HI IM A CHICKEN NOOB AND A BYC ONE TOO :D

[scottiedogscott]

hey all... recently had the idea of getting some chickens. and i decided to look into it and have been doing some research and i always find it handy to join up on one of these online communitys as they help dearly...

ok my first question is if i wanted to get some chickens what is the best kind of housing? we have a shed that isnt being used at the moment and thought this would be good but some websites reccomment arks to be good then others say chickens shouldnt be kept in arks all the time and i am just a bit confused sooo yh

hey

and also if i wanted to see pictures of your housing can you send them here or should i go to another part of the forum...

anyway thanks and i hope to hear from someone at least

 

[4-H chicken mom]

scottiedogscott. You will find a lot of helpful people here. Check out the coop page. There are many ideas for chicken houses there. Good luck!!

 

[scottiedogscott]

awesome i shall tomorrow coz right now its just gone midnight and im feeling meh XD HI BTW

what chickens do you have? and what chickens did you get first if you have loads? i want them as pets sooo i would like a friendly, inquisative and caring breed. any tips?

 

[Nuggetsowner:)]

Welcome!!

I would say to check out the coops page. I converted a shed into a coop and it has worked wonderfully for me. As far as what breed to get...hhmm, why not just get one of each. Just kidding. If I had to chose the favorite of the breeds that I have I would say, buff orps and EEs. Good luck and we hope to see you alot!!

 

[pdsavage]

I have used a coop that was here when i moved in till a tornado madeit unstable.
Now i use parts of the barn.Chickens do not care what it looks like they only care that it keeps them dry and warm in the winter.
I realy like Speckled Sussex,Barred Rocks,EEs and Rhode Island reds.
But im sure you will find your favorite breed soon enough.
Just keep reading this site its full of helpfull info and people.

 

[2manyhats]

I agree on buff orpingtons as a good starter breed unless you want to see varied color. Then you have to get multiple breeds or Easter Eggers. They make for a cool array.

 

[ashyannehand]

 

[arlee453]

Welcome and definately go to the BYC home page (link at the top) and check out all the various coops - you will surely get some ideas there.

An old shed generally makes a great coop. If you can add a run, or already have a fenced in yard, you may be 90% there already.

Have fun with your new chickies!

 

[DuckLady]

Welcome!

 

[sunshinegirl]

I'm pretty new at this too, so I can't offer the benefit of years of experience, but I can tell you about what I've learned as a fellow newbie.

As far as housing goes, the chickens aren't picky. As long as there's adequate space, ventilation, they're protected from the weather and predators, and have access to fresh food and water, they seem pretty happy. Check out the Coop and Run Design and Construction thread, and you'll find more ideas and info than you ever thought possible.

I'm raising my first flock and wanted friendly birds too. I have an assortment, and althought they're all fast becomming pets and seem to get friendlier as I spend more time with them, the friendliest breeds in general are my buff orpingtons, black australorps, and speckled sussex. my favorite is one of my Marans - she hops right up on my hand or lap, likes to be petted, and never seems to tire of my comapany. But the other Maran I have is a little fussy and doesn't like to be touched, so maybe it's more of an individual personality than a breed thing. I also have easter eggers, gold-laced wyandottes, buff brahmas, and welsummers. I've been pretty happy with all of them. Here's a link that might be helpful in picking out what breeds would work for you:

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

Also a good book to get started with is Chickens in Your Back Yard by Rick and Gail Luttmann. It has some good, basic information without being too overwhelming when you're just starting out. And of course there's a wealth of information right here on BYC!

Hope this helps. Good luck with your new flock!