Good Morning everybody! I posted this also in the NC thread, but thought I would get more response here. I think DH and I have reached a coop compromise. He is going to build me a stationary coop large enough for 8 hens, but we are starting out with 6. Then in the spring I plan on getting a smaller tractor suitable for 4, and adding 2 hens will alternate 4 in the tractor, every other day returning them to the coop every night. It seemed the best way to have them have regular forage while keeping them safe and easier for me to move them around the yard. (free ranging is just not possible in our situation) So today I am going to start buying assorted necessities so I won't have to buy everything out of one check. What do you suggest that I buy first? I am thinking of galvanized cans for food storage, bedding, DE (he is putting in PVC waterers and feeders so don't need those) also going to get basic stuff for first aid etc. I figure wait on feed as I have read that there is not a long shelf life on it so will get that when I get my chicks. Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions! We get paid monthly so I have July, and August with the September check going to chicks and feed.
