Chicken advice needed-just starting out.

[Orpingtons Mom]

I joined this BB years ago, expecting I would have a small flock of happy little dinosaurs -D). Alas, here I am many years later (at least 5 I think...) and still, none.

So, I've purchased a home, have been renovating for two years (in June) and I am at last ready. However, before I move a muscle, I wanted to check with the experts here on BYC.

This is my plan:
1. My flock will be TWO (hopefully) English Orpingtons, both pullets/girls, etc.
2. They will have a mammoth secure area to call home, in my enormous garage/hay barn (no vehicles within except lawnmower.)
3. They will have a large coop at the back of the property where they will be able to happily scratch around blissfully. Full size door into coop,...
4. Have read about the deep litter method, poop boards, and predators. Yes, I will let them run around in the evenings and weekends (free range) and I have horses that poop a lot.
5. Yes I have hawks. I cannot believe a red tailed hawk could possibly fly away with an English Orp.

Yes, I need advice. I'm just hoping you folks won't tear me to shreds for thinking like a dork. LOL.

 

[Shadowfire]

I joined this BB years ago, expecting I would have a small flock of happy little dinosaurs -D). Alas, here I am many years later (at least 5 I think...) and still, none.

So, I've purchased a home, have been renovating for two years (in June) and I am at last ready. However, before I move a muscle, I wanted to check with the experts here on BYC.

This is my plan:
1. My flock will be TWO (hopefully) English Orpingtons, both pullets/girls, etc.
2. They will have a mammoth secure area to call home, in my enormous garage/hay barn (no vehicles within except lawnmower.)
3. They will have a large coop at the back of the property where they will be able to happily scratch around blissfully. Full size door into coop,...
4. Have read about the deep litter method, poop boards, and predators. Yes, I will let them run around in the evenings and weekends (free range) and I have horses that poop a lot.
5. Yes I have hawks. I cannot believe a red tailed hawk could possibly fly away with an English Orp.

Yes, I need advice. I'm just hoping you folks won't tear me to shreds for thinking like a dork. LOL.

Your plan sounds good, except you must know that a healthy hawk can carry off large animals, sometimes almost as big or bigger than they are- chickens will never be safe from hawks with size as the only deterrent. And you might want to consider getting more than two birds if you can, as chickens like to be around other chickens. If not two should probably be fine.
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Are you getting them as chicks or adults? If so from where? What is the weather like where you're located, and what are the low/high average yearly temperatures?
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Best of luck, and be sure to keep us posted!

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you can get at least 3, it'd be better, just in case something happens to one you won't be scrambling to find a friend for the remaining one.

Also while I don't know if a hawk can carry off an English Orp, that doesn't mean they can't kill them. My one loss to a hawk (a small one) the hawk simply pinned the hen to the ground and started eating.

 

[CindyinSD]

It sounds like you have lots of space (horses, walk-in coop). Why not get half a dozen or so? They’ll love running around together and you’ll have so much fun watching them! Also... you don’t need to give them the run of the garage. I’m in SD, high altitude.

My Buff Orpingtons (And all the others as well) made it through this past winter in their converted steel tool shed coop just fine... and it’s been and continues to be the worst winter I’ve ever experienced. And I’m old.

Concerning hawks, my run is criss-crossed all over the top with nylon string. The hawks don’t come in. You can use game bird netting if you prefer (probably looks better, but I wasn’t sure it would work with a heavy snow). If you have them free ranging, bushes, trees, picnic tables, etc. can offer them a place to hide.

 

[danceswithronin]

As others have stated, my only suggestion is to get more than two, just in case one eventually dies - chickens hate to be isolated from their own kind. Three or four is no more difficult to take care of than two, especially if you have the space to spare.

Also if you're in the country, a rooster could be useful to you to warn the rest of the hens of hawks should they show up, so the girls can run for cover.

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

Thank you everyone for such good replies. I guess you’re right, it will have to be three. Although what I’m going to do with all the eggs I haven’t a clue.

Garage will have a roosting area...and is totally secure. Not planning letting have the run of the place, but I am surrounded by wooded areas so lots of fox, coyote, and bears (oh my!) ok Maybe not a lot of bears...

I have 5 pathetic cats That are supposed to be mousers...but spend their day lounging around the hypothetical pool sun bathing. drinking pina coladas and gossiping.

Currently looking at breeders... any suggestions?

OMG...it’s been 9 years. Holy smokes!!

 

[aart]

OMG...it’s been 9 years. Holy smokes!!

Actually 10 years!
I'm impressed you remembered your password!
Welcome Back!!

 

[Orpingtons Mom]

Yup...nothing short of a miracle, but I do work in IT.

 

[HollyWoozle]

As for what to do with all the eggs, you will find a way! We give eggs to the neighbours, the postman and colleagues (we're getting 12 or 13 eggs a day at the moment).

Good luck with it all, I am happy to hear that you are finally going to have some chooks after all this time!

 

[Pekin747]

I know others have touched on this but the hawk can carrie away a young lamb so chicken is nothing to it

Otherwise it sounds like ull have 2 very happy girls