Hello from Chicago

[sjolie]

For years my wife and I have been talking about raising backyard chickens and we're finally at a point where it makes sense. Currently designing a coop / run, which we hope to build before winter then get our chicks in the later winter / early spring. Looking forward to all the good insights and info here. Thanks!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

Build it so you can walk in it.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site (how to upload photos too):

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops.

What exactly did you Google to get here? <<<<<<<<<<< Click there to go to that thread.

BYC has an APP!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Good luck with your coop build!
I strongly recommend a walk-in style coop with lots of ventilation and hinged top windows. If your run is built with a solid roof and is as predator proof as the coop, you never have to close the pop door and the birds will come and go as they please.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC.

Here are some links to useful resources:

• List of guides on how to use the site - “How to...” guides
• Great go-to resource - Learning Centre
• Good starting point for browsing the site - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue
• Excellent sources of local information - U.S. States

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!! Good luck on your new adventure. Lots of great coop ideas on here!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Plan and prepare first and then get your flock - that's the intelligent way of establishing a flock.

 

[Cynthia12]

WELCOME! Another chicken fan!

 

[feathermaid]

Great job doing your planning and building first! Here's a tip almost everyone wishes they knew when they started: Build the coop bigger than you think you need. More chickens are sure to come later on!

Here's a few links that'll help get you prepared:
How Much Room Do Chickens Need

Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!

Predator Proofing

Start Raising Your Chicks Outdoors
Best wishes starting your new chicken adventure!

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! Glad that you joined! Good luck with your future flock! Any idea's yet on what breed's that you want?

 

[sjolie]

I guess my criteria are: egg production, appropriate for Chicago winters (and summers), good for beginners, etc.

In the last week or so I've landed on a list of what seems appropriate:
- Jersey Giant
- Plymouth Rock
- Rhode Island Red
- Easteregger
- Buff Orpington
- Wyandotte

I'd like to get a mix of breeds, but wondering if it is important or helpful to have multiple of the same. We will likely start with 4. In our community we are limited to 6, so might add 2 more at some point.

Question: we are also restricted from having any roosters. If I'd like to start with chicks, is there any way to ensure that we get all hens? Seems that might be difficult.