Interested in raising chickens

[NookChook]

Hello - interested in raising chickens but want to do all of my research and builds before getting chicks. Realistically I am looking at about a year out before actually obtaining chickens. I guess I’ll start with the “coup”. I have a barn that is mostly used for storage. I am thinking of converting one of the stalls into the coup. Stall is 10x10. The back side of the stall has a door leading to back of the barn which I would fence in for the run. This would be about 8’x30’ (the length of the barn). I have a million questions but I will start with how many chickens would be good for this size? I was thinking of starting with 6-8. Secondly as far as the floor in the stall it is currently a dirt floor. I was planning on finishing it with pressure treated plywood and then topping it with linoleum? Thoughts on this? Sorry this is so long for first post. A bit of an over thinker I guess. Just new at this and want to do it correctly.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community!
Best wishes and have lots of fun!

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. I tend to over think things as well. But, I think that is better than under thinking or NOT thinking at all. I like to plan for any variables before I lock into anything.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would leave the floor dirt and use poop boards under the roosts and a thick layer of bedding, like pine shavings or hemp bedding.
I would max out at no more than 24 birds.
You will want to enclose the stall in hardware cloth and include a predator apron to keep rats and digging predators out.

 

[Silkies for life]

Welcome!!

 

[NookChook]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would leave the floor dirt and use poop boards under the roosts and a thick layer of bedding, like pine shavings or hemp bedding.
I would max out at no more than 24 birds.
You will want to enclose the stall in hardware cloth and include a predator apron to keep rats and digging predators out.

Thanks for your input! 24 birds!? Seems like a lot for a beginner but maybe someday. Are there any negatives of keeping a smaller number say 10 hens in a 10x10 stall? I guess I’m thinking of warmth in winters? I am in central New York State

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[N F C]

It sounds like having a barn stall will give you a good start to a nice sized coop.

Best wishes with your build!

 

[Buckeye Amy]

Welcome! As with all things, you can make raising chickens as complicated as you like. I have found them to be the easiest livestock to have. Taking time to learn about all the ins and outs before you get started is a good idea. I enjoy my chickens and the eggs are just wonderful. I think it’s important to research and find the breed that best suits your life. There are many to choose from. Good luck and enjoy your chicken adventure!

 

[sourland]

Good morning, and welcome to BYC.