Chickens 101

[Phoenixxx]

First thing I learned was NOT to get "used" 2-year-old "rhode island reds" aka brown layers. At 2, they're pretty much done and they've no meat on them to speak of. Also, they're not disease resistant no matter HOW clean the coop is!

Second, I debated and debated with myself during the design and building process whether to build a floor or leave it dirt. Leave it dirt! WAY easier to clean! I toss leaves and whatever the chickens scratch up in the yard under the roosts and then when it's time to clean, just rake it up! Plus the dirt floor will give them somewhere to dust bathe when it's wet out.

Like most people have said, plan ahead and build BIG, ha ha... I originally planned on only 6 chickens but I now have 19! Good thing I built for 2 dozen plus, lol!

"The grass is always greener..." Yup, if your yard isn't fenced, or even if it is because even a ginormous BA roo can fly 4' high, the sooner you train your chickens = the less time you'll spend chasing them out of your neighbour's gardens!

You WILL wind up with a rooster sooner or later whether you want one or not. In fact, you'll probably wind up with 6

That's all I can think of for now.

 

[Henry wwf]

if you want a pore breed you need to start of pore

 

[Phoenixxx]

Oh yeah - chickens go to bed on their own, just not always where they're supposed to. So when you go to lock them up, do a headcount! I've found chickens in the trees, on the roof, perched on my toolbox in the garage, and, one time, on the seat of my hubby's motorcycle! (He wasn't too happy about the poop on his new, shiny chrome exhaust - oops!)

 

[Brandi Leigh]

People will sell you pullets that will often turn out to be roosters.

 

[Chickenfan4life]

1) Chickens can break your heart. It doesn't matter how much you say to yourself, "They are just for eggs or food,", they will still become pets and somehow break your heart when they pass.

2) If your chickens get lice, it will ruin your life and theirs.

3) Most people outside of BYC or the country don't know how much fun chickens are. (And, yes, I know there are some city peep keepers out there. I'm reffering to the ones who say, "Chickens are just for eggs!")

4) Humans aren't the only things that will eat chickens. Everything eats chickens.

5) Each chicken has his or her own personality. Deal with it. XD

 

[MaddiesMum]

1. You will get very attached to particular chickens, and when they pass or you are separated, it is absolutely heart breaking.
2. They are MUCH smarter than people give them credit for.. they have almost human like personality traits once you get to know them!
3. Bantams and standards have different sounds, different warning calls etc. I love the bantam warning call, it's like a little purr!
4. I saw someone post this earlier and I have to agree, chickens can and do make great house pets! The only difference between them and a parrot is $3000 (I still prefer a chicken)
5. They can decide to turn their nose up to new treats for seemingly no reason, even without trying it first!
6. Poop/crop/overall checks are VERY important and should be performed as often as possible.
7. Make sure a sick chicken eats/drinks..sounds like common sense but it can take all the difference between life and death within a few short days.
8. Really get to know your birds, it can save their life if you're able to notice the even the slightest warning signs quickly.
9. They do enjoy cuddling and falling asleep in your arms, and can be name trained!
10. Really make sure you inform those taking care of your birds.. What they can have, can't have, consequences of certain foods etc, I have always written out a manual, but I have found that problems still arise and the caretakers can be far too amused with what your bird will eat/how much it will eat and give them far more than they should, of foods they should/shouldn't have. It's all fun and games until you come home to a sick bird and a caretaker who says "She loves lentils!" (that were raw from the package...)
11. Chickens set an amazing family example in my opinion... The mothers, are absolutely AMAZING mothers who would give their life in a second to protect their chicks, and roosters are so sweet and protective.. warning their flock of dangers and pointing out/picking the good grass for their girls. Chickens are so unbelievably caring.

Chickens are absolutely addictive!

 

[cluck cluck 123]

defiantly the pecking order.

 

[MaddiesMum]

One more,, chickens are worth the cost of veterinary care when they fall ill, but it is very hard to find a vet that will actually see them! (Unless it is for euthanasia)
If you have a vet around that is willing to see poultry, you are VERY lucky!

 

[SweetSilver]

I don't know about 10, but here's a few:

1. Agree about the bigger everything.

2. Rain does not fall straight down where I live, sorry. Every single one of the "featured coops" on this site would not keep anything dry. Terrible, terrible designs. Make the covered part of the run wide enough with at least one side that shields it from rain (and sun).

3. There is no good way to move a broody hen with a clutch of eggs. You'd think they would stay with the eggs, but jeez louise are they stubborn.

4. Give them plenty of hidey spots in the run, some extra perches, a little extra shelter where you have food and water.

5. Don't fix the roosts with the supports underneath. They will roost right over the supports and poop on them. Try to secure them in between the supports and poop is not a problem.

6. Oh, yeah, hatcheries are not useless. Do not feel guilty about picking up some healthy birds at a feed store or in the mail. Along the way you will start meeting breeders and whatnot, but get to know them. As a beginner you are likely to get taken in by ads for "rare olive eggers" for $100 (actual ad, BTW). Just wait until you meet the good folks. Meanwhile, go ahead and buy birds from a feed store that treats the chicks well and don't feel one bit guilty. Just know that breed standards are... aren't.... standard.... from a hatchery.

7. well, heck. Ran out of ideas.

Ah yes....

7. I always thought I need to hide the coop away from the view, but the minute I had pullets n our first coop, I realized what I really wanted was a big sliding glass door and a couple of lazy boys looking out upon the action. Chickens are more fun that most television. Don't tuck the coop away, put it front and center or you will be out in the coop all the time.

8. Keep a 5-gal bucket or folding lawn chair outside the coop for a clean place to sit inside the coop or out, because you will inevitably be out there all the time.

9. Get your kids into chickens, so you can be out with your chickens all the time.

Except.....

10. I thought nothing made my heart stop quite like watching a 3yo with a kitten, but no, it's a 3yo with a chick. Terrifying, even when they get fast--especially when they get fast because kids get excited and little hands squeeze harder.

 

[Stacyc]

I was surprised at how many feathers they loose and the amount of poo.