City-turned-country Newbie Chicken Owner

[CCsGarden]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck establishing your flock.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! We're happy to have you with us!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

How do you manage to go away on holiday and still keep your chickens happy and healthy?

I hire my nephew to come and tend to them twice a day and he does what I normally do.

breed types will be docile

There are zero guarantees on the personalities of specific individuals among breeds. You could end up with a hellion among your Orpingtons.

7mx7m - and I wanted to get thoughts on how many I could reasonably have in there at maximum?

35 birds as long as there were lots of perches (branches, stump arrangements, old wood chairs/stools) and lots of things to hide behind and dig around in.

I wonder if I'll be able to leave the run as is (dirt) rather than adding anything to it since they like to dust bathe anyway.

I prefer to keep a layer of wood chips in my run. It gives them something to scratch through and keeps it dry (so does the solid roof on the run) and something for the poop to cold compost in.

 

[MegsAndFeatheredFriends]

Hello! Welcome to BYC! 7 meters x 7 meters equals roughly 484 square feet. Here, we figure 10 square feet per bird in the run. So you could have as many as 48 birds as far as run size is concerned! I would start taming them as soon as you get them! Just start by putting you hand in with them and gently try to pet them. Then after a bit try putting some feed in the palm of your hand and see if they will eat from your hand. Just remember it takes some time! Don`t give up they will get used to you! Not many chickens actually like being picked up but after they get used to you and begin to trust you that will make it easier. I can handle all 23 of our birds some are more aloof than others and some are just the friendliest things! We have numerous birds that are lap chickens. They will come over where you are sitting and jump up on your lap for attention! I have some that will come when I call their names and I will say come up here! And then they do! No need to be afraid they may accidently scratch you with their toenails if not careful but that is about it. Be mindfull of your eyes if they become lap chickens they may try to peck you out of curiousity. I leave part of our covered run plain dirt and most of it I use pine shavings. You will fall in love with them! They are such characters! Best of luck to you! Sorry So long lol!

I love a good long reply! Thanks for all the tips! Really appreciate it.

I'm not so sure about 48 birds! Here are some pictures to give you a better idea of the space (they won't be let out either cause I have an outdoor puppy). I was thinking 6-8 chickens for this space might be too much...yes? I'm hoping i can put more in if possible.

 

[MegsAndFeatheredFriends]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.


I hire my nephew to come and tend to them twice a day and he does what I normally do.

There are zero guarantees on the personalities of specific individuals among breeds. You could end up with a hellion among your Orpingtons.

35 birds as long as there were lots of perches (branches, stump arrangements, old wood chairs/stools) and lots of things to hide behind and dig around in.

I prefer to keep a layer of wood chips in my run. It gives them something to scratch through and keeps it dry (so does the solid roof on the run) and something for the poop to cold compost in.

Thanks!

 

[Bsmac]

I love a good long reply! Thanks for all the tips! Really appreciate it.

I'm not so sure about 48 birds! Here are some pictures to give you a better idea of the space (they won't be let out either cause I have an outdoor puppy). I was thinking 6-8 chickens for this space might be too much...yes? I'm hoping i can put more in if possible.

Your`e welcome ! Glad to help! That really doesn`t look like 480 square feet but hard to tell from photos. At any rate a dozen should be doable depending on coup square footage. Good luck!

 

[muddy75]

 

[janiedoe]

Hello, welcome to BYC, and good luck with your plans!

 

[BoundlessLove]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!
As others have remarked, it makes a lot of difference when you raise them from chicks.
Wishing you well with your flock!