Hello from SE Idaho!

[Urbansteader]

Hello everyone! I am a first time chicken owner (will be getting 4 hens in a few weeks). I already have a hand me down coop that my husband is altering a tad (adding a few roost bars at 2 different heights) and doing the finishing touches while I prepare the brooder. I have all the basics and will be getting 2 barred rocks and 2 sapphire gems. I understand those are both great layers and are also hardy! (We do get hot summers and cold winters). If there is anything special I should include please lmk. I am considering purchasing oregano oil from either doterra or young living to occasionally add to their water. Anyone use it?

 

[STACEYH]

HELLO
I have both those breeds. They are great layers and very friebdly ladies. I don't do oils. I do grow my own herbs and other things to feed the girls.

 

[janiedoe]

Hello, welcome to BYC. Congratulations on your upcoming flock! If you can post pictures of your coop and run, we will be happy to give you some pointers.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Enjoy your time here!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! We're happy to have you with us!

 

[Mrs J]

Hello and welcome to Backyard Chickens I also don’t use oils because we grow our own herbs, but I’ve heard it’s very good

 

[416bigbore]

Hello and welcome to BYC. You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of, with many knowledgeable members who are willing to help you along your journey with any questions you may have. Enjoy

 

[JedJackson]

Welcome to BYC and good luck on your new adventure.

I would probably skip the oregano oil because any potential benefits are unproven and it just seems like a waste of money. One recommendation is to make sure you have plenty of ventilation holes at the top of your coop. This is critical in summer and winter.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would have Corid available in case you need it and chick electrolytes to use in one waterer for the first 3 days after receiving the chicks. Keep fresh water in the second waterer. I like making baby bottles because they keep the water clean, the brooder dry and don't take up floor space:

I also strongly recommend a brooder plate and having lots of ventilation in the brooder.
Putting holes in a coop are rarely adequate for proper ventilation. You need to think the equivalent size of a window open year round with 95% of the open area up high and the rest coming in down low. Target 1 sq ft of permanently open ventilation per bird in the coop. Having large overhangs on the roof help with heavy ventilation without rain/snow blowing in the coop.
Good luck with the coop modifications. I hope it wasn't a pre-fab.

 

[swampfox440]

Hi, Welcome to BYC! good luck with your flock.