Hi, we have no chickens or coop yet

[Tookie]

Hello! Welcome to BYC! We're so glad you joined us. Good luck with everything, and all your plans!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

In a 10x12 coop and 10x 10 run?
We can’t free range, we have acreage but coyote, possums, coons, owls and whatever other creatures of the night, lol

Our coop is built on a 6x12 footprint, give or take, but it's tall and has two stories so it's about double the roaming space. Our fully enclosed run is much larger, can't remember exact footprint but I think it's about 8x20 feet.

We have about every single predator here. Bears, mink/weasel, hawks, owls, fox, coyote, neighbor's dogs, raccoon, etc etc etc. Everything loves chicken! The good news is that most of these creatures prefer to avoid people and are more active at night or early morning hours, which is when chickens are securely locked in the coop. We try to keep our hens out of the woods (where most of these creatures live) but they have open access to our pasture.

I'm not saying it won't happen, but in 10 years of raising chickens, we've not yet lost one to a predator. We do have a big dog that guards our pasture when she's not sleeping or distracted which is often lol, but even before we got her the hens were fine.

Free ranging (or limited free range which is what we do with easily portable 3' fencing) is strictly a personal choice. I only share my experiences to encourage you if it's something you'd like to explore. Chickens (and their meat and eggs) are healthiest and happiest when they can forage, but it's not necessary in order to have healthy, happy hens.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Thanks, I’m trying to hedge my bets before I start! lol

Smart! And I forgot to say welcome but I'm glad you're here. Great place for everything chicken.

 

[NagemTX]

Welcome to BYC! Good luck on your build and flock.

 

[N F C]

Hello, it's nice to meet you...best of luck with all your plans!

 

[Jener8or]

Hi! It's nice of you to take in an unwanted rooster and get him some ladies. It sounds like he will be happy there.

Thanks for joining and welcome to BackYard Chickens!

 

[User690263]

Welcome to BYC! Feel free to make yourself right at home

 

[Lexie27]

Welcome to BYC!! I'm sure your going to love chickens!

Me and my family () Have absolutely loved having chickens!!

I love birds period, fascinating living dinosaurs.