MNMomma
In the Brooder
Hello! I'm glad I found this site! There looks to be a lot of great information here.
We are completely new to raising chickens. I mean, no clue! I have just always loved their personalities and now have the means (I hope), to have a few of my own. We live on 2.5 acres in Norrthern MN, so we have the room. This new obsession of mine started when our neighbors offered to give us their old tractor. We're picking that up today.
I went to our local feed store, bought a book on raising chickens, and now have 2 Buff Orpingtons and 2 Buckeyes reserved for the end of March (all hens).
My hope is to have them as free ranging as possible. After reading a bit, it sounds like we may use the tractor more for parts, to build a permanent coop. As I understand it, the tractors aren't designated to allow them to come in and out, and can be stressful place for them. Also, we have frigid winters, that will require more protection.
My fiancé wasn't keen on the idea at first, beacause he knows how much work my bright eyed ideas usually mean for him, but then he was the one to suggest a 4th hen, instead of the 3 I originally ordered.
I'm eager to get started on our brooder, which will be kept in our basement. I work from home, and they will be in close proximity to my office for the first month. We want the chicks to be handled as much as possible, in hopes they become friendly pets. We have an 11 year old daughter and 8 year old son, who are excited as well.
Thanks in advance for everyone's knowledge, advice, and support!
We are completely new to raising chickens. I mean, no clue! I have just always loved their personalities and now have the means (I hope), to have a few of my own. We live on 2.5 acres in Norrthern MN, so we have the room. This new obsession of mine started when our neighbors offered to give us their old tractor. We're picking that up today.
I went to our local feed store, bought a book on raising chickens, and now have 2 Buff Orpingtons and 2 Buckeyes reserved for the end of March (all hens).
My hope is to have them as free ranging as possible. After reading a bit, it sounds like we may use the tractor more for parts, to build a permanent coop. As I understand it, the tractors aren't designated to allow them to come in and out, and can be stressful place for them. Also, we have frigid winters, that will require more protection.
My fiancé wasn't keen on the idea at first, beacause he knows how much work my bright eyed ideas usually mean for him, but then he was the one to suggest a 4th hen, instead of the 3 I originally ordered.
I'm eager to get started on our brooder, which will be kept in our basement. I work from home, and they will be in close proximity to my office for the first month. We want the chicks to be handled as much as possible, in hopes they become friendly pets. We have an 11 year old daughter and 8 year old son, who are excited as well.
Thanks in advance for everyone's knowledge, advice, and support!
