Considering chickens. Want to educate myself and pick the right coop...

[sbutler911]

Wow, I am a little overwhelmed by trying to figure out how to navigate this site.
I am considering BYC keeping.... have been for a long time. I originally anticipated free ranging, but don't want my landscaping to get ruined! So that may be a limiting factor. LOL. We are on 5 acres, a good bit of it is wooded, near Nashville TN. My thought is to start with 3-4 chickens and see how it goes. I would love help picking out a coop. I presume we will keep them in the run some, and let them free range some.
Happy to listen to any advice. I do not plan to build my own coop, but would be happy to find a local coop builder. I am literally just starting to educate myself.

Thanks in advance! Will take any tips on how to find videos/articles pertaining to my decision making....

Shelley

 

[Flappy Bird]

Welcome, Shelley!
It is wonderful that you are considering chickens! I’m pretty new myself, but I am sure there are plenty of helpful friends on this site ready to answer your questions.

Best Wishes!

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Plans. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!

 

[N F C]

Hi Shelley, if you can find a local builder you would be best to go that route. The pre-built coops are costly, generally not well made and they always seem to state they are big enough for more birds than is healthy for them.

Best wishes!

 

[Grammy60]

Hello Shelly and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined our flock.
Best wishes for your plans

 

[Isadora]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! I'm so glad you decided to join our friendly and helpful community

 

[swampfox440]

Hi, welcome to BYC! thanks for joining us and pleased to meet you. I think @N F C has said it all.

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! If you don't want your landscape ruined, don't free range. I'd suggest building your own coop or having someone else build one for you. Don't by the fad coops if you can. They don't hold as many birds as advertised. There are a lot of great articles on building your own coop or their are sites that can send you breed made coops. Good luck!

 

[Tookie]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Shelley, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I free ranged my flock for about 8 months. They were hellions. They now reside in a 1/3 acre area penned in with poultry netting powered with a 10,000 volt charger and do quite well in there.