Hey there! new to the site, any Urban backyard farmers too?

[sorce]

Research more than just the best layers. As, the best layers may be not cold hardy, may fly away, may attack your kids....etc.

Consider a centralized compost pile/run.

Sorce

 

[BY Bob]

Santa doesn't look so jolly in that photo!

To me he looks like "don't you even think about taking my hen!"

 

[BY Bob]

Now that takes the cake (so to speak). I would never have thought of such a thing. I'm continually amazed by human creativity. And I think chickens would agree.

It was bring your pet for a photo with Santa day at tractor supply so we went for it. I tell the whole story on my thread. It was a lot of fun for us and Lilly.

 

[Cryss]

Welcome. For 4 hens you will need a 16 sq ft coop (at least), a 40 sq ft run (at least), and make certain to buy a breed that can be sexed at birth so there's minimal chance of getting a rooster.

WELCOME! How exciting it is to be starting your first flock!

The coop comes BEFORE the babies! @HenOnAJuneBug is right. You need those dimensions for 4 birds no matter what style coop you settle on. Just remember that the 16 square feet [4x4] inside the coop is walkabout space, nests are not included. If you are able keep in mind that bigger is better.

You do not need to heat the coop. People in Canada and Alaska can attest to this. What you do need is no drafts but plenty of ventilation. As you research coops you should find more information on ventilation. If not, just ask!

Water and food should be in the run, not the coop. Food will attract critters and should be collected and brought indoors to the house or garage every night. Water evaporates causing moisture inside a coop which is a big no no. Again, 40sqft ( 4x10 or 5x8 works) is for a run but bigger is better if you are able.

Please, don't get a prefab. They aren't worth the money even when on sale and they lie about how many chickens it will hold. Take it from one who started exactly like you but without doing enough research. Sooo mannny mistakes.

Finally the chickens. Sooo mannny breeds! If you buy them at Tractor Supply you stand a very super good chance of not getting the breed or gender you are looking for. Stick with an actual hatchery or local breeder. Online hatcheries usually sell chicks in minimal orders usually more than 4. Heat tolerant birds are good in hot arid areas like Texas and Arizona. You want cold hardy I would think. You don't need a rooster since you only can have 4 chickens. A rooster won't give you eggs, will give you lots more chickens which you don't need, and make a lot of very loud noise! Sexlinks (baby chicks genders are obvious at hatching) are a good idea so you are pretty much guaranteed to get all pullets (female chickens less than 1 year old). You said you want good producers. May I suggest the breed called 55 Flower? Cold hardy, sexlink, and heavy egg producers. They would be a good starting flock for a novice.

Ask tons of questions here. And don't forget pictures of your progress! We love pictures of birds and coops!

 

[AllenK RGV]

I am an avid gardener that lives in a downtown area, in a suburb south of Dayton, Ohio. Recently found out that homeowners can have up to four chickens on their property. So this girl is going to research research research on the best egg layers, when and how to buy them, and all things chickens! I would love to hear from any other people living in a downtown community that owns chickens and also gardens. My lot is a double lot, about less than half an acre.

The livestock conservancy mentions Brahmas as good winter egg layers. Oh, and welcome to BYC! Since you are in OH you might like the Buckeye's too! There is a decent hatchery 150 miles away in Polk, OH. It is Meyers Hatchery or some similar name. https://meyerhatchery.com/index.html if you are willing to do a pickup I betcha they would hatchout whatever you are requesting. they show Brahma for Dec 16 hatchout 3 color patterns, and Buckeyes plus numerous other breeds.
Here:

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

 

[Eggscaping]

I am an avid gardener that lives in a downtown area, in a suburb south of Dayton, Ohio. Recently found out that homeowners can have up to four chickens on their property. So this girl is going to research research research on the best egg layers, when and how to buy them, and all things chickens! I would love to hear from any other people living in a downtown community that owns chickens and also gardens. My lot is a double lot, about less than half an acre.

Welcome to BackYardChickens! So glad to have you here in our wonderful community of friendly, helpful, knowledgeable people!

 

[Pennys Mama]

Welcome to BYC.

We are glad you joined our flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

Safe-Guard is a good dewormer.
Do you know what type of worms your guinea fowl have?

I'm confused
Someone has worms?
I think I missed something.

 

[drumstick diva]

Or purchase point of lay pullets - which will give you eggs sooner.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

... as evidenced by Lilly's trip to have her picture taken with Santa last weekend

Now that takes the cake (so to speak). I would never have thought of such a thing. I'm continually amazed by human creativity. And I think chickens would agree.