A Generational Undertaking

[luvliebee]

Hello,

My grandmother (WPC1) has been dreaming of own her own chickens for quite some time now. My grandfather originally said no, not wanting to deal with the cost, mess, upkeep, etc.

A couple of days ago my grandmother's eldest daughter, dropped off a older, worn, homemade chicken coup.

That's right, she has her very own coup. She is ecstatic! (As the coup has been supplied, as long as he is not paying to create the enclosure, my grandfather has given in and she is getting chickens!) This has becoming our new project. I (WCP2) am their eldest granddaughter, 24 years old, and I have recently moved in with them, so the help comes stock.

Any advice for first time chicken gals is highly appreciated!
Care/upkeep, ideal location, exposure to sun/shade, how to's, trial and error stores, what to avoid, ANYTHING!

Thank you!

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC and congratulations on getting chickens. BYC has a very useful Learning Center (well worth spending time perusing). What kind of chickens are you getting?

 

[luvliebee]

We honestly don't know yet. We have only just begun cleaning up the old coup. I do know that they will be laying hens, four hens max. We will not be breeding or killing for meat. Recommendations?

-WPC2

 

[Michael OShay]

If laying is your main concern, I would recommend Black Sex Links (Black Stars). They are hardy, friendly hybrids that are egg laying machines, even laying through cold winter weather, and they can be sexed at hatching (males are black with white spots on top of their heads, females are solid black). However, if you want to stick with standard breeds as opposed to hybrids (since hybrids don't breed true), then I would recommend Black Australorps. They are very hardy, gentle and calm, and the best brown egg layers of the standard breeds. White Leghorns are also egg laying machines (white eggs), but they are high strung and flighty (mine always cried bloody murder when I handled them) and are not as cold hardy as the Black Sex Links and the Black Australorps. Whatever breeds you end up getting, good luck with your flock.

 

[drumstick diva]

Grandmothers are special, I'm glad she is realizing her dream to have chickens, and having you to help out.

 

[luvliebee]

Yes they are, and mine is quite a hoot! I'm the lucky one as she is letting me participate in this project

-WPC2

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Wow, you do sound egg-cited!! Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - I am excited for your grandmother and you. Start with the Learning Center located at the top of the page. Then study the forums and question away. People are here to help you with your questions.

 

[luvliebee]

Thank you!

- WPC2

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have you joining the BYC flock

BYC has a very useful learning center

Now comes the joy .....



Our new mamma pullet with a total of 23 chicks ......