Hello - we currently do not have chickens but want to start. We live on 15 acres in Sanger, TX. Right now we are trying to decide to build vs. buy a coup for around $150. Would like to start small 2-3 chicks and go from there. We are a family of 3 - we have a 4-year old little girl. We also have two schnauzers and one paint horse. We are pretty new to this adventure but know we can do it. My grandparents had chickens growing up and they chased us all over and were mean. We are looking at different breeds right now that would be appropriate for our kiddo. Any tips, tricks, etc. wanted! Just trying to research everything before we get into this, but we are excited! We have coyotes that roam the area and "good" snakes, so we have some hurdles to think about as well. Thanks for having us!!
Introduction
- Thread starter co2tea
- Start date
Hi, it's nice to have you here!
You might want to chat with other members in your general area...here's a link to the TX state thread:Texas
I would recommend you start with at least 3 chicks as sometimes a chick just doesn't make it and having a lonely single can be difficult. As for a coop, your money will go farther if you build one rather than buying one (and you'll end up with a bigger, better coop that way). Check out the Coops section for lots of ideas:
Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance
chicken-coops.12
Best of luck to you!
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks!!!
Hi, it's nice to have you here!
You might want to chat with other members in your general area...here's a link to the TX state thread:Texas
I would recommend you start with at least 3 chicks as sometimes a chick just doesn't make it and having a lonely single can be difficult. As for a coop, your money will go farther if you build one rather than buying one (and you'll end up with a bigger, better coop that way). Check out the Coops section for lots of ideas:
Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance
chicken-coops.12
Best of luck to you!
I agree with what NFC said ^^ As for breeds if you could get bantams they're usually better for little kids as they fit in their hands (though they do have a bit more personality!) and for bigger friendly birds I can't not mentions cochins! Our easter eggers have been wonderful and lay more than the cochins, the other really friendly birds we have are easter egger mixes 
Best of luck to you!
Best of luck to you!
Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC! 
We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.
This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:
I would suggest building your own coop...for sure.
Pre-made ones don't seem to ever be big enough.
Look up Ideal Poultry, the are here in Texas and you can order as few or many as you like.
CURRENT COOP CONTEST click here >>#1
We are glad you joined our flock.Jump right in and make yourself at home.
This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:
Pre-made ones don't seem to ever be big enough.
Look up Ideal Poultry, the are here in Texas and you can order as few or many as you like.
CURRENT COOP CONTEST click here >>#1
Welcome to Backyard chickens!I vote for building your coop too!
A $150.00 coop will not be as good as one you build for that amount.
Duck Lover88
Songster
Howdy and I love paints!! and I personally think that you should make a coop.... it generally saves $$
I love paints!! and I personally think that you should make a coop.... it generally saves $$
Howdy neighbor Happy 
to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
Having lived in that area of N. Texas, you will also have to contend with raccoons and bobcats. As far as snakes, copperhead's are also in that area. Better to build your fort, err uh coop than buy, it will need to be well built to protect from the predators of that area.
Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!Having lived in that area of N. Texas, you will also have to contend with raccoons and bobcats. As far as snakes, copperhead's are also in that area. Better to build your fort, err uh coop than buy, it will need to be well built to protect from the predators of that area.
- Thread starter
- #9
G’Day from down under co2tea Welcome!
Having battled with a prefab coop which became two prefabs joined together after chicken math set in, I too recommend building if you can. We gave up on the prefabs and built.
Having only bantams myself, I am, of course, going to recommend them also!
I have found Bantam Cochins [or Pekins, or Pekin Cochin, depending on from where you hail] to be adorable and friendly. However, be warned, they do tend to go broody and you may give in to that broodiness and give them some fertile eggs to hatch .. etc etc, chicken math 
You might be interested in downloading this free e-book My First Year With Chickens
I do hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.
BYC has a Learning Centre and also Topic of the Week articles which I have found to be a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group. Two in particular which may be of interest to you at this stage are:
Topic of the Week - Getting Started, Keeping Chickens
Topic of the Week - Keeping the Flock Safe from Predators
If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out
Best wishes and good luck!
Welcome!Having battled with a prefab coop which became two prefabs joined together after chicken math set in, I too recommend building if you can. We gave up on the prefabs and built.
Having only bantams myself, I am, of course, going to recommend them also!
I have found Bantam Cochins [or Pekins, or Pekin Cochin, depending on from where you hail] to be adorable and friendly. However, be warned, they do tend to go broody and you may give in to that broodiness and give them some fertile eggs to hatch .. etc etc, chicken math You might be interested in downloading this free e-book My First Year With Chickens
I do hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.
BYC has a Learning Centre and also Topic of the Week articles which I have found to be a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group. Two in particular which may be of interest to you at this stage are:
Topic of the Week - Getting Started, Keeping Chickens
Topic of the Week - Keeping the Flock Safe from Predators
If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out
Best wishes and good luck!
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