Hello from New Jersey

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NJDave

NJDave

In the Brooder
Aug 20, 2015
12
0
29
Sussex County, NJ
Hey all,
My name is Dave, and I live in northwest NJ.
I'm moving into a new house on 8/31 and my main priority is starting a small flock.
I've been doing TONS of research for the last 6 months or so, and I have a few friends who currently have chickens, but the most valuable information I've received, has been directly from BYC. You all are amazingly helpful ,so thanks!!

Im going to build my own coop, Ive checked out a ton of kits and pre-made, and it looks like it'll be cheaper, and more secure if I do it myself. Plus I can make sure the new family members have adequate space, etc..:)
I planned on starting with 6-8 birds, all hens, and Im primarily looking at Rhode island reds and Ameraucanas, due to their temperament and egg laying abilities.

My house isnt on a lot of land at all, approx 3 acres, the lot is grass and woods.. with corn fields behind me that are run by a farm down the road. Iam going to build a large run, and I'd like to let them free range, but I'm going to wait and see their personalities, etc first and get them used to their safe place, before I do so.... Not sure if having all the surrounding corn fields will cause me headaches or not?

Im always open to help and suggestions, and look forward to learning more and being the best caretaker I can be for the birds..
 
If you've got loads of cornfields, you've got loads of raccoons. They are particularly nasty predators. Please check out the predator sections for ways to deal with them and protect your flock.
 
Hi Diva, yeah, thats one of my concerns... Along with the Coyotes and Bears...
The raccoon's are my biggest concern though because they are crafty little critters.. Im going to do everything I can while constructing to make the coop as safe as possible.
Ive been reading a lot of ways to secure the coop/run, as well as, what to do to in order to avoid attracting them. (food left outside, etc)

I will have 24/7 surveillance on the coop (Im gonna have the cameras anyway, Im NOT specifically installing for the chickens)
I'll also be dispatching any pests that Im able to see at night, myself.
I grow mighty attached to my pets, so I'm going to get as educated as I can, and do everything I can, in order to avoid casualties..

Thank you for the suggestion as well, going to the predator section now!
 
Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. X2 on drumstick diva's advice; given your circumstances, if you free range, you're going to incur losses to predators (possibly lots of losses). I would personally keep the flock in large, predator proof, enclosed runs, but of course it will be up to you to determine whether or not those losses are acceptable. There is a good article at http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/07/11-tips-for-predator-proofing-chickens.html on predator proofing your chickens. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck in getting your flock and protecting it from predators.
 
Hi Dave, welcome to BYC!

In addition to the excellent advice on predator proofing, you may like to say hi to other NJ members. That can be a good resource for weather-related issues, swap meets, breed suggestions, etc. You can find your state thread here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/537/new-jersey

If you'd like to share your coop build or ask questions about it, this is the place to go:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

Good luck to you, thanks for joining us!
 

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