How Urgent is Egg-Laying?

[Bawkbok]

That's exactly how I feel! I'm learning by trial by error, with heavy emphasis on "error". I'm just so thankful for this forum and all the folks willing to help with their advice.

We also jumped into the deep end of the pool without doing much research. It's how I learn a new effort best - just do it and learn as you go. I didn't find this forum until I was a year into the adventure. I saved my pennies, so to speak, tightened in the belt even more and bought a bigger coop. You obviously love and care for them and their well being and that is going to propel you forward. The chickens don't know any better. The disadvantage with not having a bigger space for all of them to roost together is that, well, they don't get to roost together. At least they can all see each other and they are safe. Keep your eyes and ears open for storage sheds on sale, which can be modified to serve as chicken coops. Check out the chicken coop thread on this site for inspiration and ideas.