Connecticut!

[Apdeb]

Good for you andrew!!! How big is your coop?
Are you going to free range
Do you want meat/eggs or both?
These are key to chicken keeping plan

 

[new chick 203]

Andrew!
Feel free to ask questions. You probably know more than you think.

 

[acm2056]

Thanks I have a coop its only 4'x4'x6' it was alrdy on the property I am nervous b/c it had chickens alrdy and there is still hay and bird waste in it I don't want my future chickens getting sick From it not sure if I am being paranoid tho I do want bigger coop as well. I am def gonna free range my biggest worry is my dogs in have 2 Shepherd's so I have to fig how to train them to leave the chickens alone and not kill them. I want chickens that are good for both laying and meat...

 

[VaeCam]

Chicks need to be shipped the day they hatch. Right before chicks hatch, they absorb the last of the yolk sack inside the egg. This keeps them well nourished for up to 3 days. If they are sent out any later than that(after the 3 day period has passed) they can become dehydrated and malnourished in the 2-3 days they take to get to you. Its whats best for the chicks.

 

[Apdeb]

You could use it as a broody coop!!! Or for bantams !!! I would get in there with a mask on get rid of hay etc let it air out a bit then wash down with bleach and water in one of those garden pump sprayers
Then inspect condition and you could start small if you wanted with a breeding trio!!! With dogs i think larger birds are better!!! Im just getting my two used to my chickens and theyve been pretty good so far!!! Dual purpose breeds that do well here are rhode island reds, barred plymouth rocks, welsummers, barnevelders, and orphingtons.
You should go to a few of the fairs and talk to some of the breeders/exhibitors!!! Always best to get your stock from a good reputable breeder!!!!

 

[nimopiba]

Hi all. I'm new to the site. I am from New Haven. I just got my first flock of chicks the last week of July 2013. I absolutely love them. They are so cute and totally amusing. I have 2 Speckled Sussex, 2 Red Sex Link, 2 Cuckoo Marans, and 1 Black Australorp. We built a coop behind the garage that is 4x6ft with a yard that is 4x10ft. Do you think this will be enough space for my girls? I was also thinking of building them a portable pen that I could use in the main part of the backyard. I would hate for them to be cramped but until they are bigger I can't let them roam around because of the neighborhood cats (including my own). Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Vamvakas]

I hate going downtown with a passion

. The coop is a decent size for the chicks right now.

 

[ll]

Welcome to BYC Andrew, congrats on your new place!

This site is great for information, you can type anything into the long white search bar at the top of the page. For our area I do suggest cold hardy hens =)

Welcome to BYC nimopiba!
Beware the raccoons & possums, hardware cloth no chicken wire.

A new fb page was recently started for "Connecticut Pets Looking for a Home" ~ all pets including chickens are welcome and good luck!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ctpets/?hc_location=stream

 

[new chick 203]

Hi all. I'm new to the site. I am from New Haven. I just got my first flock of chicks the last week of July 2013. I absolutely love them. They are so cute and totally amusing. I have 2 Speckled Sussex, 2 Red Sex Link, 2 Cuckoo Marans, and 1 Black Australorp. We built a coop behind the garage that is 4x6ft with a yard that is 4x10ft. Do you think this will be enough space for my girls? I was also thinking of building them a portable pen that I could use in the main part of the backyard. I would hate for them to be cramped but until they are bigger I can't let them roam around because of the neighborhood cats (including my own). Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jakoda]

Hi Andrew, I am in Old Lyme, so rather close to you I agree with decontaminating the coop thats there.. I have been getting my day olds from www.cameronfamilyfarm.com in East Haddam..However, no more chicks till spring.

My first batch came from www.mypetchicken.com and I am very pleased with them, they are about a year old.

I also have shepherds, have had them my whole life Right now I am down to 1, a female czech. She loves the chickens, tho I wouldn't leave her alone with them I also have two senior aussies, that most likely would like to pounce/kill them, tho they aren't obsessed with them..

I can't free range here, I have ALOT of coyotes, hawks, raccoons, bobcats, you name it we have it I do have a huge run for them, and yes I admit we went way overboard IF you click on my name and look for past posts, you'll see the "rebuild" we just finished..

Anyhow, welcome to the forum, and CT, I have learned TONS here about chickens, tho my grandfather was an old chicken farmer
Diane