a few chicken questions from a newbie

[misfitgang]

hi, i am new to all of this... the forum thing, and the chicken thing. and i am trying to get some info on chickens. i don't have any yet. but i live in pennsylvania, and have always like the silkie chicken's. i have a 4 foot chain link fence around my yard. i am wondering if i just build a "moveable" coop for a few chickens 2-3 if they would do fine to be able to run around the yard "un-attended"? are the smart enough to hide if a hawk comes into to picture. i have lots of hiding places in my yard with low branched pine trees, peonie bed's, and lilac bush's. also i am wondering if they need to have some form of heat in the winter? i wanted to make the coop moveable so that in the winter i could move it into the front yard where i get sun most of the day. as for the silkies would they be ok, or would a different bantam breed be better, or even a heavier breed. i don't really want them for egg production, or meat. although a few eggs would be nice. thank you for your help.

 

[Judy]

No, they won't be safe from hawks when unattended, or even attended for that matter, though having places to hide will increase their chances of surviving a hawk attack. They will try to hide IF they see the hawk soon enough.

Heat in winter? Where do you live? If you are in some place like Canada or Alaska, I don't know, people up there usually choose cold resistant breeds, and do not provide heat.

Breed choice is a personal thing. Since you like silkies, I would say, go with silkies.

 

[misfitgang]

thanks for the info. i live in pennsylvania, and the nights can get kind of cold at times.

 

[Judy]

Silkies are NOT my thing. I know they are small and have a vulnerable skull. I just have no idea how they do in that climate.

Why don't you add your state to your profile? Helps for lots of things.

You could do some searches, or you could start another thread with something like Silkies in winter in the title.

 

[misfitgang]

i added my state to my profile..... and i hate to ask, but what is a thread? like i said i am new to all of this.

 

[Judy]

Quote:

. We all were once.

This is a thread, that you created. Choose a forum and subject, give it a title, ask the question, see what happens.

I'm not all that adept either; this is almost the only forum I've ever joined. Just knock around here, check out the learning center (link at top of page,) check out the FAQ's that interest you, etc. Not rocket science, but does take some fooling around.

Although I still have trouble finding what I want with the search function!

What I use all the time, after I finally discovered it, is the "subscribe to topic" option, and the "show your subscribed topics" at the lower left hand corner. That way I can see what else transpired in a thread.

Never saw anyone bashed for asking a "newbie" or "stupid" question yet.

 

[Judy]

Hmmm, I still don't see your state in your profile.

 

[write2caroline]

I built a coop - which you can get the plans on this site. It is a A frame coop. You can pick it up - with help and place it where you want in your yard so the birds can free range within the coop. Also the sides can come down to protect them in the day but they still get sunshine and at night the sides come up and the ladder goes up and the girls are safe
I want to say it is a catawabe coop - something like that. I am not a carpenter - this was the first thing I ever built from plans and it turned out fine! I followed the cut list - This is a good idea. Otherwise you will have to buy a couple extra pieces!
Caroline FL
Golden Laced Wyandottes about 3 weeks old in a brooder!
Moving to the coop in a week!

 

[misfitgang]

i tried entering my state in my location so maybe that will help. these things are just too difficult for "older" people

but thanks for the help. i did enter a new thread like you advised.
and i will look for the plans for the a-frame. thanks

 

[Judy]

I'll be 66 this month.