I'm going to Lowes on monday to buy the lumber for my first chicken coop! I'm planning to go to the show in Morganton to pick out my peeps. I think I want to start with 8-10, and aim for 1-3 roosters. I'm planning for growth, building big! I've looked at the breeds, but was wondering what people in this area has had success with. We're in the foothills, near Lenoir, so we see the teens in the winter, but still 90+ humid days. What breeds do well in this climate? I'm not wanting to have to provide heat, only a good, draft-free coop. I really like the idea of using broody hens to grow my flock, and gather silkies make good mothers. Would it be a good idea to try to get one or two? I'm going to make a "broody pen" part of the coop, with a seperate pop-door and run to go with it, I want babies to fill the nest box and camp freezer.
