Getting a coop and chickens today! Help!!!

[Mitch in Ohio]

My coop is a brick garage that imo, had too small of a opening going up and down that I would be able to park in so I took down the garage door and built a wall, added a man door,(faces north) and the man door that was on the side, boarded it up and put in a automatic chicken door set on the timer so they can go out on their own. I have a little over 6 acres and free range the birds but still use a little scratch grain and some layers feed but only in the winter. I have them work for the food during our good weather in Ohio. I am not sure how much property you have or if you are using your backyard but chickens do love to roam regardless. Makes for a happy bird. And remember...Happy birds = more eggs. Please keep us posted. I might be new to the forum but have raised a lot of chickens over the last 8 years, and 29 1/2 days. Chickens for eggs. Chickens for the freezer. Chickens because i just simply liked the breed. Turkeys for family and friends freezers and my own of coarse but I still like having them around because they are so cool to watch. And dont worry, you will be just fine.

 

[the-bird-man]

i just wanted to say welcome from a fellow utahn

we have a utah thread on here for connecting with other people from utah that may be helpful for you. nice coop, i do agree its to small for that number of birds. yeah i tarp my run off, dealing with snow is not fun for the chickens or me. i would not heat the coop unless he has been doing it this season, personally i do not and will not heat my coop

 

[70monte]

I have 15 chickens in my 4x8 coop and they all have a place to roost. During the day, they don't stay in the coop. Even in bad weather, some stay on the roost and others are on the floor and others are outside.

I also had more problems with certain hens getting beat up when I had less chickens. Now, no one gets singled out.

Wayne

 

[claudicles]

It is quite possible that the presence of the rooster keeps down bickering amongst the girls.

 

[ChickInDelight]

Welcome.

Chickens are forgiving. Mine free-range and are cooped at night. You will figure out what works best for you.

Enjoy!!!!