I want to have chickens in my backyard and need a ton of help1 :)

[langhornes]

Hello,

I live in the Cincinnati area and want chickens. They would be in my backyard away from my 2 dogs a bit, but this is a neighborhood.

A few questions:

1. Anyone know where I can get juveniles (golden comets I think may be best for us) in this area? I want 3 or 4, I think.

2. My husband wants to build a coop w/ a run.... do they also need an area outside the run to walk around (could never let them loose with the dogs or else they'd be eaten)

3. Anyone know, in case he doesn't want to make it, where I can get a coop/run that isn't going to put me in bankruptcy?

Thanks a ton! I know I am a complete novice, so I'll take any and all help.

Langhornes

 

[schellie69]

I have a coop/run where the chickens spend most of the time. I do let them out to free range the backyard when the dogs are not out. You need at least 4 sq feet per chicken in the coop. in the run at least 10 sq feet of space. I would check the local city ordinance to make sure that you are allowed chickens. Farm stores would have chicks now. If you want older chicks check craigslist or the paper. You might be able to buy a nice coop but you would have to build the run. when building the run do not use chicken wire this will keep the chicken in but nothing out use welded wire or hardware cloth. I would also cover the top of the run area just to be safe

 

[Fred's Hens]

Many folks, such as myself, raise out pullets to sell. Shipping is difficult so such sales are typically made within driving distance. Expect to pay $8-$20 for a pullet, depending on breeding and locale. If you are in Michigan, come on over!!!

 

[Judy]

First, I'd make sure they are legal where you live. If not, you might read in the Local Laws and Ordinances section here; things are changing. If they are, there may be requirements about the size or placement of the coop, or about any added structure. Once you know what your situation is, there are a ton of plans in the coop section here for coops of all sizes and types. What you build depends first on number of chickens, and you will want to be familiar with how to make the area secure if you have dogs that would harm them. They can live entirely inside their coop and run, the run being outdoors, if the area is large enough and suitable. They prefer to roam and forage, though, so you will want to be sure the area you build will be adequate for them.

If you are not in a town or city proper, you will probably only have to look at county ordinances, or at least that's the way it is here. Usually there is a lot more freedom to keep animals in these areas.

 

[Fred's Hens]

My bad. You did state you are in Cincy.

 

[kywest]

HI fellow Buckeye!

I'm Just a few hours north of you, around columbus. If you just drop everything from your schedule and spend the next week reading this forum, you'll find all the answers to your questions, and many you didn't think to ask!!

We also live in a residential neighborhood, though we have about 2/3 acre. Our coop is an old 1935 14'x14' shed that we got for "free", took down and reassembled into a 8'x16' shed, half of it chicken coop. "Free" b/c once we got new roofing, new floor, etc, it was no longer free;-) Don't kid yourself - if you want the coop to look presentable for a neighborhood, unless you are very lucky, a great scrounger and have lots of time and patience (to wait for the right materials to show up) it may cost some $. Best bet is to search craigs list for used sheds, materials, etc. We got some great coated wire for a steal from c.l. My girls (and boys - yikes! no crowing allowed!) get out into the yard when i can supervise, but that is not every day. They do LIVE for that free time, though. We are going to finish fencing the yard this summer (more $), which will allow for more freedom for them. Then i have to figure out how to keep them out of my landscaping beds and garden;-) They are digging holes in the mulch right now. My dog is somewhat afraid of them, so they keep her in line.
We also have a run (8x16) that they have 24/7/365 access to. Our coop is not insulated (and probably a little drafty) and I have had no problems in the winter. (even though my neighbor worries endlessly about them. she is the perfect chicken neighbor - she brings them food scraps daily. but gets very upset when the roosters go bye-bye)

You can also find chickens on c.l. More as spring goes on. Local Tractor Supply or feed store will have chicks too. They're cute, but won't lay for what will seem like an eternity (20-30 wks). Comets are sexually dimorphic , which will prevent rooster dilemmas! I must say, though that i love my easter eggers - beautiful blue eggs! I got them from a girl who raised a bunch for 4-H (craigs list, again!) I have several different breeds cuz i like variety.


My assessment of the chicken project (after 2 yrs) is this: It is a great hobby. I have always loved animals, had lots of pets and wanted to live on a farm. They require far less care than your average dog, rabbit, parrot, etc. I LOVE eating fresh eggs that were laid in my back yard, but most of my friends think i'm somewhat insane (remember, we live in a residential area - 500K developments less than a mile away.) But it is just a hobby. We don't have the space to make it more than that. Like any hobby, it costs $ and the returns are all personal pleasure;-) We also have two heritage turkeys that are going to become easter dinner. After adding up all i spent on feed, etc, i really think i could have bought a good organic free range bird from a local farm for cheaper - and i wouldn't have to pluck it myself!! But then, I wouldn't have raised my own turkey!

My next project: clicker training my favorite hen to do tricks!!

Sorry- hope i don't sound cynical or even too philosophical, but as I was thinking about how to answer your post, this all just came out. Enjoy your birds, and god bless this forum!!

 

[ailurophile23]

Congrats on catching chicken fever!

I just caught it last summer so I am fairly new to this but hopefully some of my experiences will help. Definitely check your local ordinances. After that, build plenty of room in your coop and run - especially if the birds won't be able to be let out to free range. Look at all the designs on this site and others - you'll find something that works for you. I have a completely enclosed (top too) run that surrounds three sides of my chicken coop. Off the back side of the coop, I have a larger fenced area (no overhead protection) where I let the chickens roam when I am home and it is daylight. When I am not home or not outside, they stay in the run and coop. The reason I added the fenced area is that the chickens removed all plant life in the run fairly quickly. I frequently give them greens and hay to scratch in so they don't get too bored when they are confined, but the extra back open run still has grass as they don't spend too much time there (maybe 1-2 hours an evening plus some weekend time) and I can change the shape of the fenced area as I used the step in stakes so I can rotate them through various areas.

As for building the coop - use what you have on hand or what you can get for free or for little cost - there are a ton of suggestions on this website that are inventive and helpful. Chickens are all around you so check Craigslist or your local trading post or see which of your neighbors or coworkers has chickens. It's amazing how many chicken people are out there.