Hello From LaPorte IN Northwest Indiana ...getting 8 pullets tomorrow

[zinniaseeds]

Hello. I am glad to find this resource. I hope to read a lot and learn a lot from you all.
I am picking up chicks from Valparaiso tomorrow. 8 pullets. Four Rhode Islands,To black giants, and two ameraucana.. I have raised them as a child and then again 30 years ago we had 25. I live on one acre at the edge of town.I have two very large totes for them so I can clean them daily and switch them out,...and I bought the Ecoglow heater to keep them warm. I still had the feeders and waterers,

We have two dachshunds. One sweet one and one slightly aggressive one. I will have the chicks definitely out of reach of the dogs on a table. I am interested to see if having the chicks in the house for 6 to 8 weeks will accustom the dogs to them.I will be very cautious. I bought a 6 x 12 dog fence that I will modify with a top and 1/4 wire fencing along the inside. We have discussed electric fence. too. We have hawks, possums, and raccoons, not to mention coyotes, cats and dogs in our neck of the woods. We are looking at coop plans .l Wondering what size we should build for 8 hens. Wondering if I should trench underground wire fence to prevent digging animals...such things as that. I appreciate any and all suggestions.

Zinniaseeds (aka.Phoebe)

 

[Duckopolis]

Good luck with your poultry raising adventures,and I hope you find everything you need to know. Don't forget to take a look at BYC's very useful learning center (If you haven't already)! The learning center as well as the forum should answer your questions! Glad to have you here! The BYC coop tab should help you with coop designs.

 

[drumstick diva]

The trenching with wire to prevent diggers is a solid choice, plus the 1/4" fencing inside a bonus. You must remember your past chicken days and predators very well.

. Glad you decided to join our flock

 

[gander007]

Congratulation's on your new arrivals

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

There is lots of great reads in our learning center here on BYC on all the aspects of raising your new brood...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Welcome to our flock and enjoy yours as well!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your new chicks! X4 on check out the Learning Center, this is a nice article from it to help you figure out how much room you need in the coop https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need
You might also check out the Predator forum for suggestions on dealing with the predators in your area.

 

[tillynaynay]

First time here. I also live in LaPorte, In and am seriously considering raising chickens. Last summer I visited my brother in Washington and he had 10-12 chickens and I fell in love! Not real sure where to begin but I cannot wait to get started. A year ago I started a mealworm farm for the Eastern Bluebirds and read that they are also a special treat for chickens. A win-win situation. Any tips and ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Book Em Danno25]

 

[ChickyChickens]

Welcome to BYC!!! There are loads of members on here…so if you have ANY questions…just ASK!!!

Hope you have loads of fun and all your answers answered here on BYC the BEST CHICKEN KEEPING FORUM on EARTH!!