Howdy from Austin, TX

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Lyzzard

Lyzzard

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Hey there BYC!

I am a firefighter here in Austin, TX and have finally convinced my husband to "consider" getting a couple of hens for our backyard. Of course, this means I have a green light since I'm willing to do all the work and he is willing to eat the rewards
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I'm still in the early, early research and planning phase so any and all advice is readily welcome. We have a small-ish backyard and I'm envisioning a small coop in the back corner where it gets almost constant shade. We're close to the city so I'm not too concerned about wild animals except for the occasional raccoon. (Never seen them around, but I'll assume they're there...) I'd like to build a run for them in the corner (So I can keep them out of the yard when I choose) but let them have run of the yard during the day when we're out. (Is this okay?)

Like I said, I'm in the beigining of my research so I"m sure I'll find answers to my questions as I go, but here's what I'm curious about:

1. What breeds do well in the Texas heat?
2. What breeds lay decent sized eggs?
3. What breeds are relatively quite? (Our houses aren't that far apart and I don't want to annoy my neighbors. No roosters for sure
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)
4. The area in the corner is mostly dirt but the rest of the yard is nice and grassy. My husband would like to keep it that way. When chickens scratch around, do they damage the lawn?
5. Do I need to be worried about neighborhood cats?
6. I don't know what I don't know yet...what can you tell me?
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I'm totally excited. I love animals and can't wait to start this project.
Thanks for your time!!

Hook'em!
-Lyzzard
 
Hi!
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There are a lot of Texans on this site, I'm sure one of them will answer some of those Q's you have. I do know this: Yes, chickens will scratch up any grass you have, and any potted plant you have available too. They love to scratch around in the dirt looking for bugs....My chickens have helped me redesign my garden in my backyard according to what they don't eat.
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I wouldn't have it any other way!.
 
1. What breeds do well in the Texas heat?

Many! I would start by researching the breed you like the most, try to stay away from heavy feathered breeds if this concerns you, but in all honest, I am raising Cochins (the fluffiest they come) with NO problems! Just make sure there is plenty of fresh water for them!!



2. What breeds lay decent sized eggs?

All your Large Fowl lay decently large eggs. I love my Barred rocks. They are a breed that are most associated when people think of chickens (Rhode Islands reds too). My BR girls are FRIENDLY, QUIET, and FUN!


3. What breeds are relatively quite? (Our houses aren't that far apart and I don't want to annoy my neighbors. No roosters for sure smile )

Again, my Barred rock girls are good, but it just depends on the chickens themself. I have had a few that would make a racket when they layed their eggs in the morning to announce to the world they popped something out of them!


4. The area in the corner is mostly dirt but the rest of the yard is nice and grassy. My husband would like to keep it that way. When chickens scratch around, do they damage the lawn?

Very much so! Pick a corner of the yard you do not mind looking like dirt after awhile and research "Chicken Tractors". That way they can be locked up from predators at night and if for some reason you can't be with them during the day (like work, or shopping) you can keep them contained to that corner area. But when you are out in the yard relaxing you can let them go and watch them have fun in your grass! (a few hours a day around the whole yard will not kill ALL your grass, but where ever u house them, be prepared to see minimal growth...


5. Do I need to be worried about neighborhood cats? Yes! Since you will not have a rooster to protect them! Our neighborhood cats can be a nuisance (I am in san antonio City limits). My rooster used to run them off but got too mean to keep around. Now I must Monitor my birds at all times when I let them loose.


6. I don't know what I don't know yet...what can you tell me?

This site has loads of information!! Take a look around the different topics and soak it all in! Make sure you get the basics down for baby chicks, and raising them.

Hope I helped you out there neighbor! Now I am going to go outside with the birdies and enjoy this 100+* weather here in San antonio with a Tall glass of cold Sweet Ice tea!
 
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from Northern California. This is a great site to get all the answers to all your questions. If you want grass in an area - then don't let the chickens go there.
 
Quote:
Good luck, you will LOVE having chickens!
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