first time chicken farming

[jnicholes]

Hi!

I can't post pictures due to my computer not being hooked up yet, (I am using an Ipad.) but I wanted to say that there was a farming store called D and B RIGHT NEAR OUR HOUSE! They gave me all the stuff I needed for raising chicks! I got a brooder kit, a heat lamp, food and water dispensers, chick feed, and a heat bulb! All for 60! They told me what I needed to do! Once I get settled and I get the coop ready, I am getting chicks!

Jared

 

[Adalida]

That's great to have a resource like that nearby! Do they sell chicks also, or are you still planning to get yours from a hatchery?

Does your coop have an attached run? If so, what's that like? Chain link, chicken wire, or something else? Is it covered on top so chickens can't fly out or predators fly in?

I think you'll really enjoy raising baby chicks. They will bond with you and become your buddies for life!

 

[jnicholes]

Hi Everyone!

I got my internet now, and here are pictures of the coop. I was able to upload now. The broken window and the back broken off the nesting box have been fixed already. what else do you think needs to be done before I raise chicks?

By the way, I met some friends at my new church, they are all either farmers, hunters, or fishermen. Dream come true for me. One of them gave me advice on raising chickens!

Jared

 

[lazy gardener]

Hey Jared, sounds like you'll have some hunting, fishing, chicken buddies to hang out with, as well as having some good fellowship. What are the dimensions of your coop? Do I see an electrical box in that coop? That will be sweet. You can brood the chicks right in the coop.

 

[mizjones]

Hey Jared, congratulations on moving to Nampa. I lived near there (Boise) for 11 years and I remember it being a major farming community. Organic, alternative farming has a good network in the Boise area I recall. You'll have more advice than you ever dreamed possible once you get plugged into the culture.

As for the new coop, it looks like there was some vandalism but that's all repairable. The coop floor looks like it might be dirt? If so you can set up an awesome deep bedding/self mulching floor for your birds. Happy times upon you, and may you have many healthy birds.

 

[jnicholes]

Hi Everyone!

With the help of you guys as well as the help of people in the area, I was able to get completely ready for raising chicks. I went to the store and bought 10 golden sex link chicks. They are in my warm brooder now in my house. I couldn't do it in the coop because it was so cold, even with the required heat lamp. They are happy in their new home! I have to say, I am already loving these chicks! I got all the food, water, heat, and bedding they need.

Thanks for all the help, I will post more if I have problems or more questions.

Jared

 

[mobius]

Congratulations! So glad you are loving it! Take good care and be careful of that heating lamp!

 

[jnicholes]

Hi!

Thanks! I will definitely be careful with the heat lamp! I will post pictures when I get a chance.

Jared

 

[Adalida]

Yes you definitely have to post pics of your new babies! I love seeing little chickies!

 

[jnicholes]

Hi Everyone!

Here are some pics of the chickens! They are golden sex links!

They are not showing signs of it being too hot or too cold, they are really enjoying themselves! Some show small signs of "Pasty Butt," I am currently trying to figure out how to fix it. They are so cute! I plan to move them to a bigger brooder as they grow. This is a homemade brooder, by the way. any ideas on how to improve it would be great.

Jared