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snoozee-q

snoozee-q

In the Brooder
6 Years
Joined
Jan 12, 2014
Messages
29
Reaction score
1
Points
26
Location
Spout Spring, VA
I have a dog kennel that is going to be converted for my chickens. I am new to this and excited that having chickens is about to be my dream come true. Any information is greatly appreciated
 
Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan
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My advice would be to spend some time in the coops section, and get yourself set up for protection from predators and the elements in your area before you start. There are many people here who neglected these vital issues, and have sorely regretted it.
 
Thank you. I have been talking with my niece who lives in Michigan as well, and have spent several months researching. I dont want to regret overlooking something.
 
Welcome!

Just curious, does your dog pen have a enclosed roof? If not, may want to get some chicken wire for it. I use a dog pen for when I move my chicks from inside, to get them use to the outside. Hawks and vultures are popular around me.

Have you decided on what breed you are wanting? Couple questions I always ask to help get friends started...

1. What are your plans for the chickens (showing, pets, food...)
2. How much room do you have for them (whether to get bantams or LF-large fowl)
3. What type of coop do you have (some chickens do not do well in foul weather and some are more hardy)
4. What type of area do you live in? (lots of neighbors or lots of acres)
5. How many eggs are you wanting per year (just a few to incubate or a bunch to sell to neighbors)

Also, check out the learning center, great info!

Good Luck and glad you joined us!
 
thank you for your encouragement. I plan on just having eggs for now. Later I would like to have some for eating as well. As far as the enclosure, the pen does not have a roof on it but will. My thoughts are chicken wire and some ply wood with shingles on it. The area they will be enclosed in is a 10x6 with access to free range. We live on 3 acres with lots of wooded area around. I have plans for 6 hens at first and see how they go. I have access to sex-link and Rhode island reds. My daughter has these and they are doing well. Also I am planning for some wood enclosures so I can hang their nesting boxes.
 

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