Congratulations on buying the farm and
!
I second the sterilization of the coop before moving any new residents in - VERY IMPORTANT! I use Oxine and recommend it. If you search "Oxine" on BYC, you will find many threads to tell you about it.
I am giving you fair warning
:
Proceed with CAUTION!!! CHICKENS ARE ADDICTIVE!!! (Search "Chicken Math" on BYC.)
Sounds like you have some time to do some research before deciding what breeds to start with. Make a list of priorities for your chickens to help guide you.
What is your main purpose for having chickens - eggs, meat, both, pretty yard ornaments (this is where most rare breeds find purpose
), pretty color eggs, helping preserve a rare breed, cuddly pets, etc.
Start in the "Breeds" section in the menu. Take notes on breeds that interest you. Then browse the various breed threads here on BYC to find out what other members think of those breeds.
When you decide what breeds you want, that may determine whether you start with started birds or look for chicks. Or, you could go really overboard at the start and buy an incubator and hatch your own. If you choose the latter, be sure to research new coops while you are researching incubators, because you will need more coops and soon!
Good luck with your farm and keep us updated on your progress!
