Hello from Central CA and a first time "mama"

[schnike]

Hello, I have 5 hens, 4 egg layers and one meat hen. I have never raised chickens and am very excited but a little nervous to start this new endeavor! We are in the process of building our coop so the girls are all settled into the garage in a pen right now. Any hints on how big or ventilation for coops would be greatly appreciated (we hit 100's in the summer and maybe lows of 30 every so often in the winter and have very low humidity)! We live in the foothills so we do have bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions etc around so if you know any tricks to keep them out as well that would be amazing! Thanks!
-Jessica

 

[Lothiriel]

Hi and welcome to BYC from NY State!

You should check out the predator section in the Learning Center. There's a lot of good info regarding different predators. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock
Also you can search in the Predators and Pest section for info pertaining to your predators. https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/13/predators-and-pests

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[NonnasBabies]

Welcome from Louisiana!

 

[greymane]

 

[3LilBirds]

Hello and

from Southern California!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Some members report success using human urine around the coop - I know it sounds gross but they say to send husband and sons out to go around the chicken area.