Brand new to Chickens

[hippiechickadee]

I came here to learn about raising chickens and after a few months (and in learned a lot from you guys!) I decided to join to ask a few things I haven't really gotten a clear understanding on yet. Like having the coop in the garage (nice big run 12X24'' outside) but out of weather (upstate NY) and away from predators at night.
I look forward to learning more! My chicks arrive in just 2 weeks!

 

[Basskids08]

I came here to learn about raising chickens and after a few months (and in learned a lot from you guys!) I decided to join to ask a few things I haven't really gotten a clear understanding on yet. Like having the coop in the garage (nice big run 12X24'' outside) but out of weather (upstate NY) and away from predators at night.
I look forward to learning more! My chicks arrive in just 2 weeks!

Hello and . Check out the coop section https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops, that should get you started. I'm from upstate NY also so I know the weather is an issue for us. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Mine isn't in the garage, instead I used hardware cloth to keep out any predators. Here is the link to my coop. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/our-3rd-and-final-coop-maybe

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Congrats on the soon to be new chicks! Anything works as a coop for your birds as long as they are safe at night from predators, the garage is just fine. Make sure they have plenty of natural light. Sounds like they will have a nice big run too! They will enjoy all that space.

If you need any tips or hints on raising your new chicks, stop by our learning center for lots of articles on keeping poultry...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

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

If you need any help with building your coop or converting your garage, you can ask questions in our Coop Construction forums for lots of help...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your soon to be new flock! You've gotten some good links above. One thing about having a coop in a garage, or any building not just a coop, is that chickens create a whole lot of dust.

 

[hippiechickadee]

Thank you all for the links! I'm working my way through them now. I'm sure you all know how when you open up a thread to read it leads you to another, and another, and another, it's addicting!

I must say, I did NOT really read much about the "greasy dust". I knew dust, but I didn't realize how much dust! Also, didn't know about the straw smelling when wet (when it stays wet).

The garage is attached to the house, 1 bay, nothing in it. Has a window which I plan to chicken wire so I can have it open (no screen) and besides the window it has a back door with windows- plenty of natural light. I was going to have an actual coop in the garage and then during the day they will go out into their run, however, I wasn't planning on them being able to get to their run freely (on their own time) I was going to let them out and in each day. Is this something I should rethink and figure out how to allow them to freely go as they please?

I will read up more on the dust, I think it's still best to have them in the garage- at least until I can invest in a "real" coop (not the 400 dollar amazon purchased coop). Maybe next spring I'll have enough saved in my piggy bank to invest in a better, safer coop and bring them outdoors connected to their run.

I appriceate this community and all the knowledge and experience you all bring. Makes me feel a little more grounded in my decision making. It will still be a learning experience but it will be a little easier with you guys right at my fingertips!

 

[gander007]

Alright

Chickens in the garage good secure goop I have dune that before to the dismay of the boy's mother but yes it works very well and attaching a run to it nice ....

My geese loved it when I did that but now they all just want to sleep out in the front yard and it works for me as not a lot of people will take on 7 silly geese well in reality 3 are ganders but who is counting .....




Enjoy your poultry ventures

See this is not a normal coop ....




Do you notice the electrical outlet at the top ????





The laying box

Enjoy all your chicken ventures

gander007

 

[drumstick diva]

sounds good to me but, please use 1/2" hardware cloth over the window - chicken wire is useless against predators.