Greetings from Oregon from a second-time-around "newbie"

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GibsonFarmer said:
Greetings everyone. We are starting a flock of chickens for the first time in over 30 years, so in one way, it's like starting all over. We are in a different town in Oregon than when we first raised chicken, ducks, rabbits, a Dexter cow, a pony, etc. (That was back when our kids were young). We have 14 chicks that are 3 to 4 weeks old now at the beginning of May of 2023. I am in the process of building a chicken tractor that is 12x5 feet, including the run which will extend under the coop, which will be 5 feet by 6 feet. I hope that it will be large enough, but am questioning whether to build an add-on run!!?? We have several breeds; 2 Australorps, 2 Barred rock, 2 Copper Morans, 2 "Color Pack" (Americauna), 2 Novagens and 4 Sapphire Gems.
They are currently taking up residence in our upstairs bonus room, housed in two watermelon crates mashed together. (it sure has gotten quite dusty up there!!! :-0
I hope to have the Coop/Tractor finished next week!
We are feeding them the Purina medicated starter for now, and adding chick grit, plus the electrolyte added to their water. I started giving them the mash right away (chick starter with added water [fermented], which they absolutely go nuts for, btw) to get them used to my hand. I also try to pick a few up per day to get them used to me. Some freak out, some not as much.
Anyway, that is my story, and I'm stickin' to it! :cool:

DG
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Welcome to BYC!!
 
TwoCrows said:
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow

That's going to be too small for all your birds, I'd double that size for their personal space, mental and physical health. Good luck with your plans!
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Dear TwoCrows, thanks for the greeting. I was afraid of this being too small! My better half was thinking it was too big. :-0
Thanks for the confirmation.
 
DobieLover said:
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
Your coop and run are no where near large enough for 14 birds.
The general recommendation is 3.5-4 sq ft per bird in the coop (not including nest boxes) and 12-15 sq ft per bird in the run.
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Dear DobieLover, that was my thought as well, but I am attempting to please my better half! 🙂 I am working on a backup plan, as well. Thanks for the greeting.
DG
 

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