board that if you can't hear your chickens when you're in the house, use a baby monitor. As soon as I get a chance I'm going to get one, b/c even though they're sometimes quite close (movable pen) I can't hear a thing inside. Good luck - you'll become mega-attached!
What are you going to do when he comes over and wants to borrow your tools? Give him a chicken???
And yes, I remember that movie. It one of my favs. My rooster is named Rocky and my hen is Ginger! My next hen will be Babs. Right now, she is on HOLIDAY knitting posters!