Hello from Joliet, IL

[Garlydog]

Hi everyone,

My name is Gary. My wife and I are considering keeping some chickens. I thought I would sign up here and do some research. I have a few questions. I was hoping someone here may be able to help.

1. How many chickens should we get? We go through about 1-1/2 to 2 dozen eggs per week.

2. Can we start any time? If we get a coop built in a few weeks, could we still get started this season?

3. We have a fenced in garden area (4 foot fence about 1500 sq. ft.) Can I let the chickens cluck around the garden area rather a build a smallish outside pen? The fence has no holes, and no dog access.

Thanks!

Gary

 

[gamebirdsonly]

from Utah

 

[NGT ANGL]

from Virginia!

 

[loverOFchickens]

1. How many chickens should we get? We go through about 1-1/2 to 2 dozen eggs per week.

Depends on the breed I would say about 8

2. Can we start any time? If we get a coop built in a few weeks, could we still get started this season?

How fast/soon does the weather turn up there??
Are you planning on getting half grown or peeps??

3. We have a fenced in garden area (4 foot fence about 1500 sq. ft.) Can I let the chickens cluck around the garden area rather a build a smallish outside pen? The fence has no holes, and no dog access.

Depending on the breed 4 ft. would probably have to be fenced of the top. Also what are you growing? They eat tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, flowers, etc.

also welcome to BYC!!

 

[Mourningdove]

Hello Gary!

1st

from Alabama!

What part of Joliet are you in? I was born/raised in Shorewood
and lived in Joliet for several years before moving south!
So happy to meet someone from my neck of the woods!

Now since I know it starts turning cooler towards the end of September up there, if your considering day old chicks I suggest
you plan to get them now, this way they can be old enough to
go out into a coop before winter hits (so they won't get too cold)
Have you any ideas as to what kind you want?

 

[PeepsNLadybugs]

Hi from N. Florida and

Glad you found us!
If you eat almost 2 dozen a week and you get good layers I wouldn't think you would need very many. Maybe 6 or 8. But I don't know a lot yet, I'm still kinda new at this. My chickens are young and none have layed yet. I have more than that because I will be providing eggs for two families that love eggs. It takes them 5 months or longer to lay so I agree that it would be a good idea to get chicks now. They can stay in just a covered run, but if you have cold winters it's best to build a coop to keep them warm. And as small chicks they will need a brooder with a heat lamp untill they are large enough to stay outside. I put mine out at 5 weeks but it is very HOT here so they don't get a chill. In fact I keep a fan running to help keep them cool. My oldest are 17 weeks and my youngest are 6 weeks now. Hope this helped. I know someone with lots more know how will come along to answer any questions you still have. This is the place if you have questions because there are some REAL chicken people on here!!

 

[Garlydog]

Quote:
It can start getting chilly here in mid Sept. I don't have any plans related to type or age of chicks. I am open to suggestion.

I guess free roaming in the garden will be a problem. If they hop the 4 foot fence, my dogs will eat them for sure. Not to mention we grow tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, etc.

 

[Garlydog]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome!

 

[Garlydog]

Quote:
We live on far the South East side of unincorporated Joliet. Near the NASCAR track.

Regarding the type of chickens, I have no idea. We literally started talking about keeping chickens this morning. I would be open to suggestions.

Since you know how cold it gets here in Illinois, would it be wise to heat the coop somehow?

 

[Mourningdove]

wow I know about where you are then

Yes definetly plan on building the coop and adding some type of heater for the real cold nights. If your not real picky about what kind of chickens to get you might start with Rhode Island Reds. This breed is suppose to be a good hearty breed even in the winter months.
They lay big brown eggs well.
Do you have a garage? I ask because if you get chicks you will need a good place that's dry and damp free to set up a brooder box with a heat lamp for the 1st month til they get feathered out real good. That is if you don't brood them in your house like most of us do.
I will pm you if you like.