About to start...hello from New Braunfels, TX!

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ABlackDogRanch

ABlackDogRanch

Chirping
9 Years
Mar 27, 2014
40
5
82
New Braunfels, TX
(Also posted on the "Texas" forum)

Hi all!

I've been a lurker for a while, but have finally posted!

I'm in New Braunfels (Between San Antonio and Austin). The climate is *very* hot and dry for most of the year. I live out in the country and am *finally* planning to stop talking about buying chickens and GET some chickens! I just have to build that darn coop/run first...

The thoughts running though my head at the moment:
  • My goal is to have a predator-proof coop, as we have a bobcat living the next acreage over, coyotes nearby, as well as owls, hawks, vermin, and snakes. Who knows what else. I'll hardware cloth the sides, top, and bottom and be cognizant of keeping the base of the door predator-proof, too.
  • The coop will be built next to a tree/shrub area (trees/shrubs are west-facing), which should block the most intense light.
  • I'm planning for an open coop where the run and coop are all one. There will be one solid side facing north (our most intense wind comes from the north) and a few short walls on the west/east side.
  • I'm hoping to let them out of their run and free range during the day (will they automatically just stay in the general area? I'm sure the answer is somewhere in the forums...)
  • I'm hoping to get unsexed pullets - grow up the boys and feed 'em to the dogs and keep the ladies.
  • I'm thinking Rhode Island Reds and Australorps...a total of 15 or 20?

Things I need to further research:
  • Where to buy from within a 1 hour radius - is NB Feed good enough for a beginner like me?
  • Which bedding method to go for
  • Actually buying supplements/food/etc.

I've spent so long thinking about coop/run designs I've barely thought about actually GETTING the chickens. My boyfriend and I are learning to be more handy, but still aren't lumber/building experts - it'll be an adventure.

Re: designs...I'm into this one that i saw on a BYC thread (maybe this one?). I cannot remember who it belongs to.

 
welcome-byc.gif

from Washington state glad you joined us!
 
images


You might want to start in our learning center here for lots of great tips and hints on raising your new brood from building the coop, raising the babies, feeding your adult flock and keeping them happy and healthy...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Next, you might consider sand as bedding. I worship the stuff. LOL I use it in runs, coops and even nest boxes! It stays dry, keeps the flies away, there is no smells, easy to clean and maintain, the chickens love to scratch around in it, you can hose it down in the summer and it keeps the birds nice and cool. Some types of sand has tiny stones for the gizzards as well! Here is a nice thread on sand that will give you some idea...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444759/got-sand-you-should

You might also want to chat with others in your state as to where they get their birds and supplies...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/44/texas

This should get you started. If you have any other questions, that is what we are here for!
 
Last edited:
Try Randall Burkey, Happy Hen Treats, in Boerne, TX. They are " old schoolers" in the chicken business. Welcome to the madness...I have all my neighbors raising now...all from chicks I raised and donated to them...we are connected and having a blast !
 
cully said:
Try Randall Burkey, Happy Hen Treats, in Boerne, TX. They are " old schoolers" in the chicken business. Welcome to the madness...I have all my neighbors raising now...all from chicks I raised and donated to them...we are connected and having a blast !
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion, Cully!
 
TwoCrows said:
images


You might want to start in our learning center here for lots of great tips and hints on raising your new brood from building the coop, raising the babies, feeding your adult flock and keeping them happy and healthy...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Next, you might consider sand as bedding. I worship the stuff. LOL I use it in runs, coops and even nest boxes! It stays dry, keeps the flies away, there is no smells, easy to clean and maintain, the chickens love to scratch around in it, you can hose it down in the summer and it keeps the birds nice and cool. Some types of sand has tiny stones for the gizzards as well! Here is a nice thread on sand that will give you some idea...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444759/got-sand-you-should

You might also want to chat with others in your state as to where they get their birds and supplies...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/44/texas

This should get you started. If you have any other questions, that is what we are here for!
Click to expand...
 

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