I want to start small backyard flock.

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Good morning Chrissy. No matter what birds you choose for your flock (and you have made some sensible choices) there will always be one bird who is the flock master, and there will be one or two birds who are at the bottom of the pecking order. All the birds in the middle will be busy seeing to it that they maintain their standing in the pecking order, or even rise up to the next rung of the pecking order ladder.

So... the most important thing you can do to maintain flock harmony is to be sure your coop and run are big enough to prevent aggression issues: Minimum of 4 s.f. in coop per bird, 10 s.f. in run per bird. Plenty of diversionary activities: multi level spaces. It's best if you can have your coop be a walk in. No matter how small your flock, I recommend a 4 x 8 walk in as the minimal size for your coop. You can keep them busy by giving them a deep litter in both coop and run.
 
Penny spender said:
Are you going to buy chicks and raise them or buy hens already laying? If buying older hens, it might be good to start with hens all from the same breeder due to pecking order, diseases, etc. I bought mine from a backyard breeder - no pure breds, but all different colours which was important to me. lol If buying chicks, you shouldn't have any of those integration issues.[/QUOTE I had thought I would like to buy adults already laying, but since I kinda have my heart set on certain breeds, mostly for their beauty, and their temperment, but to get the breeds I'd like to have, now I'm leaning heavily toward chicks, all purchased at the same time, raised together. I do realize you can have individuals of any breed that can vary from the behavioral "norm". I only want 5, maybe 6 hens total. The coop I have is approx 16 sq feet of indoor coop, with a 4.5 x 8 foot open area below. But the total area that will be fenced in is 15 x 10 feet. I have sewn this area with wheat & yellow millet seed. I won't be getting birds till in the spring. But I want to plan ahead & tap into the experience of others so I can do right by my birds when I do get them. Thanks for all the welcomes everyone!
Click to expand...
 
I had thought I would like to buy adults already laying, but since I kinda have my heart set on certain breeds, mostly for their beauty, and their temperment, but to get the breeds I'd like to have, now I'm leaning heavily toward chicks, all purchased at the same time, raised together. I do realize you can have individuals of any breed that can vary from the behavioral "norm". I only want 5, maybe 6 hens total. The coop I have is approx 16 sq feet of indoor coop, with a 4.5 x 8 foot open area below. But the total area that will be fenced in is 15 x 10 feet. I have sewn this area with wheat & yellow millet seed. I won't be getting birds till in the spring. But I want to plan ahead & tap into the experience of others so I can do right by my birds when I do get them. Thanks for all the welcomes everyone!
 
lazy gardener said:
Good morning Chrissy. No matter what birds you choose for your flock (and you have made some sensible choices) there will always be one bird who is the flock master, and there will be one or two birds who are at the bottom of the pecking order. All the birds in the middle will be busy seeing to it that they maintain their standing in the pecking order, or even rise up to the next rung of the pecking order ladder.

So... the most important thing you can do to maintain flock harmony is to be sure your coop and run are big enough to prevent aggression issues: Minimum of 4 s.f. in coop per bird, 10 s.f. in run per bird. Plenty of diversionary activities: multi level spaces. It's best if you can have your coop be a walk in. No matter how small your flock, I recommend a 4 x 8 walk in as the minimal size for your coop. You can keep them busy by giving them a deep litter in both coop and run.
Click to expand...
 
I knew that all birds of a flock will have a pecking order, My ex & I raised pet parrots years ago & the severe macaw & yellow crowned amazon when they were out sitting with me had their pecking order, & the chickens Mom had always had a pecking order. My hope is that with all typically docile breeds I won't have bloodshed! When you say provide a deep litter for my birds, what is this, & how big does it need to be?
 
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A deep litter is made up of compostable materials: leaves, grass, garden debris, hay, wood chips. Once the birds have devoured the grass in their run, you can build a deep litter, with a goal to have it be a minimum of 6" deep. If you do a thread search on the topic, you'll find a number of threads that discuss the topic. The DL helps keep pathogens in check while causing proliferation of beneficial bacteria and fungi which build the bird's gut flora and help with digestion and immunity. The DL also draws beneficial insects and worms which the birds will spend hours foraging for.
 

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