I'm new with questions!

[MoTappin]

I posted this over on the introductions forum but thought I'd put it here as well and might get more responses.

Hi all! DH and I have discovered that we can have up to 5 chickens (since we already have 1 dog and the limit is 6 pets) here in suburbia (Sandy, UT). We have been researching and are getting ready to get started.

I do have a few random questions if anyone can help!

1. I've read you can used shredded paper for baby chick bedding. Is this okay to do? For 5 chicks, how big/deep should the brooder box be?
2. I've also read you can use low, heavy bowls for food and water for the babies. Will the bowls really work or do we need to get/make something else? I've seen the instructions on making your own feeders/waterers for the coop, but I'm sure those are too big for the chickies.
3. Would you change anything about this coop design? Is it big enough for 5? http://www.organicgardening.com/pdf/coop_plans.pdf
The only thing I can see it might be missing is a roost. Is a roost/perch better inside or outside? I'm also trying to decide where we would put the food and water in this design.
4. How long do hens REALLY lay? I've heard 2-4 years and into their teens. When will the production slow down?

Any input? I've enjoyed reading this forum. I've turned in to a chicken freak! Thanks in advance!

 

[agirly4chicks]

I don't have any answeres for you as I am new here also.

But I have also became a chicken freak and BYC freak. I wish they would take my internet away from my work. Not really but so I can get some work done.

Here's a toast to the chicken freaks!!!

 

[chickenfever]

You might want to try just asking one question at at time. Like the coop question in the coop section of the forum. And the egg question in the Chicken behaviors and laying section. It just might make it easier for people to answer your questions.

 

[RendonRoo]

I wouldn't suggest paper because of the ink and chemicals. It can also get matted and chicks will eat about anything. It could clog them up. Pine shavings are rather cheep and work well. Put paper towels over the shavings for the first couple of days. Feed stores have small water and feed dispencers that work well and will help keep the chicks from drowning in bowl or wasting their food. They are about 5 bucks each and worth it. Chickens sleep on their roost so if they will be inside at night they will need roost inside. Just need a 2x4 laid down flat so they can keep toes covered on cold nights. BTW.... Welcome to BYC and chicken insanity. Good Luck and post pics.

 

[chickenfever]

I forgot to say

 

[Machelle the chellbug!]

Oh I remember those days of getting things ready!

lots of reading! The chick box doesn't need to be more then a ft/two and a half or three ft. wide. we bought a bag of compressed pellets from the feed store, it absorbs the poo and you can pick it with scooper or something..as they grew we put a roost in the pin to train them to roost.. My kitty's loved watching them.

As for water I would just buy a small waterer from the feed store They're pretty cheap..3.00 they can get water everywhere, and same with the feed..I like less clean-up more watching!!
As for the roost inside or out, my husband put two inside the coop one lower and set not directly under the higher one..for well poo reasons! and we have one outside too! I have six girls and they have plenty of room!

Have fun!!!