Almost a chicken keeper.....

[somthymes]

I've wanted chickens for years but had dogs with high prey drives. Now that I'm finally ready I'm having a hard time being paranoid about raccoons and possums. Still, as soon as I'm convinced that I've gotten a coop and run predator safe I'll be getting 2-3 chickens. I've been looking at articles and old posts but am wondering if anyone has any recent experience/advice to share about coops and hens. I would love to get a blue egg layer, an Orpington and maybe an Easter Egger. I have fussy neighbors so should really be looking for quieter breeds, but would love a blue egg layer. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Looking forward to learning more from everyone here and sharing.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYC! So glad you joined us. There are so many breeds and choices to be made. As long as your coop and run are secure, no need to worry about predators. There's a wealth of info about those issues and many more, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home!

Oh, if you haven't done so already, PLEASE put at least your general location in your profile. It could be very important if/when you ask for or offer help or advice. You know, climate issues and such. Old folks like me will never remember from this thread. To add it, mouse hover over Account top right and a drop down will appear. Click on Personal Details and scan down. You'll see the spot for Location. Then go to the bottom and save changes. Thanks! Hope you enjoy the site!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Welcome! Dust off a spot on the roost and make yourself at home.

 

[N F C]

Hi, it's nice to have you here! That's great you can get your chickens now.

There are a lot of examples of coops here:
chicken-coops.12
And you can ask coop/run questions here:
Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance

As for blue egg layers, have you considered Cream Legbars? The 3 I have are really quiet. With an EE, you may get colors other than blue.

Make yourself at home here and enjoy yourself!

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Whatever your story... getting chickens is well worth it!

Easter egger i have is quiet except when singing the egg song or upset.
She has lovely blue eggs.

 

[pennyJo1960]

I've wanted chickens for years but had dogs with high prey drives. Now that I'm finally ready I'm having a hard time being paranoid about raccoons and possums. Still, as soon as I'm convinced that I've gotten a coop and run predator safe I'll be getting 2-3 chickens. I've been looking at articles and old posts but am wondering if anyone has any recent experience/advice to share about coops and hens. I would love to get a blue egg layer, an Orpington and maybe an Easter Egger. I have fussy neighbors so should really be looking for quieter breeds, but would love a blue egg layer. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Looking forward to learning more from everyone here and sharing.

maybe start by going back to member pages fill out you profile recommendations are easier knowing a locale

 

[lazy gardener]

Welcome. As for your coop and run plans, be sure to make it bigger than you think you need. If your birds have a nice big coop, they will be more content, and thus not as noisy! I suggest a walk in coop, it will need to be at least 4 s.f. of floor space per bird. Bigger is better, and allow extra room for the oops factor! (what to do if your hen goes broody.) Many feed stores won't sell less than 6 birds at a time. A walk in style coop and run (the run should be at least 10 s.f./bird) will allow you to use deep litter. The deep litter will go a long ways toward ensuring that your birds have a job to do. Birds who are "on the clock" don't have time to stand at the gate complaining. "Come let us out. We're BOOOOORRRRREEEEEDDDDD!!!" Also, deep litter does not get stinky, and you will not need to spend your valuable time cleaning up poop.

 

[georgieboy11]

Welcome! Easter eggers are a lovely breed, I have two and they are my best layers. They lay eggs about every other day or so, one lays a more green egg and one lays a more blue egg. Mine are quite quiet only sometimes they get in little arguments which are funny to watch but overall they are quiet. My silkies are also very quiet and very sweet birds.

 

[Plip]

Welcome Somthymes! Great to have you here!