Hi y'all. I've been lurking for some time and finally joined. I've wanted chickens forever but my current HOA does't allow any kind of "domesticated farm animals" - I've argued and gotten no where. BUT I'm getting ready to move to Corpus Christi, TX to be with my fiancé and they DO allow chickens. I'm frankly more excited that I can have chickens than I am about the move. Anyhow...I'm a city girl and have no experience with any sort of livestock (except horses). Any and all help or pointers you can give me would be much appreciated.
What I've learned so far from BYC and other places...
I need a run - I have dogs that will have access to a dog door, they're sweet but will probably chase. Plus, I worry about neighborhood cats or other critters (possums, skunks, etc) getting to the girls.
They need plenty of space to get out of the sun if it's too hot - if the area we choose for the run/coop is well shaded in general would that be adequate??
I know I need a nesting box/roosting area - again how big??
What I am not clear on is how much space I need in a run. I want 2-3 chickens - he wants 7 (the max allowed in the city).
How much food do they go through - can I feed a set amount (i.e. - 2-3 cups per hen or whatever) morning and evening or do they need a feeder and the ability to free feed? I just worry about food being out and attracting the critters mentioned above.
My parents had backyard chickens when they lived in CC many years ago and eventually got rid of them because the chickens started "laying only on weekends or holidays". Basically, the area maids found out there were fresh eggs and snuck in on their way to work to help themselves. Can I put a lock on the coop and the yard gate to discourage that?? I have an Irish Wolfhound/GSD mix who is a doll-baby but visually intimidating to basically anyone that doesn't know her. I would hate for someone to come in after eggs and hurt her out of fear or let her or her side-kick (a scrappy little Shih-Tzu) out.
I know this is a lot and I feel like I've written an essay so I'll leave it for now.
Thanks for your help!
Sam.
What I've learned so far from BYC and other places...
I need a run - I have dogs that will have access to a dog door, they're sweet but will probably chase. Plus, I worry about neighborhood cats or other critters (possums, skunks, etc) getting to the girls.
They need plenty of space to get out of the sun if it's too hot - if the area we choose for the run/coop is well shaded in general would that be adequate??
I know I need a nesting box/roosting area - again how big??
What I am not clear on is how much space I need in a run. I want 2-3 chickens - he wants 7 (the max allowed in the city).
How much food do they go through - can I feed a set amount (i.e. - 2-3 cups per hen or whatever) morning and evening or do they need a feeder and the ability to free feed? I just worry about food being out and attracting the critters mentioned above.
My parents had backyard chickens when they lived in CC many years ago and eventually got rid of them because the chickens started "laying only on weekends or holidays". Basically, the area maids found out there were fresh eggs and snuck in on their way to work to help themselves. Can I put a lock on the coop and the yard gate to discourage that?? I have an Irish Wolfhound/GSD mix who is a doll-baby but visually intimidating to basically anyone that doesn't know her. I would hate for someone to come in after eggs and hurt her out of fear or let her or her side-kick (a scrappy little Shih-Tzu) out.
I know this is a lot and I feel like I've written an essay so I'll leave it for now.
Thanks for your help!
Sam.
and good luck with your poultry adventure! 
