Good morning from Central California!

[Kaytracy]

Hello all, Kay here from the central valley.
I finally decided that I was tired of buying eggs of dubious quality and age, so, I have boughten myself five little hen chicks, who are diligently feathering out under their heat lamp.
I fear I am not a breed specific person, though in a couple years I might like to try and get some Icelandics.

I am working on a little yard tractor for the girls when they are big enough, and a small coop house to keep them safe and out of trouble. I will do up some pics as I build the things if anyone is interested, I think I have spent about $18 so far on the materials, with just the screen netting left to pick up for the tractor. At 6 feet by 2 feet, it should be okay for my few girls to tidy up around the yard, and entertain the cats!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Kaytracy, and

! Pleased you joined our flock! You sound ready to go with your chickens. Best of luck and have fun!!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Is it your tractor that is 2x6 feet? You may be surprised to find that that is pretty small for 5 birds - your little chicks will increase in size amazingly. For a coop you will want 4 square feet of floor space per bird, or 20 square feet. That may sound like a lot but is only 4'x5'.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

I agree with the above. More is definitely merrier when it comes to space for chickens. For a coop 4 sqf per chicken is good and for a run aim for 10 sqf per chicken.

 

[thasista]

Hi from Kentucky!

 

[Kaytracy]

Thanks, for the tips on sizing!
I have an awkward backyard, and so i want the "grass/weed" maintenance ability, and that means a bit smaller on the pull around, they may just have to take turns!
I have a corner that will get their coop and solid yard, and that area will be about 10x12 feet as a minimum. Maybe a bit bigger if I can maneuver around the tree! The neighbors have hens that go wandering, and I do not want mine to get any ideas!
I think I still have a couple weeks yet, they are just starting to get"real feathers" on the wings, and teeny tiny little tails!
I did find that taking the chick starter and grinding it up a bit lets them eat more instead of just playing with it! There is less on the floor and more in their little crops now!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[liz9910]

from Modesto!

 

[Kevin565]