I'm new to the world of chickens. I've been reading and posting on the FB page, or other FB pages, for about a year. I've done a lot of research and I'm getting ready to take the plunge. My biggest struggle to date has been the coop. We briefly considered dropping about $2000. on the coop, but would really rather not. I have 2 questions today (I think just two). I will also post these questions on the FB page, for hopefully more input/suggestions. The first is about the coop. We bought a property almost a year ago that has a building that looks like a cross between a green house and a shed. It's enclosed in corrugated plastic, with a storm door, and full size window at the opposite end. We'd like to modify this for a coop by covering the door and window with 1/4" hardware cloth, lining the floor with linoleum for easy cleaning, cutting a small door into the side, into a run, and adding nesting boxes. Our weather is temperate, usually only dropping into the 20's 5 or 6 nights out of the year. Will the corrugated plastic be okay for those few nights that drop into the 20's, or should we insulate? My 2nd question is, where can I buy French Copper Black Marans? I'm getting into this for the eggs. I have no plans to breed, however I suspect there will be surprises from time to time, and I have no plans to show. I do understand that I will pay more for these birds than most other breeds, so no surprises there. Any and all advice will be appreciated.
3rd question-I suspected I would have another. Does anyone know where we can order the hardware cloth at a good price? It looks like that might be one of the larger expenses.
Hi and welcome to BYC - great that you have joined us. You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you and they will be best placed to advise. Sorry, I live on another continent, so I cannot begin to provide any useful input. All the best CT
You're right about the hardware cloth being pricey but it will keep your birds safe and save you the cost of having to replace your flock. I don't know where you can order it online but would begin with doing a Google search or check the websites of some farm stores like TSC, maybe even Home Depot or Lowes. I don't think you would need to insulate the coop with your temperatures. I live in a much colder area and people around here don't insulate. Chickens actually do better in the cold than the heat (all those warm feather coats, you know?). As for the Marans you want, there is a buy-sell-trade forum here on BYC. Check it out, things are added regularly and are always changing. Best of luck to you and thanks for joining us!
Greetings from Kansas and ! Pleased you joined our flock! I am in agreement with NFC - although pricey, hardware cloth is money well spent on the front end in order to avoid heartache and loss on the back end. If you have access to farm and ranch stores they may be able to order in bulk and save you a few bucks. Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!
Hello there, and welcome to the community! I am pleased you could join us, I do hope you will make yourself at home here and enjoy yourself here as much as I have! ~Cuz
G’Day from down under Velocirooster Welcome! As you have already received some good links and advice, I will just send best wishes to you and your flock when then arrive. I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends
Welcome to Backyard chickens. If you join your state thread you may find Bycers living near you. Just put state name in the search box above, and it will pop up. You usually will find better quality stock from a breeder than a hatchery.
