Hi there, I signed on because I see lots of great advice on this forum and as a first time chicken owner, I have LOTS of questions. As of right now, I want to know if I'm doing this right...I have 12 chicks; 6 pullets and 6 straight runs. Right now they are all inside in a nice little renovated bookshelf with lights, food and water (I put down fresh newspaper and clean the water and food dishes twice a day, these things are MESSY!) My husband is building the chicken coop. We plan on having a permanent coop and a "playpen" as well so they can free range. We live on 5 acres in North Central Florida so the weather here is gorgeous right now, and quite warm during the day. Am I doing this right? I have medicated chicken crumbles that I feed them now. What else should I be doing? All I want is fresh eggs every day for my family and a few others if possible. Can I put the chicks in the coop when it's done in a few days? Will straw in the nesting boxes suffice for warmth? Should I be feeding them any additional foods? If they free range must I supplement their diet with something else? Is it easy to find organic chicken food? Can you make your own? If I have roosters should I keep them so the hens stay in line? I don't particularly want fertilized eggs. Like i said, any suggestions are welcome, and thanks in advance. Oh, one more thing. I have one little girl who has a hard time pooping...she peeps super loud EVERY time (seriously, every time) she poops and it appears she is having a hard time...do they get constipated? Can I help her out any?
Thanks a bunch.
A.Z.
Thanks a bunch.
A.Z.