Am I on the right path?

[Eggcentric One]

Thank you so very much for your deep consideration of what I have planned. I will indeed be utilizing hardware cloth on both the coop and the "chick" pen fencing. In addition all the security features you outline are being implemented, ie. solar XL coop doors on timers, exterior run fencing 24" below grade etc. I show the three breeds I have chosen, but know they will go where they choose. That is exactly why I am not choosing to build a boulevard of breed specific housing. HA. I was going to ask about feeder/waterer suggestions. I realize that what works for one may not work for another, but you can, frequently, get a general consensus. Further, for the breeds chosen are my numbers in line with 10 Hens/ 1 Rooster? And how many waterers and feeders should I have for my projected 33 birds? Considering I know the flock will grow to some degree. Also, what say you about native grasses? I know historically they have survived off of them, but today, I am uncertain. I do plan to free range them as much as possible and native grasses are a serious consideration in the runs, my yard and the paddocks.
You mention that you had issues beyond your intense preparations. May I ask what they were, so that I can possibly avoid them?
Again, thank you so very much!

 

[TooCheep]

When my girls free range they happily eat grass and clover as well as scratching around for seeds, bugs and worms. They will generally naturally stick to non-poisonous plants, but look for a list of prohibited plants on this site to try and minimize them in your system.

Some mistakes that you might learn from:

• Chickens can be good garbage disposals. Many feed them vegetable/fruit scraps as part of their diet. I didn't start that when they were fairly young and starting to eat things beyond chick feed. They aren't interested in scraps now.
• I started with a commercial coop from Tractor Supply. They tend to be cheaply built, greatly overestimate the number of birds they can humanely hold and break down comparatively quickly. Looks like you won't have that problem.
• Assuming those roosts are on different levels, the birds will naturally sort themselves out by dominance. Make sure they are far enough apart so that birds on higher levels don't poop on those on lower levels at night.

I don't have good answers for your other questions as those are for larger flocks.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Your coop plans are impressive. You must have space, time, and money for all of that. Good for you!

I will say that growing anything in the run will be difficult. 33 chickens will go through it quickly. You have an awful lot of nest boxes. I have 3, and all of my layers use 1. I've read you need 1 for every 3-4 hens. And your nest boxes are larger than most. Neither of those things are bad. Bigger is better, but more also equals more effort to upkeep.

I only have a small flock of 8 in a small yard in a smallish coop with a smallish run. I can't say how many feeders you'll need. I have 2 for my 8 plus a couple thrown in for the littles.

I hope you post pics when you're done.

 

[Eggcentric One]

Good to know that they are not conducive to dietary changes later in life.So if I want them to eat it, give it to them early? How early?
I will most definitely check out the poisonous plants page. However, since I will be free ranging them as much as possible, I do not think I can cover all 100+ acres for eradication. Should I stick mainly to the run and my back yard? Possibly the paddocks?
The roost are indeed on differing levels. I should have clarified. As I have been told not to roost below the nest boxes, the first level is set at 20" ( 2" above my XL nest boxes) then each level climbs by 12 inches. They are separated 16" so that I can put the garden trays on shelf rods to catch excrement and make for easier removal/ cleaning.
Keep them coming... I sincerely appreciate it.

 

[TooCheep]

Understand that if you free range, you *will* have occasional losses. It goes with the territory. There are ways to minimize it, like having roosters and places they can run under for cover, but it happens.
It is highly doubtful your chickens will cover 100 acres, so don't worry about that. Chickens seem to generally avoid bad plants unless the are restricted and only have those plants available, but do what you can to minimize them in the area.
Your roost spacing sounds good. Not sure about that last part you were describing. You should look up "poop boards" which make roost cleanup easy.

 

[Eggcentric One]

Your coop plans are impressive. You must have space, time, and money for all of that. Good for you!

I will say that growing anything in the run will be difficult. 33 chickens will go through it quickly. You have an awful lot of nest boxes. I have 3, and all of my layers use 1. I've read you need 1 for every 3-4 hens. And your nest boxes are larger than most. Neither of those things are bad. Bigger is better, but more also equals more effort to upkeep.

I only have a small flock of 8 in a small yard in a smallish coop with a smallish run. I can't say how many feeders you'll need. I have 2 for my 8 plus a couple thrown in for the littles.

I hope you post pics when you're done.

Thank you very much. I have given a lot of thought into designing the layout. Although I am certain I am missing somethings, considering my lack of experience.
As for space: Yes, I am fortunate to have attained a little over 100 acres and am clearing the center 20 for my home, barn, garden, greenhouse, coop/run and paddocks for sheep and a llama.
As for time: I am retired and have two healthy grandsons to offer periodic reprieves.. haha
As for money: It may look expensive, but in reality it isn't that bad considering I am a huge DIYer. By using concrete blocks we will be able to stack and fiber rebar them ourselves. Then it is a matter of having a truck deliver concrete to pump in every other concrete black hole and pad forms ( that we lay out ). Metal roofing panels will be a snap. When it come to the run, I plan on using clear greenhouse panels to allow light through. However, I still don't expect to maintain much growth in that area.
I have laid out a lot of nest boxes because the breeds I have chosen are said to be prolific layers and I would rather have too many than not enough and find crushed eggs everywhere. The boxes are large because I have read breeders of Bielefelders state that traditional size nest boxes do not provide enough room for that breed. I am guessing that this would be in keeping with Giant Jerseys and Brahmas as well. This is also the reason I planned for larger coop access doors. I planned for an additional main coop door because I read here, some time back, that often some will wait at the "single" door to harass those entering, so it was better to offer alternatives.
It is great to know that 2 feeders will be sufficient for 8. I am seeking all the information I can get. If you find that the information or my plan is in ANY way faulty, please let me know. I want happy healthy chickens that thrive and am doing my best to endure I provide a conducive environment for such.
I have so much to learn!

 

[Eggcentric One]

Understand that if you free range, you *will* have occasional losses. It goes with the territory. There are ways to minimize it, like having roosters and places they can run under for cover, but it happens.
It is highly doubtful your chickens will cover 100 acres, so don't worry about that. Chickens seem to generally avoid bad plants unless the are restricted and only have those plants available, but do what you can to minimize them in the area.
Your roost spacing sounds good. Not sure about that last part you were describing. You should look up "poop boards" which make roost cleanup easy.

I have planned to have a Roo for each breed in a 10/1 ratio and do expect an occasional loss. (I would like to know what everyone thinks about my ratio given their experiences with the breeds). What kind of shelters do you suggest? Spacing? Like one for every 150' x 150' area or such? I don't mind a few 4' x 4' chicken gazebos placed randomly. HA
What I was talking about was I use 16" x 40" x 2" garden pans and thought they would work on sitting below the perches as poop catchers. I could pull them out, dump them in the compost pile, rinse and repeat. HAHA. But I will check out your suggestion. I expect they will be better than what I was thinking.
I will most definitely take your advise and keep an eye out for poisonous growths in the general areas and when meandering through the property.
You are being so helpful and thought provoking and it is more than welcomed!

 

[TooCheep]

I wouldn't worry about crushed eggs. Hens often will find where one bird has laid an egg and choose that same nest. I've never seen my girls crush each other's eggs. I have three hens and two nests for when more than one wants to lay at a time. They don't all need separate nests and wouldn't use them all if you designed that way.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thank you very much. I have given a lot of thought into designing the layout. Although I am certain I am missing somethings, considering my lack of experience.
As for space: Yes, I am fortunate to have attained a little over 100 acres and am clearing the center 20 for my home, barn, garden, greenhouse, coop/run and paddocks for sheep and a llama.
As for time: I am retired and have two healthy grandsons to offer periodic reprieves.. haha
As for money: It may look expensive, but in reality it isn't that bad considering I am



Thank you very much. I have given a lot of thought into designing the layout. Although I am certain I am missing somethings, considering my lack of experience.
As for space: Yes, I am fortunate to have attained a little over 100 acres and am clearing the center 20 for my home, barn, garden, greenhouse, coop/run and paddocks for sheep and a llama.
As for time: I am retired and have two healthy grandsons to offer periodic reprieves.. haha
As for money: It may look expensive, but in reality it isn't that bad considering I am a huge DIYer. By using concrete blocks we will be able to stack and fiber rebar them ourselves. Then it is a matter of having a truck deliver concrete to pump in every other concrete black hole and pad forms ( that we lay out ). Metal roofing panels will be a snap. When it come to the run, I plan on using clear greenhouse panels to allow light through. However, I still don't expect to maintain much growth in that area.
I have laid out a lot of nest boxes because the breeds I have chosen are said to be prolific layers and I would rather have too many than not enough and find crushed eggs everywhere. The boxes are large because I have read breeders of Bielefelders state that traditional size nest boxes do not provide enough room for that breed. I am guessing that this would be in keeping with Giant Jerseys and Brahmas as well. This is also the reason I planned for larger coop access doors. I planned for an additional main coop door because I read here, some time back, that often some will wait at the "single" door to harass those entering, so it was better to offer alternatives.
It is great to know that 2 feeders will be sufficient for 8. I am seeking all the information I can get. If you find that the information or my plan is in ANY way faulty, please let me know. I want happy healthy chickens that thrive and am doing my best to endure I provide a conducive environment for such.
I have so much to learn!

Sounds good so far. Just FYI: my Brahma prefers a smaller nest box. I started with boxes that were 14x17. I made smaller ones for the bantams that are 11x12. The Brahma was the first to use the smaller boxes - Lol!

Keep us posted!

 

[Eggcentric One]

I wouldn't worry about crushed eggs. Hens often will find where one bird has laid an egg and choose that same nest. I've never seen my girls crush each other's eggs. I have three hens and two nests for when more than one wants to lay at a time. They don't all need separate nests and wouldn't use them all if you designed that way.

So you think I have too many nest boxes planned? I was worried because of the laying estimates and the potential flock growth. Should this not be a concern for me? Should I scale back?