Hi! My name is Jennifer and I just joined this forum. I have been lurking for a few weeks after I got my first chickens, and figured I should join because I am sure I will have tons of questions. I have 5 chicks. 2 Barred Rocks, 1 Production Red, and a Delaware. Also, I have Golden Sebright - this one was picked out by my husband because it was "pretty", and we didn't really know what we were getting when we purchased him/her (hopefully a her-I gave in to my husband because I wanted only hens and didn't want to bother the neighbors with a rooster) We didn't realize it can also FLY. I am a first time chicken owner. I live in the suburbs in Illinois and I have always wanted a farm because of my love of animals and never wanting children. I don't have a farm, just a backyard, but it's as close as I can get for now with my job and all. I also have a dog, the other love of my life, a Pitbull named Canaan. Who is so interested in them, and loves to give them kisses, We have a small shed/barn that the previous owner used for his miniature horse. We figure it will work until we went in the barn and realized the floor has rotted away and is covered with some type of mat. We are on a very tight budget and need to turn it into a coop. If anyone has any tips for cheap way to do things I would appreciate it. We also have a lot of wildlife around, and I didn't know that RACOONS EAT CHICKENS. I had like a 20 pounder eating out of my bird feeder last week and now realize that I need to do more for the barn. Thanks!
Welcome to BYC. We are glad you joined this flock! Jump right in and make yourself at home. Can you get some pictures of this shed? Dirt floor is good. This video will help you learn how to navigate this site (how to upload photos too): Coop Ideas: Chicken Coops. What exactly did you Google to get here? <<<<<<<<<<<Click there to go to the thread. BYC has an APP!
hello Jennifer @Jenjens ! welcome to BYC if you put 'frugal' in the search box you'll find lots of advice on how to do chicken things on a budget
Welcome Glad you decided to join us! Check out the coop section, lots of coops made from free or recycled material. I don’t know if putting a new floor in would be feasible. Even in the city you will have to prepare for predators you never thought present.... Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, birds of prey, dogs are just a few. Hardware cloth will be your best friend, chicken wire is only good to keep chickens in but no protection from predators. You’ll find lots of info here to get started on your chicken journey
Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC! Thanks for joining our community!
Hello, Jennifer, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined. When you get your pictures, you can start a new thread in the Coop & Run forum and we'll help with ideas. The stall mats you can actually sell for something if they are in decent shape. Looking forward to that thread.