hiya from georgia!!

[greeneyechick94]

hi guys/gals!

so my husband finally agreed to let me start raising chicks and having laying hens.


I'm so excited!!!!

the only problem is I am a newbie to all of this and i need some expert advice!

such as:
1. what are the best breed for a beginner?
2. a super cute diy brooder idea?
3. if keeping your chicks inside is not an option how to keep them safe?
4. how often to feed laying hens/chicks?
5. is a roo required for hens to lay?

on to the part where you want to know a bit about me....

i am on the yound side! i am in my early 20's. however i am a stay at home wife with three dogs and i babysit my niece and nephew so this would not only be for me but an education tool as well! trying to teach responsibility and how to take car of yourself and self sustain. as well as i love fresh eggs!


all your comments and information will be greatly appreciated!!

thanks!

 

[XxMingirlxX]

I recommend you check out the learning centre, it has tons of tips :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/

1) Good breeds for beginners are dual purpose birds that have good temperament.
I would go with a hybrid like a golden comet, black or red star. I also like Rhode Island Reds, Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Delawares, etc
Check out the Review section for breed reviews :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

2) I have linked some DIY brooder ideas below :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/homemade-chicken-brooder-designs-pictures

3) You need to keep your chicks inside until they fully feather in (Around 4-6 weeks). Then slowly adjust them to outdoors and move them outside.

4) Chicken aren't like cats and dogs, you don't feed them separate meals. You fill a feeder and let them eat as often as they want and refill when empty.

5) No, you do not need a rooster for eggs (just like you don't need a boyfriend to have a period!)

Hope that helps

 

[Chicken Girl1]

To answer questions

1. I personally like "dual purpose" breeds but I think almost all breeds are good for beginners.

2. The link XxMingirlxX is great!

3. Here is a helpful article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/reasons-for-tossing-out-your-indoor-brooder-and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors

4. x2 XxMingirlxX said

5. No, definitely not. If you would like to hatch chicks from your eggs then you will need a rooster.

Feel free to make yourself at home!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - glad that you have joined us. I'd always advise buying point of lay pullets (4-5 month olds) as a starting point. Not only do you get eggs a lot sooner (and have a guarantee that they are girls!) but the learning curve is a more gentle than starting off with chicks. You are bound to want more chickens (we all do) so getting chicks after gaining a bit of experience is not the worst approach.

I wish you all the best on your new chicken adventure.

CT

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard chickens

 

[N F C]

Looks like you've been given the answers you were looking for so I'll just say hello!