Hello All

[Shannon89815]

Hello All BYC Folks,

I just joined the forum and am excited about starting a small backyard flock. I am currently fencing an area that is roughly 1900 sq. ft, divided into two "grazing and pecking" sections that I will rotate the layers between on an every other year schedule. I'm starting with a dozen mixed layers, 4 each of: Americaunas, Barred Rocks, Buff Orpington's and Austrias - at least I hope I get them before they are sold out on the due date into the feed store.

I bought a summer coop the Defender from Tractor Supply that also comes with a 10 x 10 fenced run, which I will place inside my outer fencing mentioned above. During summer I'll build a larger winter coop for when hens need to be inside during bitter temps and snow.

Coyotes and badgers are a problem here so I'm also using hardware cloth, 3' up and bending it out for a 1' skirt under the horse fencing. I think this will prevent predator digging as well as a solar powered flood light. Also keeping a .223 by the back door. Does anyone know how the Nite Guard solar powered red flashing light REALLy works? Reviews were mostly good, but there were a fair amount of nay sayers.

Excited to be having chicky chicks again after more than 25 years! I used to keep a dozen R.I. Reds and loved them!

Thanks and I look forward to hearing great stuff from all.

Shannon

 

[ECarter1217]

hi from Mississippi

 

[WillGriffin03]

Hi Shannon,

First off Welcome to BYC! If predators are a big problem in your area take the time to peg down the fence at least 25 cm down so no unwanted visitors can get in. Always build a roof but no big deal just some bird netting would be good enough.

Good idea about the gun, you should probably if you're really serious about your chooks consider getting ankle snares.

It's great that you're getting Rir! Make sure to give each bird 3 square metres in their proper run.

Good luck!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Shannon, and

! Pleased you joined our flock! Best of luck with your new RIRs!

 

[N F C]

Hi Shannon, it's nice to have you here!

 

[drumstick diva]

Very nice to meet you Shannon. Thank you for joining us at Backyard chickens. You may also want to check out the predator threads for more suggestions on keeping the "bad guys" OUT

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Shannon

Welcome!

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