I'm new to chickens, and I have TONS of questions! HELP!

[Judy]

There is a lot of basic information on this site. You might start on the FAQ page, under Index (top left.)

It would help a lot if you would go to profiles along the top and add your state or country to your profile.

 

[tomato lady]

Hi,
I am new to chickens too but have learned one valuable lesson. I built my coop on the ground with treated 4 x 4 s for a foundation and just left the dirt floor. They all love scratching in the dirt.

I was working on their chicken yard yesterday when I saw one of my chicks outside outside! Oops! I thought I had my coop chicken proof. As it turned out, I did -- until my good old faithful dog dug under from outside! He didn't hurt the chick, but he did dig a hole big enough for the 5 week old to get out and then some.

Today I am putting a wood floor in my coop even though I didn't want to spend the time and money, or take away from my chick's scratching fun.

Take the digging factor into consideration when you build your coop.

Viki

 

[Mebopo]

Thanks 4 all the help!!

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Easier than putting in a floor would be to put in a wire apron so nothing can dig in. See other posts for description, but it's pretty easy and cheap to do, and quite effective if done properly.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[cmom]

Quote:
Depends on you local laws.

2. Can I have different breeds living in the same coop?

Yes

3. I have an area that is Length - 12, With - 6, and Height - 8, is that enough for 5-10 chickens WITH a run?

It's ok. Also are you going to let them roam your yard (free range)?

4. Can and egg hatch with no rooster?

No. The Rooster need to fertilize the egg.

5. How much to chickens cost per year?

The first year a lot with the costs of the coop, run, feeder, waterer and other things plus feed. Also it depends on how many birds you're feeding.

6. I'm making my own coop, any ideas?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html

7. What is a roost? do I need one??

A roost is usually a 2x4 piece of wood attached in the coop for the birds to sleep on at night. If they sleep in the nest boxes most likely you'll have poopy eggs.

Ok, that's it, but I really need some answers,

Good luck, have fun,​

 

[cmom]

Quote:
It's not necessary. I have some insulation in one of my coops also to help keep the coop cooler.

 

[cmom]

again. Here is a great reference book, Gail Damerow's 'Storey's Guide to Chickens' is an excellent guide, as well as this web site an excellent source of information.

These sites are especially helpful in selecting breeds.
http://www.mypetchicken.com/breedQuestions.aspx
Henderson's Chicken Breed Chart
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html

Also here are some other good sites and info and more good links.
http://www.mypetchicken.com/aboutChickens.aspx
https://www.backyardchickens.com/lcenter.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart

 

[hrmalexandra]

I would recommend getting books to read because they are more organized than a fast moving forum like this one. Once you get the basic info you can ask the more in-depth questions on the site.

 

[aupoet]

Hi, regarding some of your questions. A rooster will make alot of noise and can make it at all times of the day or night, especially if there are bright lights around at night. You do not need a rooster to get eggs. In fact hens will actually lay better without a rooster chasing them around, but if you want fertile eggs to hatch, then as others have already said, you have to have a rooster. Hens will be noisy also as they cackle loudly when laying. To find out how much feed will cost in your area, go to a local feed supply store and price it. You can figure on feeding about 3 to 4 lbs. of grain a day to 10 or 12 birds that are full grown and laying. Add to that an equal amount of laying mash every other day. But this really depends on the size of the hens you have, their age, and what else they get in the way of greens and yard gleanings.
It is best to start with too few chickens than too many. In a crowded, small pen they will quickly have the ground bare and it will turn to mud or dust.
Also about the use of a wood floor in a coop, you better be ready for mice and rats. They love living around chicken pens because of all the waste feed and free eggs and the area under a wood floor is heaven to them. If fact your dog may have already been after one when she/he dug under the coop the first time.
Here's some links to good articles about chickens http://www.ehow.com/how_4614704_should-raise-chickens-pros-cons.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4664530_decide-breed-chickens-raise.html
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/92184_feeding-your-chickens
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/69719_raising-and-hatching-out-baby-chicks
I hope this helps and good luck.