Absolute NEWBIE!!!

kiki1956

Hatching
6 Years
Jan 11, 2014
1
0
7
Hi Everyone!

I just got the go ahead from my husband that we could start our little chicken farm. We purchased a large lot in Mexico and are starting to build our home there right now. Because we would like to be self sufficient (well I do) and want to know what we eat, we want to have chickens (eggs, meat, composter), goats (milk,cheese, butter, meat, composter) sheep (wool, milk, cheese, meat) and horses (fun). I am unsure about a cow, but it really depends on the goats and the milk we can get from those.

We (I) are starting with the chickens, because it seems easier this way. I have read a lot about raising chickens, which type are the best eggs layers - don't really want them for meat right now - chicken coops, tractors, etc.

I feel a little overwhelmed and do not really know how to start properly. I know I need a house for the chickens first, but because right now we are renting a house, I was thinking of starting with a chicken tractor type coop, and then build a proper, permanent one on our land.

I would appreciate any and all advise on how to do the start-up properly. I have to add here that I have never done anything like that before. I make my own bread, butter, yogurt, kefir (water and milk) and cheese, do all the canning and fermenting vegetables, but I buy all the products to make it from (mostly) organic producers. I am a little concerned with our dogs - we have two adopted strays, so we do not know exactly where they came from. One is mid-size mixed breed and has a non-functioning hind leg - a gift from my dog-loving friend - , the other is a dachshund (she is a purebred and a little crazy).

Will I have to worry about those two with the chickens? Since I do not plan to have them run free, only in the confines of the tractor, I was thinking it would be ok?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Henriette
 
Welcome to BYC! I really recommend reading thru the Learning Center, https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center it has a ton of great info regarding feeding, coops, health, etc. I 100% recommend that your dogs and chickens are kept completely separate, I learned the hard way with my previous flock. Chickens are irresistible to dogs, they flap their wings, squawk and run like big chew toys. Also, when building your coop/run make sure to build bigger than you think you need, chickens are addicting! Use 1/2 inch hardware cloth rather than chicken wire, chicken wire keeps chickens in but most predators can rip right thru it. Most of all have fun with it, I love my chickens :)
 
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Hi there,
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and welcome to BYC!

Great to have you aboard and enjoy your new venture! You will find chickens to be a very rewarding path in life. Enjoy BYC!
 
I agree dogs and chickens should be kept well apart. Doxies especially have a strong prey drive and are fantastic diggers - she would dig under your tractor and help herself to lunch., maybe even share extras with your other dog.
 

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