For the MINIMALISTS - those who think less is more in chicken keeping - Please help

[RoyalChick]

I know you use the bucket. I was going to do that. But then it got complicated for our situation. So the PVC sounded better. I'm not so sure now.

Welcome to being a chicken tender.
I am constantly tweaking what I do!

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

Welcome to being a chicken tender.
I am constantly tweaking what I do!

It's awesome hearing about each person's individual set up, as well as the things they tried that worked well or didn't work. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Folly's place]

And chickens LOVE landscaping! They are experts at rearranging things, making dust baths under shrubs, and tearing through mulch. Some plants are really tasty, too.
Mary

 

[RoyalChick]

And chickens LOVE landscaping! They are experts at rearranging things, making dust baths under shrubs, and tearing through mulch. Some plants are really tasty, too.
Mary

Last year I planted a whole load of shrubs in their run to provide shelter against hawks.
I had them fenced in to protect them from the chickens for a whole year.
Last weekend I removed the fencing so the chickens could enjoy the shelter. They dug down to the root ball in less than two hours.
Fence is back up!

 

[Folly's place]

We have shrubs and a tree next to the coop, and stones 2" to 4" diameter around the base of these plants. This has prevented the digging and dust bathing there.
Around trees and shrubs further from the coop, free ranging chickens are happy to dig and move the mulch everywhere!
Mary

 

[RoyalChick]

We have shrubs and a tree next to the coop, and stones 2" to 4" diameter around the base of these plants. This has prevented the digging and dust bathing there.
Around trees and shrubs further from the coop, free ranging chickens are happy to dig and move the mulch everywhere!
Mary

Yes. I need to put some stones around and remove the fencing so the chickens can hide under them.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

We have shrubs and a tree next to the coop, and stones 2" to 4" diameter around the base of these plants. This has prevented the digging and dust bathing there.
Around trees and shrubs further from the coop, free ranging chickens are happy to dig and move the mulch everywhere!
Mary

Yes, this is what I will do. Another friend on this forum recommended large stones, as well. Thank you

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

Last year I planted a whole load of shrubs in their run to provide shelter against hawks.
I had them fenced in to protect them from the chickens for a whole year.
Last weekend I removed the fencing so the chickens could enjoy the shelter. They dug down to the root ball in less than two hours.
Fence is back up!

Little stinkers. I thought about fencing. Did you do a low fence like this or a high fence?

Obviously I know they can fly over it but wondering if it might deter them.

 

[AmeliaBedelia]

Little stinkers. I thought about fencing. Did you do a low fence like this or a high fence?

Obviously I know they can fly over it but wondering if it might deter them.

Are you getting larger breeds (orpingtons, jersey giants, etc) or more athletic ones like leghorns? My “fat” chickens were deterred by a 2 foot decorative fence as long as the other side wasn’t something super tempting like the neighbors yard or lettuce. But they definitely COULD jump it. So if you have something like blueberry bushes, I would recommend a taller fence.

Pro tip - If you paint chicken wire black, it disappears better and is less visually “there.” That and a few step-in posts would do it. Not fancy, but also easy to remove if you are hosting something in the back yard and don’t like the look.

 

[GetFitWithKrista]

We're nearing the end of our build. We should be finished by next week hopefully.

My husband and I brainstormed the watering situation. I think we're going to use our rain barrel, hook it up to a PVC waterer with horizontal nipples. We are going to use a pump (he's got this figured out) to keep the water moving a bit to prevent freezing (we've got plenty of time to deal with this) and algae growth. The mosquito dunks should take care of the larvae. Maybe some ACV if we need it. For the food, we plan to use PVC feeders. I think we've got a good idea of how to build it. Yes, these could very well may change but I think it's what we're going to start with.

I've got a general idea for the fence and how to keep them away from the shrubs.

Deep bedding - check. Cleanliness - check.

All thanks to the Wise Chicken Counsel, thank you very very much!

I have some questions about feed. You've been kind of enough to answer some - I have a few more. My chickens will be about 8 weeks old when they arrive. Do I have this correct: I should change over to laying feed at about 20 weeks or when they start laying, whichever comes first. I can add the egg and/or oyster shells at that time, as well. Black soldier fly larvae is good for them for a treat.

But what should I feed them before 20 weeks? Do you have specific brands and/or types that you really like? Or brand/types that you don't like?