California Dreaming

[BirdsInParadise]

Hey all! I'm a dad of 2 looking to raise a couple birds in our backyard.
I can build a coop with ease and have a roughly 70'x20' yard for them to roam. Is this enough room?
What are my starter expenses?
Thanks for any and all replies and suggestion...

 

[Peep-Chicken]

For the coop, it's four square per bird. Yes, that is enough room to roam.

How many do you plan on getting?

 

[BirdsInParadise]

Just 2 ladies for the foreseeable future.
Thx for the reply.
Also...
What are the starting necessities?
Food preferences (in general)?

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Just 2 ladies for the foreseeable future.
Thx for the reply.
Also...
What are the starting necessities?
Food preferences (in general)?

Ah, than that's plenty of space! Also, some people recommend to start with three chickens, in case one dies so the other isn't lonely.

If you get them as chicks, they just need chick starter till they are 10 weeks, then they need grower food till they are maybe 18 weeks which you then start them on laying feed.

You can get all of that at a tractor supply if you have one, or just any feed store. At my TSC it's around $12, and I have eight chickens right now and it takes maybe a month to go through a bag. They also free-range a lot in the summer so sometimes even less food.

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Do you plan to get them as chicks? As the starting preferences vary from chicks to adults.

 

[BirdsInParadise]

Yes, i plan to get them as chicks.
I believe they are called "silkies"?
At least thats what me ears kept hearing.

 

[drumstick diva]

Glad you joined us at Backyard chickens

 

[BirdsInParadise]

Do i neef to have water and food inside coop or can i have under? (I plan on having the coop a few (3?) feet off the ground.

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Yes, i plan to get them as chicks.
I believe they are called "silkies"?
At least thats what me ears kept hearing.

They are a friendly breed, I've had one before.

Do i neef to have water and food inside coop or can i have under? (I plan on having the coop a few (3?) feet off the ground.

I don't keep my food and water in the coop, I would say that's fine as long as they can get it in the day.

I'm not sure how much you've researched, but as chicks you'll need a brooder area, heat lamp, and chick food. Chicks need heat until they get their feathers.

 

[BirdsInParadise]

Yes, i was somewhat aware of the chicks needs as a "newborn."
And have a nice little area ser up in the house for them.
It is my understanding that they can go outside at 3-4 months.
Thoughts?

Thx for the help/advice.