Dreaming of Chickens in Ridgefield, WA

[4urbanchicks]

Hi all!

Our family is wanting to take the plunge into chickendom but are really overwhelmed with everything we need to know to get started! We live in town on a 50 x 125 foot lot, we are allowed up to 5 hens by ordinance, but do not know what may be the best coop, run, and overall set-up for our yard. Is there a forum where really newbie chicken people can go? We want to make informed decisions on how to best keep our chickens, and our neighbors, happy!

Karey (one of the 4 urban human chicks)

 

[Silkiefan]

It's easy. Just do it. All chicks want is to be warm and clean and full. All hens want is to be safe and full.
I keep my babies in a small ferret/rat cage with a heat lamp. Clean pine shavings, medicated chick starter, warm water in the waterer on a brick so they can't kick sawdust and poo in... They eat pretty much anything you eat except: potatoes, grapes, chocolate, tomato leaves, onions, garlic, and rasins (some stuff makes eggs taste bad, other stuff is mildly poisionous) They love cheerios, yogurt, salad, hamburgers with cheese and tomato... They're more therapeutic than watching goldfish at the end of the day...
get your chicks tomorrow and build the coop later! (your chicks won't be ready for outside for another 4-6 weeks anyway) My hens live in an old shed that we converted into a coop. They nest in cardboard boxes. You can search Craigslist for old sheds to use as a coop... or you might find an old dog house, rabbit hutch or ______? You can buy ready made coops and tractors, or throw something together in an afternoon. Make it cat-proof, dog-proof and raccoon proof... but really other than making it safe, it can be anything.
Oh my gosh... just do it! Take that plunge!

 

[Backyard Hencam]

from California. There is a lot to know just starting out but you'll soon be experts. Take it one step at a time. Talk to close neighbors to tell them your plan, design a safe coop and run, decide on breeds, make a brooder, and then get the chicks. You'll have so much fun! Good luck!

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us!

 

[Cindiloohoo]

You are in the right place to learn all you need to know!

 

[St-Hubert]

Welcome from Alabama!
I'm a newbie, too....and all the answers to all of your questions are somewhere on this forum. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned more about the lives of chickens and coop-building in the past month than I ever thought possible. This forum is also full of people more than happy to give advice on a myriad of subjects.
From one newbie to another, I recommend spending some time just browsing through the various boards. You'll be surprised how much is there!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. You found a great site.

 

[wekiva bird]

from south carolina.

 

[johnham]

and another

from Upstate South Carolina.

Look in the index for listings on anything you need to know.

 

[4urbanchicks]

Thanks everyone! I am just feeling a little overwhelmed with it all! Glad to know there is lots of help out there!