Just getting started in Maine

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shabby chic-hens said:
Welcome to BYC ! I am also from ME, so I might be able to answer some of your questions.
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Thanks!! Right now I'm just trying to lay some basic groundwork... how many hens do I want to keep, which will determine coop size, where to locate said coop in my yard... did I mention I'm at the very beginning of this process? Haha. But yeah, I welcome any and all input.

Right now I'm thinking 6-10 hens... would love to know some good cold-weather, friendly breeds that are more prolific layers.
 
OGClucker said:
Everyone talks about the ice storm of '98, but this is the first I'm hearing of the blizzard of '78! I'm happy to be here in this beautiful state, and am thoroughly enjoying making it my home :)
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Depending on where you were, it may well not have been a blizzard. It was certainly a blizzard down around Boston, so I presume that extended along the coast up toward Portland. However, in northern New Hampshire along the Maine border, 150 miles north of Boston, there was no blizzard (no wind), just several feet of snow which we were well able to deal with, followed by really phenomenal skiing.
 
Welcome to the coop! I use the Forums and Articles tabs at the top of the page to do research. You can get lost for hours. It's nice to know you are minutes away from getting help with questions and emergencies! I always check in the "What's New" section as well at the top of this page. This way I can read how I may have a similar question or help give some advice.
 
OGClucker said:
Hello all! I am in the very beginning, research stage, of my hen-keeping journey and am so thrilled to have stumbled upon this website!!! I've been pouring over coop designs, build stories, and seeking out specific information for winter tolerant everything. I've recently moved to Maine and am in the (forever) process of getting my semi-homestead set up: garden, compost, maple syrup, chickens, maybe goats? and all! I have A LOT to learn, but I'm excited for the journey, and really happy to have found this community of insight when it comes to chickens! My plan is to get the coop built this spring/summer and add the hens next year. If I can swing getting it all get done this year that would be great, but I know how these things go - so I don't want to hold myself to unreasonable expectations. Anyway, if many Mainers here have any specific insight, recommendations, or knowledge they're willing to share - I'm all ears!
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I would recommend going with a structure that will house all your animals. It will be a godsend in bad weather when the last thing you want to do is drag your butt outside in a snow storm.
Look at either a simple shed 12x20 or even better a 20x20 pole barn. Bigger can be better. Divide up the interior so you have a chicken area, a goat area, feed storage, even room to store equipment. A walkway down the front will be nice. Big doors that will let you drive the tractor in are another bonus. Runs off the back. Can just have a dirt floor.
 

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