hello from Cullman,Al

[bamachickenfarm]

My wife and I are new here and trying to learn to get around in BYC. We are going to raise hens only to start. I have done a lil research and we've decided on R.I. Reds, Barred Rocks and Red Stars. They will be day old chicks. I have a 24'x24' lean to off my barn. North side closed off open to west and south. Building nest boxes and roost. Do I need to enclose any more or am I ok? The run is 24x30 & 8x24.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Depends on where you are in the world and your weather. If you have a lot of winter, you are going to want a completely closed off coop. If you are in warmer territories, then you can get away with an open coop. Always make sure it is completely predator proof and don't use chicken wire as it can be chewed thru. Use hardware cloth. 1/2 inch is fine.

You might want to do some reading in our learning center here on BYC. Here is an arithmetic on how much room chickens need to be happy and healthy...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

And here is the link to our Housing and Feeding your Flock articles that will cover what you may need to know...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/housing-and-feeding-your-chickens

Great to have you aboard and enjoy your new adventure!

 

[bamachickenfarm]

Thx for the info

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. You are going to want to establish a coop that can be completely closed up in the evenings. Everything likes to eat chickens, and the predators will eventually show up.

 

[gander007]

 

[bamachickenfarm]

Thx

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[drumstick diva]

Check out the Learning center, and then visit the coops. predators, section - once predators get a free lunch they will keep coming back and so will their relatives. If you build a Ft.Knox of a coop and enclosed run - you will be able to enjoy your chickens rather than worry every minute about predators.

 

[bamadude]

Hello and welcome to byc. Hope to see u on the alabama!! thread