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Figure about 4sqft per bird of indoor space- so 160sqft=40 birds. Also don't forget about the outdoor run-figure 10sqft per bird. You will need less roost space, Only 1ft per bird, plus it will be difficult to clean under all those roosts. (Chicken poo the most when sleeping) They should...

Also think about snow Sliding off the roof, or rain freezing- creating obstructions to the doors! Are there just the two vents at the peak? Do the windows open, or are they just glass? The two vents at the peak alone won't be enough ventilation. If the windows are vented are they directly in...

Most of my birds were from Meyer's hatchery (several of them were brooders)- although I think the Buff orps may have been a feed store impulse (their supplier was Crackle Hatchery).

I personally prefer a mix of breeds flock! There is more variety of genetics making them more hardy over the longevity of the flock, especially if you are planning on a closed flock. For me I want a cold hardy flock, that range well, are docile to humans, that will brood, are colorful themselves...

Most of the broodies I had in the past would go broody once a year, except my one GLW -Spurs- she would always broody twice a year. I found that if I snuck in a couple chicks that were the same age (within a day or two) of the hatched chicks at night within the first 2 nights of the hatch my...

I think that $700ish is a fairly doable budget! You may even be able to find used sheds that could be easily converted! Check Craigslist for building materials- old windows, fencing etc... for our run we used 6' tall 2"x4" garden fencing (burring it 1') and ran hardware cloth along the bottom 2'...

2 layers if they are a production breed will lay 2 eggs a day from about the time they are 4-5 months old till about 18 months. If you are going with non-production breeds do not expect to get an egg from every hen every day, and there will be less eggs in the winter months depending on how much...

To be honest you would want to have more than 2 layers- chickens are very social, and do best at minimum as a trio, but more is better. Have you thought about building a main coop for the layers, and then a chicken tractor for the meaties? Meat birds tend to not need as much cold protection...

I agree! Think of it this way- Each full grown bird occupies 1 sqft, plus room for food, water, to move around a bit, and to escape a bird higher on the pecking order. Chicken spend most of their time on the ground, scratching- looking for grains and bugs, so that is where the space is needed...

The difference is that they have no choice, and there are so many birds packed into a very big building that it does feel cozy, the interior is very dark, especially for birds that have all their insintics bred out of them.

I had two full grown hatchery buff orps that went broody and successfully raised chicks at least once a year!

Eight eggs today! from nine hens! not so bad

Thick gloves! perferably leather!

In the past my broody mama's have done excellent jobs at keeping the chicks away from my nasty rooster I had (he became stew eventually). It sounds like she is being a good mama by staying hidden and being growly! I would try and provider her with a predator proof area however!

Round perches/roosts are actually NOT good for chickens in colder climates- when the toes are wraped around round object they are exposed to the elements instead of covered by their feathers and body- which can cause extreme frostbite- leading to infections and loss of toes.

Golf Balls work also- and are easier to find! But as I mentioned on your other thread, your run is way to open for them to feel safe! I think if just you block off the rafters on the goat shed, you chicken will find another "safe" place to roost before they choose the Run, like high up in the...

I would say it is much to open- You have a protected run, but no actually coop.The goat shed is more enclosed and so feels safe! Again chickens prefer enclosed cosy spaces to sleep and lay eggs. There is no protection from wind or rain or the sight of predators in that run. Make sure the nest...

Do you have more than just the 2 birds? Chickens are VERY social and need more social interaction. I would highly suggest getting another bird or two, and expanding your coop/run.

Chicken always poop the most while sleeping. What do you mean about beds? (nest boxes are meant for laying eggs) Chickens should be sleeping on a roost so the poo falls below. Make sure the roosts are higher than the nest boxes, and remove them to the roost if you see them sleeping in the nest...