First time Chicken Mom

[Cometsea]

Hello, I'm Nancy in California. I am brand new to chicken but I just bought a house in the mountains with land and thought I could try my hand at Chicken Farming. I'm starting with only 6 chicks but we will see where it goes from here.
I got my brooder built and ready, just waiting until tomorrow to get my chicks. Then I have to figure out how to build my coop. I have found many on line and at my local farm store but nothing seems quite worth the money. So I think my husband and I are going to build one. Wish us luck and, if you are so inclined, keep us in your prayers.

Happy Chickens!
Nancy

 

[NeseO]

Very nice to meet you. Good luck. We did the same last year Bought a house in the Sierras and last year this time had our dog's kennel with a heat lamp set up in our living room. We started with 6 chicks and now have 8 chickens and two roos. It has been an adventure so far. From their first introductions to the outdoors to a bear break in and then their first eggs. Mystery illness to introducing teenage roos. I wish you the best experience. Im sure you won't regret it

 

[Cometsea]

Thank you NeseO, it's nice to meet you too. I am looking forward to this experience.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome, Nancy!

I'm glad you joined our BYC "flock"!

Good luck with your future chicks! What breeds are you getting?

 

[Cometsea]

I did some research on this and I wanted egg layers but I also wanted friendly birds. I picked 3 buff orpingtons and 3 Plymouth rocks. I originally wanted to get Golden Comets as well but I couldn't find anyone in my area with them.

Did I do well?

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined our community!

Yes, you did well.

Buff Orpingtons and Barred Rocks tend to be docile, hardy, and productive birds.

 

[Cometsea]

Good I'm glad I picked well. Thanks...
I get to pick them up tomorrow and I am so excited. They were hatched yesterday or the day before. I have a quick question, I made a nice size brooder for them and I got a starter kit with everything, I hope. But I read somewhere that when they are first put in the brooder you need to not put too much shaving in the bottom or they might get splayed leg. How should I set up the bottom of the brooder for their first couple of days? I bought pine shavings but should I wait on those?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[mymilliefleur]

Hello and Welcome to BYC Nancy!
We're glad you decided to join.

There is tons of information on here, so I'm sure you'll find answers to all your questions.

Enjoy your flock! ​

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Paper towels work well for the first few days, I put them over newspaper then just put the shavings over that a few days later, or just put the paper towels over the shavings if you already have them in there, they give good footing and the chicks can't eat the shavings... some people also just use regular towels (make sure no loose threads) or drawer liner, or even wire, you don't want to use anything slippery like newspaper as that can cause leg problems.