Hi from a new chicken owner!

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Cryss

Cryss

Eggcentric
7 Years
Nov 12, 2017
5,030
12,411
847
Northwest New Jersey
Hi! I am about to recieve my first flock of chickens this week, 2 Buff Orpingtons and 2 Lavender Orpingtons. I've never raised chickens but I'm excited as are my husband, daughter and son in law, and granddaugter and grandson. We're an old fashioned type family that all live together. I bought a coop from Tractor Supply, then, after doing research, realized I don't kmow what I don't know! To start, they need lots of protection. So.. I bought a 10X10X6 chain link dog pen. There, that should take care of the black bear, right? Wait...hawks? Ok, 1inX2in wire over the top. Tadaaa. What? Raccons? >sigh< Ok, wrap the dog pen arount yhe top 2 feet with more 1inX2in wire, the bottom 4 feet in 1/2 inch hardware cloth. OMG you're serious? Fox and raccoons will dig under my fortress? Ok ok ok...more 1inX2in wire as a 2ft apron. And, just for good measure, the original Tractor Supply coop has a 1/4 inch hardware cloth buried as an apron. WHEW! Bought a hanging feeder and a rubber water bowl (they were out of the hanging waterer I wanted. I'll get one soon). Bought pine wood shreds. Made the coop more draft free around the nest door with 2 extra locks mostly because the door, when hooked still hung loose. I just need some food and I think I'm ready. They will be about 7 weeks old, already acclimated to cold weather by the breeder because I have no way to raise baby chicks. And THAT will be my first question which I will pos
 
G’Day from down under Cryss :frow Welcome!

Oooh, how very exciting for you and your family. You certainly have done your homework and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your intro, thank you.

You might be interested in downloading this free e-book My First Year With Chickens

I do hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

If you have not checked it out already, the Learning Centre is a great resource.
Personally, I have found the Topic of the Week articles to also be a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out ;)
 
Sassysouth said:
Good luck. I don’t think anything is bear proof, bring them indoors with you ;)
Sounds like the chickens are going to be well loved and your family will enjoy them.
Click to expand...
LOL so true...but I hope it slows em down a bit. Black bear are like cats, make a noise and they run away. My cat actually chased a big one out of the yard and up a tree!
 
Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us.

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best

Pork Pie


If you have not already done so, including your general location, under your avatar will help other members to give the best advice possible.
 

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