Getting Started

[Rdbbailey]

We had chickens years ago, but no real idea at the time what we were doing. I bought chickens at the stock market, because i thought they were pretty, some because it seemed no one else wanted them, (I found out later why,) and some because I actually knew what i was buying. This time i want to go into this knowing what I’m doing. So, i have questions !!!

We have an old greenhouse that we are going to convert in to a chicken house. It’s 8x10, walls are 7’ with a high ceiling. There are two shelves that run the length of both sides, 8’long, it will have heat and cooling.

What’s the best thing to cover the outside walls and roof?
How many hens could I have?

I will also have outdoor run for them, just not sure the exact size yet. Would love to let them run free but way too many hawks around here.

What are the best layers, and tamest hens?

Can I have more than one rooster if I have enough hens and do I need to keep the boys separated ?

We live in Piedmont area of North Carolina.

Thank you so much!!!!

 

[Rdbbailey]

We had chickens years ago, but no real idea at the time what we were doing. I bought chickens at the stock market, because i thought they were pretty, some because it seemed no one else wanted them, (I found out later why,) and some because I actually knew what i was buying. This time i want to go into this knowing what I’m doing. So, i have questions !!!

We have an old greenhouse that we are going to convert in to a chicken house. It’s 8x10, walls are 7’ with a high ceiling. There are two shelves that run the length of both sides, 8’long, it will have heat and cooling.

What’s the best thing to cover the outside walls and roof?
How many hens could I have?

I will also have outdoor run for them, just not sure the exact size yet. Would love to let them run free but way too many hawks around here.

What are the best layers, and tamest hens?

Can I have more than one rooster if I have enough hens and do I need to keep the boys separated ?

We live in Piedmont area of North Carolina.

Thank you so much!!!!

That heading should say GETTING STARTED!!!

 

[Mrs. K]

8x 10 = 80 square feet, divide that by 4 and close to, kind of sort of - 20 hens.

I am going to recommend that you don't fill it this year, that leaves room to add some new birds next year, and a few more the 3rd year. By then you will have a multi-generational flock, a very healthy and more natural society of young, medium and old birds. By the 4th year, there is a strong probability that you could lose a few, and therefore continue to have room for new birds.

If you fill it this year, in 4 years you will have a coop full of old birds and all of their problems.

As for roosters - if you keep them in the coop/run, I would only go with 1 rooster. Actually unless you exclusively free range and have more than 25 birds, I would only have one rooster. I like one rooster, my hens like one rooster. More roosters just give you more problems.

Welcome this is a fun hobby for years to come.

Mrs K