BYC newb.

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Joshsgirl1

Joshsgirl1

In the Brooder
Jan 24, 2017
54
0
19
Somewhere, NC.
Hi everyone, I am new to this site, (just joined tonight) and getting my first chickens and building my first coop! I was suggested to get Sussex Speckled, since their personality is better than the Rhode Island Reds my Dad had when I grew up. I originally wanted RIRs, but think the Speckled will be better. Like I said before, this is my first chickens I had myself, I would be having them for eggs/pets. Does anyone know what I should do for my first coop? What's the best bedding? Are heat lamps a good idea for Winter? I live in the Piedmont of NC, 20 mins from Charlotte, in the country. It also has to be predator safe, because we have a lot of them here. An have a roof, since we have Owls and Hawks. Plus, can't have a way for predators to dig into the coop.
 
Well, I've had both Rhode Island Reds, and the Sussex..I love both! The Red's will give more eggs. Had a rooster that I just loved..sooo sweet. I've never had a mean RIR. I had to place my rooster because he found his voice..and loved it..lol..he crowed a lot. I am in a neighborhood. I need to find a rooster that doesn't care about crowing so much...lol ...maybe..someday. Some folks have talked about having them. I'll keep trying.

Coops..I like one that I can walk upright in. Doesn't need to be big for me..I only have 5 laying hens out there, and one getting close. I love using straw in the winter. I usually use a heat lamp, but this flock had been staying outside..so, I turned it off. They are doing well! I use pine shavings in the summer. Both for the floor and the nests.
 
G’Day from down under Joshgirl1
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Welcome!

I recommend a visit to the Learning Centre; lots of good tips there: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

You might want to say hello on your local thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.

Living in Aus, I have no experience with heat lamps in winter but I do not think they are a good idea. I know of at least three fires which included loss of chickens just this winter season in the US due to heat lamps.

You might want to pop ‘heat lamp in winter’ in the search option; so many threads.

Good luck with your new feathered family!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends
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Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice and links already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT
 
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Just like Cynthia, I've had both Speckled Sussex and Rhode Island Reds...they were both great breeds for me. The RIR's were wonderful layers and I never had a mean one. The SS were so beautiful and very sweet, although mine seemed to take longer to mature than some of the other breeds I've had.

No matter what you get, you'll enjoy them and have fun.
 
Thank you for the reply and info! At Cynthia12... I just learned about rooster no crow collars, on mypetchicken.com they are just fabric and mesh, they are worn like regular collars, (even come with bow ties!) that allow enough air for them to breathe, but not enough for a full on crow. They eventually become no louder than a hen, is what they claim. They even have a video up of it in use. Before and after. From what I can tell, they are humane. They don't harm the animal. Maybe you can try it! I was also suggested Silkies, just may get some, too, they look too **** cuddly not to! Lol. I live in the country, bout 20 mins from Charlotte, NC. We get some bad winters here. I may have to invest in a lamp. Can you, or anyone, suggest how I go about it, since I didn't plan for electricity going to the coop? Would an extension cord help, or just get in the way?? Cedar shavings, how much to cover a coop? Sounds like alot.. I have a walmart here that sells them by the pet supply section in bags. Ironically in the winter.... If you can imagine! Teila.. Thank You! What would you suggest for heat, then? My area gets a lot of snow and has been known to reach the teens and below in bad weather.. One winter it got down to 10* F at night! I wouldn't want my babies to freeze, would rather put them inside for the night, in the bathroom! (Call me crazy, but I love animals that much, I've done stranger things, lol). CT... Hello back and thank you! DrumstickDiva and LauraBrown.. Thank you to you, too! NFC.. my Dad had RIR and that's what my bf wants, too, Idk.. My Dad's chickens were tame, none bothered anyone, only the chick that ended up being a Rooster was mean, to everyone but me! I gave him to my Dad because he had a coop, I didn't. Plus he already said yes, I was in HS at the time, (early 30's now), and lived in the burbs, it was Animal Science class, we were watching chicks hatch, and then the teacher laid the guilt trip on us, said if we don't buy them ($2 or $3 each, can't remember exact price), they will be dinner birds.. of course none of us would let that happen to the wet fuzz balls, so we ended up buying all of them. I brought home a mostly black chick with a yellow butt (under tail) and I think white wing tips.. anyway, I was the only person the rooster would let in the coop without attacking! My Dad, (who I didn't live with), told me he eventually gave him to my aunt, for her coop.. I can only hope.. NickyKnack, Thank You! Love the pic, very cool! How do you personalize pics? Do you do it here or another website?? I do plan to stick around as the excitement and anticipation builds! Q. What is the best places to get healthy birds? I live near a Tractor Supply and a Southern States, both get chicks every Spring. Only problem, TSC only has Straight Run, I am only interested in Hens as I don't want to breed. An is it true that if you don't have a Rooster, that a hen will become one?? :(
 
Welcome aboard from Arkansas You will enjoy BYC very much. Sort of like chicken FB
You might want to try Buff Orpingtons mine are as friendly as a puppy they even like me to rub there bellys
Have a nice day
Harry
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