Greetings from Va.

[Bsisler]

Hello everyone, I've been doing a lot of research lately on what all it take to take care of a flock. I am extremely new to all of this but also very excited. Through all the websites I've come across this one seems to have the best community. Everyone seems very eager to help and encourage as well as give their opinion =).

So now for the introduction. I am 28 years old and have been married for 5 years. My wife Dana and I have a 4 year old boy (Braden) and just recently have bought our first home. We live in Va. so any help on how to raise chickens in the climate here would be great.

I am planning on having 5-7 hens and possible a rooster. I've started the coop when finished it will be 8'x4' I chose those dimensions because I am not the most handy person and sheets of plywood come 8'x4'. I guess my next question would be what breed/hybrid chickens should i choose as a novice? or does it really matter? what do I need to know about my flocks health and that short of thing...I'm sure i could be on here for hours asking questions, so and advise for a newbie would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for listening to my little ramble and I look forward to getting know all of you =).

 

[roostersandhens]

hello welcome!

 

[ChckenBoy13]

This is a great website to help you solve all your needs. I hope you find all you need!

 

[hennotrooster]

From CA


A red light will help keep the chicks calmer we learned that the hard way. Ours were wound up all the time and even pecked at each other when we changed out the light it was blissful and they slept well. Good luck and I hope you enjoy the site.

 

[Bsisler]

Red light as.in a heat lamp or just a red colored light?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. The red heat lamp is what most of us use. We just raise or lower it depending on the temp. below the light. Below is a link to Henderson breed chart. It will help you decide what breed will be best from your climate

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

 

[thasista]

Hi from KY! My favorite breed is orpingtons, however no one says you have to have just one!! Good Luck

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Oh, lots of opinions around here!

I also recommend the Henderson chicken chart

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Bsisler, and

! Pleased you joined our community! Sounds like you've already received some good advice so I'll just say, best of luck and have fun!!