Chicken Newbie - I need help!

[A Man and his Chickens]

My teenager went to Tractor Supply and purchased 4 baby chicks with one of her friends, so we are now the proud owners of a small flock (PS; why TS would allow children to purchase live animals without a parent's permission is beyond me....). I didn't really plan on having chickens, but here we are!

They have been living in a big container in the garage, but they are definitely outgrowing it and need to be moved to a coop outside soon. I have absolutely no idea where to even begin to look for a coop. Does anyone have a link to a coop that works well for 4 chickens? We live in Nebraska, so we definitely have to keep our terrible winters in mind. I sincerely appreciate any help you can give me -- I am feeling a bit lost as a new chicken mom!

How the chicks and duckies doing? I'm in Nebraska as well, and a new chicken owner as well as of this last June. It has been a learning experience for sure, and I'm thankful for this site and the experienced users that have shared so much information with us newbies. What did you decide to do for a coop? In my experience it is much cheaper to repurpose something *old shed, etc* or just build one yourself. And there is nothing wrong with being impulsive as long as you are responsible about it, which sounds like you are. Hope the little ones are growing good, let us know!

 

[Aunt Theodora]

My teenager went to Tractor Supply and purchased 4 baby chicks with one of her friends, so we are now the proud owners of a small flock (PS; why TS would allow children to purchase live animals without a parent's permission is beyond me....). I didn't really plan on having chickens, but here we are!

They have been living in a big container in the garage, but they are definitely outgrowing it and need to be moved to a coop outside soon. I have absolutely no idea where to even begin to look for a coop. Does anyone have a link to a coop that works well for 4 chickens? We live in Nebraska, so we definitely have to keep our terrible winters in mind. I sincerely appreciate any help you can give me -- I am feeling a bit lost as a new chicken mom!

This a pet peeve that Tractor sells chickens to children. Those chickens need food and yes a coop. So now you have 4 chickens. If theyvare roosters chances are they might not be legal in your community.
What type of chickens you have makes a difference in what they need. I suggest to any parent that has children bring home chickens march those darling little chicks right back to the store and return them.
If you decide to have chickens then read up on types of chickens and their care. Check city ordinances. Check on cost of a coop and food and find an avian vet in your area. Shame on Tractor supply and other companies selling or giving baby chicks to minors.

 

[Aunt Theodora]

Chickens need about 4 sq ft per bird in the coop, each with 1 linear ft of roost space and as close to 1 sq ft of year round ventilation in a DRY coop to do well in winter.
A large covered run with wind breaks on the walls serves them well during winter.
My winters go as low as -25F.
This is my coop in January.
View attachment 2827749
The soffit, ridge and gable vents are open year round as are the two pop doors.
I cover the run walls with reinforced poly sheeting.
View attachment 2827762