Hello I'm New to BackYard Chickens!

[DobieLover]

I'm told they are laying. Does this mean they are roosting? Do I still need to expand the run in the spring?

Yes, you need to expand the run in the spring if you want them to have adequate space.
Roosting is when they fly up to a 'secure to them' location to spend the night.
After they are moved they will stop laying for a while due to stress.

 

[Kabignot]

Hello, my name is Julie ... but that name was taken. I shuttle my friends out of town so much they call me Juber. We have a 7 yr old indoor cat, Trixie, who is afraid of everything including a lap or going downstairs in the basement (loyal and dear to us). I love to garden. My husband loves to bake. So the eggs will be welcome as well as this expansion to our family. (no kids at home - 1st grand baby on the way in May). I've been thinking about doing this for the past 10+ years. A few years back I volunteered at a local CSA farm to collect, wash, sort, package eggs, as well as feed the chickens. I've read a couple books and checked with our municipal guidelines - they allow 4 hens.

Here I am in suburban northern Illinois, mid winter with a potential opportunity to adopt a local backyard flock of four, 1 yr old, Red Star hens, this is pending. I'm told this is a very well mannered group. The coop, watering and feeding containers, heaters, mats, and lights are all included. I'm excited!! I'm also nervous about this transition during winter.

The snow is about "6 deep and it's 30 degrees... bit colder at night, due to dip more. I'm told they are happy outdoors on their perch even in these temps. Ideally I'd have a space cleared in my backyard for them near my house or little greenhouse but it isn't practical at the moment. I appreciate any tips about a temporary setup in our attached garage. I've seen an occasional mouse because I feed the birds and suspect they'd love chicken food too. What can I expect during the first days and weeks of adjustment with a temporary setup in my garage? Any precautions?

Ultimately, it would be great if I can set-up the coop so Trixie can safely enjoy watching over her flock through a window. I look forward to having a bug-exterminating crew in my garden. I don't picture us ever eating these chickens by the way (no judgement for those who do), so no need for details about that.

I should know more by next week if this group of feathered ladies are going to make their home with us or not. Meanwhile, I feel ... expectant?? I'll be browsing this wonderful site and am very grateful for your community of support!

 

[Kabignot]

Hi, thanks for the welcome! The coop is 4’ x 6’. I’ll have to ask if they’re laying now. I’ll try to upload photos.

 

[Kabignot]

Welcome! Everyone is so helpful on this site. I use it to troubleshoot any chicken challenges I face. Make sure you predictor proof coop and run. Cool ideas I get from Pinterest!