Thanks for this input.
Right now i'm thinking i won't cover the run, but would be nice to have that option later if i decide it's necessary. So, the taller fence might be a better option.
jaj, thanks for those photos. Very helpful to see this, although i think i'll be using metal posts, but if...
Okay, this helps. Glad to hear the chicks didn't take too long to acclimate to the coop. Hopefully we'll have a good 10 days between when the coop is finished and when we leave. (fingers crossed)
If worst comes to worst, we may be able to use the brooder and transfer the whole thing to the...
I'm doing a little advance planning here for an upcoming vacation.
We're picking up our 6 chicks Monday!! (Buff Orps, Australorp, Barred Rocks, 2 ea)
Planning on using a pack-n-play playpen for the brooder, starting in basement, then in garage after the first week or two.
Our coop is being...
Oh, and, more fence-building questions (can you tell i'm new at this??):
I was thinking of a 5'-high fence -- but wonder if 4' would do?
How many fence posts will I need for roughly 50' of fence? i.e., how close to fence posts need to be?
How do you attach the wire fence to the metals posts...
I'm putting in a fenced-in run behind our detached garage, roughly 27' x 12', which will contain the 4'x6' coop in one corner, next to the garage. The back of the garage, around 20' long, will be one wall of the run, plus an additional 7' extending out from the garage for the gate and coop (so...
Yep, the hawk protection is still on my list of 'to figure out', cause we definitely have some nearby. what I'm thinking of so far is either string a lattice of fishing wire across the entire thing from the top of the privacy fence to the opposite 'wall' which will be the garage wall. Or maybe...
Alright, the plan is starting to take shape in my head, but I still can't quite figure out a few things and would love some input!
--For a 'chicken garden' plan, is it okay to put the vegetable garden (will be raised beds, 12" high) inside the fenced chicken area, or will they destroy the...
Did you order yet?
Did you decide to go with Chickens for Backyards?
I'm also considering them.
I didn't like the fact that a) you pay for the whole order up front, and b) they can't tell you the exact ship date until after you've ordered and paid.
Would love to know if you've decided to...
Hi all--
I'm a newbie here. Just figuring out plans for the fence and coop, and now that I'm finally starting to finalize those plans, i thought i better see about ordering my peeps. I had been doing lots of research on the breeds and came up with 4 preferred breeds for my little flock of 6...
I found this online: http://www.thepartyanimal-blog.org/milk-jug-skeleton-fun-recycled-craft-decoration-halloween/
might be others too.
I love it -- can't wait to start collecting milk jugs from friends. Too bad we usually get our milk in glass returnable bottles.
Interesting and helpful info. Wish I knew what type of hawks we have, but somehow I think it might be a red-tailed. I'm a pretty poor sometimes birder, so i should keep my eyes peeled and see if I can identify. Unfortunately we do have a large oak tree with some bare branches/stubs that I had...
Another lady told me she uses a similar system, only with fishing line, and it seems to me she said it's about 4" apart, not 4'. I wonder if 4' would work with the fishing line too?
Could you say more about your environment vis-a-vis the hawks? Are you rural, suburban, big lot or small? how big is the pasture/foraging area? Will hawks take out a full-grown bird, or mainly just when they are little? We have hawks in our neighborhood, but our lot is quite small -- total width...
Re: the building coops for dummies book -- have you found it to be useful and accurate?
How many coop designs are in it? Does it include walk-in med sized coops ( 4 x 6 or 4 x 7, w/people door), raised off the ground?
I read reviews on Amazon and got the impression it has numerous errors.
Thx...
You need to close them up at night to protect against a myriad number of predators.
I am new too, don't know answers to all your questions, but definitely think you'll need a secure place for them to stay at night.
Thanks everyone!
I'm thinking of getting some combination of:
Buff Orpington
Rhode Island Reds
Australorp
and maybe Wyandotte, or Barred Rock
Wanting to start with 6, but might get 7 chicks just in case...
I found some coop plans online that just might work, but need to make sure.
I'm looking for plans to purchase, and finding this search a bit challenging. Need to submit plans to our town's architectural review board in order to get a permit to build a coop. So, can't do what i would most likely be inclined to do (for better or worse), which is sketch out a rough idea of...
Hi--
I'm determined to become a chicken mama SOON. Hubby is on board, but not as obsessed about all things chicken as I'm rapidly getting. And, if I don't figure out the whole coop thing soon and make a decision/start building or buy one, he is going to lose his patience. :)
The time is right...