Do I have what I need?

[PirateGirl]

Since there are other local chicken owners is there an option of going in on a shipment together of a whole ton from a feed mill? I would think there might be a way to pool your resources.

I started this thread over the winter which got a lot of good feedback on keeping water thawed.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/heated-water-dish-or-other-methods-reviews-wanted.1199176/

Also there is a whole section in the "articles" on feeders and waterers.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/feeders-waterers.26/

 

[sarahfvosz]

Here's what I ended up with from amazon-
-chick grit
-20lbs starter
-5lbs starter/grower
-2 cubic ft of bedding
-hanging feeder
-min/max thermometer & heavy duty power cord for winter

Also bought a Sweeter Heater from My Pet Chicken that I can use for chicks and also to keep hens warm in winter. And 50lbs layer feed from our feed store.

Do I have what I need now? (Besides a waterer)

 

[PirateGirl]

Wait, you mentioned a local feed store... is this one you don't have to fly to? I'm sure you probably looked into this, if not, then consider it for future. If there are things you want, like specific feed, definitely ask if they are able to get it for you delivered with their regular shipment in future. It may take some advance planning and coordination, but I do have my local feed store trying to get me All Flock feed so I don't have to drive a few hours for it and if it's part of their regular order, you won't have to pay shipping. Good luck! Your planning looks great and you are on the right track!

 

[sarahfvosz]

Wait, you mentioned a local feed store... is this one you don't have to fly to?

Sorry, by local I meant "in Alaska" still the one I have to fly to.

 

[PirateGirl]

Sorry, by local I meant "in Alaska" still the one I have to fly to.

Ah. We are looking at moving because the area where we are has grown substantially in the time we have lived here, and well, doesn't feel as rural as it used to. There is much debate with my husband and I about how remote is too remote and where we could realistically live. Alaska comes up from time to time, but I have my doubts. Montana and Wyoming are looking more realistic for us at this point in our lives. Being able to drive 2-3 hours to a city if needed would be a good thing. I give you a lot of credit for living where you do. Once you get your system down, your chickens will be a great asset to you. Living in a harsh environment, I have found my chickens and ducks to be far better producers than my garden ever seems to be!

 

[sarahfvosz]

Ah. We are looking at moving because the area where we are has grown substantially in the time we have lived here, and well, doesn't feel as rural as it used to. There is much debate with my husband and I about how remote is too remote and where we could realistically live. Alaska comes up from time to time, but I have my doubts.

Maine might be worth a look for you. Similar to Alaska in many ways but much more affordable and closer to big city amenities. We have considered moving there in a few years. Just not sure we want to deal with ticks on our kid/pets/livestock. We are lucky to be tick-and-flea-free up here.

 

[PirateGirl]

Maine might be worth a look for you. Similar to Alaska in many ways but much more affordable and closer to big city amenities. We have considered moving there in a few years. Just not sure we want to deal with ticks on our kid/pets/livestock. We are lucky to be tick-and-flea-free up here.

I grew up with ticks and it's a pleasure to live without them. I just found one on my dog last week when camping and was surprised. It was the first she had ever had and she is 6 years old!

 

[sarahfvosz]

I grew up with ticks and it's a pleasure to live without them. I just found one on my dog last week when camping and was surprised. It was the first she had ever had and she is 6 years old!

Off topic: I am from Western NY but visited my husband's folks in central WI a couple times. Ticks were EVERYWHERE! I had a dog with long hair with us and I picked 35 off in one sitting! Still gives me the heebie jeebies thinking about waking up to them crawling on me too.. :-/

On topic: How do I safely run 2 different things off one extension cord? It's 12/3 so it's heavy duty. The panel heater I bought is 100W and I think I'll go with a heated dog water dish after reading those threads- which is 60W. Is there a splitter or small power strip safe to use outdoors? ...Also wondering if I should use some sort of lighting in there in the winter since we get so little light in the winter.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

If you haven't purchased yet I like this set better than the one in your previous post:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0746QMV5F/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm not sure if it's necessary, but this came highly recommended and my chicks love it:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0069SGBDC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[lazy gardener]

I use MHP to brood my chicks. Much cheaper than the Sweeter, but, if you intend to use the sweeter in your coop during the winter, that's an option. Just be sure the Sweeter puts out enough heat for chicks. And be sure it does not get hot enough to burn them.

Your choice re: medicated vs. unmedicated feed. But, i'd get at least a 20# bag, and perhaps even 50#. Can you freeze some of it? They go through it amazingly fast, especially if you feed it dry. It's my goal to use up feed within 6 weeks of mill date.