Hello :) Kinda new to all this.

[MelissaLarsen]

Hello everyone. In the title to this I said I am "kinda new" to all this. I was raised for many years on a farm - and loved my aunts chickens. Now that I am an adult my husband and I are looking into getting our own chickens for eggs. I also think it will be a great experience for my husbands grand kids.

I have all kinds of questions - as there seems to be much more to raising chickens than just gathering eggs.

Thanks for accepting my membership and I look forward to learning from you all.

 

[duluthralphie]

Welcome to BYC.

How many chickens are you thinking? I was like you a couple years ago, grew up on a farm, raised with animals and chickens and wanted to experience it again.

Good luck on them. Just remember one bird become 10 then 100 of all species.

 

[MelissaLarsen]

Hello Duluthralphie thanks for the welcome.

Well that's a good question. In the house it's just myself and my husband. So, I was thinking of starting out with 4 or 5 (just in case I lose one or two). Not sure if that's too many though. I do a lot of baking and have friends who love farm fresh eggs. So I thought I would sell or give away extra eggs.

I was thinking about RIR.... But as I said I have been on a farm with chickens and I know how mean chickens can get (they are so unassuming). I don't want to spend my days running from chickens - so I thought I would just get hens - no roosters - as I have read in a thread here that roosters are more aggressive.

But, I live in Ohio and the winters can be harsh - so I am wondering how they do in the cold temps because I don't want to take on the hazzard of hanging a heat lamp in the coop.

Are you saying this will become an addiction? LMAO!! The husband will love hearing that.

 

[N F C]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

I think your 4-5 is a good place to start (like you said, losses happen sometimes). With that number, you don't really want a rooster due to the chances of him overworking the girls and stressing them out. The recommended ratio is 1 roo per 8-10 hens.

I personally love RIR pullets, we've had very good experiences with them in our mixed flock. With your cold winters, you'll want to watch for their combs and wattles getting frostbit (Vaseline will offer protection).

And yep, there is a thing known as "chicken math"...start with 4 which leads to 15, then you start to hatch some, then you find another breed you want to try...it can get crazy!

Good luck to you, it's nice to have you join us!

 

[MelissaLarsen]

Hello NorthFLChick Thanks for the welcome.

You said:

"And yep, there is a thing known as "chicken math"...start with 4 which leads to 15, then you start to hatch some, then you find another breed you want to try...it can get crazy!"

And this is my biggest question right now. My husband and I are trying to figure out Chicken Coop size. Before we even think about buying the birds we want to address this question. I think you're right and eventually our flock will expand past the 4 or 5 birds. But, if we buy a coop that is only big enough for 4-5 birds - what if I do buy different breeds or start hatching eggs? (yes I know this will require a rooster so I will have to think long and hard about this).

So, do we start small or should we build something bigger right out of the gate? Can these purchased coops be expanded? How many nesting boxes does one need for 4-5 birds? I know the 4 square feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the run numbers (per bird)- but I want to make sure my chickens have the room they need should I bring in more "occupants".

I would appreciate any info you or anyone else could give me I'm on information overload. But, already have great information from this site on feed and watering ideas. Love this site.

 

[N F C]

Hello NorthFLChick Thanks for the welcome.

You said:

"And yep, there is a thing known as "chicken math"...start with 4 which leads to 15, then you start to hatch some, then you find another breed you want to try...it can get crazy!"

And this is my biggest question right now. My husband and I are trying to figure out Chicken Coop size. Before we even think about buying the birds we want to address this question. I think you're right and eventually our flock will expand past the 4 or 5 birds. But, if we buy a coop that is only big enough for 4-5 birds - what if I do buy different breeds or start hatching eggs? (yes I know this will require a rooster so I will have to think long and hard about this).

So, do we start small or should we build something bigger right out of the gate? Can these purchased coops be expanded? How many nesting boxes does one need for 4-5 birds? I know the 4 square feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the run numbers (per bird)- but I want to make sure my chickens have the room they need should I bring in more "occupants".

I would appreciate any info you or anyone else could give me I'm on information overload. But, already have great information from this site on feed and watering ideas. Love this site.

I've never had a pre-built coop, DH is a regular Tim the Toolman when something needs to be built. Regardless of whether you buy or build...go bigger than what you need for now. Bigger is better, the chickens will appreciate the extra space (they'll get along with each other better) and it's easier to add more without having to add on to your coop. You'll never regret starting larger.

With the 4-5 you're starting with, I think 2 nesting boxes will be enough, but again, with the thought of adding more chickens, you'll want more boxes.

 

[MelissaLarsen]

K stupid question time. If there are only 2 testing boxes for 4-5 hens and I buy all RIR's - who produce an egg a day - will the other hens lay in boxes with eggs in it? Or do I need to check the boxes often?

I really appreciate your input.

 

[drumstick diva]

Hens can be very silly, even if you had a dozen identical nest boxes, they will decide one or two are the BEST. Sometimes hens line up to use a certain box even though there are several empties. If they can't wait they climb on top of the current resident and drop an egg on top of her.

If you live in an area of hard winters you will want more room in the coop. When chickens are inside due to inclement weather they get irritated and start picking on each other, fighting etc. Besides ya know the "chicken math" thing . I also suggest a run with a cover to keep some rain & snow off, so the girls can have more time outside.

Black australorps are another good breed. Generally chickens can withstand cold much better than heat.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[MelissaLarsen]

Hens can be very silly, even if you had a dozen identical nest boxes, they will decide one or two are the BEST. Sometimes hens line up to use a certain box even though there are several empties. If they can't wait they climb on top of the current resident and drop an egg on top of her.

If you live in an area of hard winters you will want more room in the coop. When chickens are inside due to inclement weather they get irritated and start picking on each other, fighting etc. Besides ya know the "chicken math" thing . I also suggest a run with a cover to keep some rain & snow off, so the girls can have more time outside.

Black australorps are another good breed. Generally chickens can withstand cold much better than heat.

So what you're telling me is I could make 50 nesting boxes and they may only use 1 or 2. LOL. Gotta love chickens. If I have my way - ultimately I want to get to 20 laying hens. So - do you think 8 boxes are good?