Hi from the U.K

[Ravendale]

Hello forum members!
I am excited to be here! I live in a beautiful part of the English countryside and am preparing to start my own mini flock of chickens (for eggs) after finally convincing my other half to agree to it.
I have raised and kept quail before, and am now ready to move to the next step. I’m sure I’ll have lots of questions for you all.
My quail run is now set up for chickens (with the intention they will also eventually free range too) and my coop is just waiting delivery before I can collect our first ladies. I’m thinking 3-4 initially as my maximum will be about 8-10. Does that sound sensible?
Also, if you experts have one golden nugget of advice for me I’d love to hear it!
Teresa

 

[N F C]

Hi Teresa, best of luck establishing a flock! Always feel free to ask questions, there are a lot of experienced members here to help out.

 

[SilverBirds]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
3-4 is a good start. Make sure you have good spacing requirements and build everything bigger than you think you might need.

 

[sourland]

Hello, Teresa, and welcome to the BYC community. Build far bigger than you think you will ever need. Good luck establishing your flock.

 

[Perris]

Hello Teresa @Ravendale welcome to BYC

I’m thinking 3-4 initially as my maximum will be about 8-10. Does that sound sensible?
Also, if you experts have one golden nugget of advice for me I’d love to hear it!

This first step is the most important for your future flock - unknowingly bringing in diseased birds has blighted many a backyard flock - so don't rush it. Source them from a recognized local breeder, and get the best quality birds you can find.

Since, as a novice, it is difficult to judge these things, use the Poultry Club website to contact the secretary of whatever breed you think you might like, and contact them asking for info on a supplier of that breed local to you; they keep lists and should know who has stock for sale. They can also tell you whose birds have won at shows. This will not ensure you get great birds, but it will guarantee that you get what breed you want, and be a lot less risky from a health perspective than buying from a random person on the internet.
https://www.poultryclub.org/resources/poultry/breed-clubs/

Notice there's even a Lincolnshire Buff society, assuming that's where you are. Enjoy it, whatever you do!

 

[Marie2020]

Hi Teresa

Thank you for joining us and

 

[C Siena]

Greetings & Salutations. Welcome.

As you already know the size of the coop you are waiting for delivery, you know your future limits for birds. Search the Forums and Ask away.

This is a wonderful site on which to Learn and enjoy.
We are pleased to have you in the community.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello Teresa, and welcome to BYC! Nice to meet you.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, Teresa and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[muddy75]