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This kind of answers the question I've been looking for an answer to. We've got 8 and 10 week olds that will be joining the general population very soon. The only reason they're not in the coop yet is because they're Buffs and Astralorps so I wanted to hold off as long as possible since those...

I think the rule of thumb is 4.5 sq/ft per chicken in the coop. For 12 birds, you would need 54 sq/ft. But I don't know how critical that is.

Been away from this site for quite a long time but figured I'd check back in and retrain myself since we have new birds coming soon. Got our original 10 layers a few years ago. Lost one to predation and another died of natural causes. So with 8 aging layers, I figured I better add some. I have 5...

Forgive me if I haven't done enough of a search here; I've done some looking but couldn't find my answer. One of my 9 hens got broody about two months ago. Then two more in the last few weeks. I don't want any more chickens and don't plan on hatching eggs. I'd prefer that they got their butts...

One nice benefit to a solid roof is being able to install a rain barrel to provide water for the chickens, as long as it's not shingles. We installed a metal roof on our coop that drains into a 55 gallon rain barrel. Makes it nice since the whole operation is about 100 yards from the house and...

My water set up for our birds consists of a plasic 5 gallon water cooler jug turned upside down in a 5 gallon bucket with slots cut out at the bottom. It works well but we get that funky stagnant pond algae smell with it. First off, will this harm the chickens? And is it safe to rinse out...

I was thinking about planting hops too, but for brewing, not for shade. For a shade vine, you might consider Wisteria.

I agree with Egghead. Build a secure coop and predator worries won't be an issue. It's fine to have a motion light but I wouldn't want to rely on it for security. I'm not a solar expert by any means but for anyone who's considering solar, keep in mind that unless you're only using power during...

Thanks Roark! Wasn't the wisest way for me to spend that last several months, given my history of back problems... but it's a nice place for stress relief after 8 hours at the office.

Coop is 6 x 9 = 54 sq. ft. / 11 birds = 4.9 sq. ft. per bird. Run is 16 x 16 = 256 sq. ft. / 11 birds = 23+ sq. ft. per bird. They usually get to free range every day in the afternoon among 5 acres.

First question is how much are you willing to spend if you're hiring someone to do this work? 30' feet to the house isn't bad. I'd strongly recommend running one or two 120 volt, 20 amp circuits from the house, buried at least 18 inches underground. You'll probably only need one of those...

Thanks Kay!

Thanks! You're about an hour and a half away. Nice area up there.

All I have to do now is grow my veggies. Should be a good year with all the fertilizer the flock has produced.

Duncannon area, just north of Harrisburg. Where's Julian?