Building north of Twin Cities

[NewToThisStuff]

We're new to the Twin Cities and bought land in the northern suburbs. Slightly intimidated by the stacks of books I checked out of the local library, mostly because they seem to focus on scabs, mites, predators and flocks' gruesome cannibalistic tendencies...I need help, or maybe just a few words of encouragement!

We're animal lovers. We love the idea of being self-sufficient and knowing where our food comes from. But we're also a little freaked out at the moment. Do you have any suggestions on best entry-level breeds (for both egg and meat production), as well as tips and tricks for cold-weather-friendly shelters? We have 10 acres on water. Pretty rural area.

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[gander007]

www.storeyboobs.com has great books for raising animals of any type

The library we have here is free to access and a large inventory

And if you get stuck just Post a question and someone should be
getting back to ya

gander007

 

[Brookliner]

The best advice I can give you is to build your coop before the arrival of your chickens. Check out the coop tab and read all about coops. Also since you are in the country with water nearby pay close attention to the predator section and use 1/2" hardware cloth on all openings and any run you build. Welcome to BYC you should find all the information you need right on this site.

 

[liz9910]

The Learning Center is a great place to start https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

 

[TwoCrows]

to BYC!

You have some good advice here from others. You might also check out the breeds section here of BYC to get you started understanding different breeds...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!

 

[drumstick diva]

Okay - more homework. Go to "where am I , where are you," in the social forum. Then you can find and post on your state thread and find out how others are managing their flocks in your area.

 

[Bluebee]

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello Welcome To BYC!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and congratulations on your pending new home. Start with the Learning Center at the top of the page - search the forums, ask questions, plan and you will do fine. Do not be intimidated. Poultry raising is a combination of knowledge and common sense.