Hi all, My name is Andrew, and I am in Maitland, NSW, Australia. After growing up around my grandfathers chooks as a child, I thought it was time to introduce my family to the same pleasures (plus the free range eggs are good). Having said that, I am a complete novice when it comes to my own chooks. I have a 1.5x1.5x1.9 metre shed for roosting, and a larger compound for the chooks to graze in during the day when I am not home, and then I will let them out to free range in the main yard once I am home. I am planning on raising Isa Browns, and will purchase some 12 week old hens on Thursday. Can anyone give me some advice based on the size of my shed and yard whether 8 hens would be OK. The floor to my roosting area is concrete with wood shavings over this. Also, I would appreciate it if someone could advise me on the best feed to feed them, as I am used to laying hens and not to younger birds. Nice to meet you all, and I look forward to some great discussions.
From Missouri and For Coop space: I usually say if you have standard chickens you need a minimum of 4 sq feet per bird. As far as feed goes: Until they start to lay you can use Grower Feed. Then when they start to show signs they are going to lay: you will want to "wing" them over to Layer feed. As far as the flooring goes.....If you have not tried or ever seen Sand used in a coop and run....Then i would suggest trying it !!!! You will NEVER want to go back again Put down about 3-4 inches of sand in the coop floor area. It not only acts as GRIT for the birds to eat (to help digest their food), but it is SUPER easy to clean. All You nee to get is a Kitty Litter Scooper....then depending on how much they poop, Drag a rage through the sand to reveal the "clumps" and use the kitty scooper to remove the clumps....The sand will fall through the holes leaving only the poop in the scooper...... Takes all of 5 minutes a few times a week to keep clean..... Ans I have never had smell issues at all, and the chicks LOVE it. Sand is very absorbent, acts as grit to eat (aiding in digestion.....and thus not having to spend extra money on grit), is easy and FAST to clean, and the chicks love to take dust bathes in it Best Wishes, Laura
