Just saying Hi!

[JAiello]

My name is Joe Aiello and i am new to this website as well as new to raising hens for eggs. I just finished building my chicken coop which i got from this webpage, called the Wichita Cabin Chicken Coop. Came out ok if i do say so myself.

I have a few finishing details and than ordering the chickens and bringing them home. I have twin 12 year old girls and this was their wish, so i made it happen. Our goal is to get eggs so not quite sure what chickens to get, but was told to look at McMurrays Ranch for ideas. If someone knows anything else, i will take the information gladly.

My local feed store told me about this website and McMurrays, so i have been doing some research. Just to make one thing very clear, i grew up in New York City and have zero knowledge on raising chickens. This is what i need this community for.

I will take any advise someone is willing to give about the following - what do i lay on the floor of the run, and what kind of food should i buy and how often do i feed the chickens. BTW we are supposedly getting 4-5 chickens.

OK, now for the dumb question, yes i am calling myself out, do i need a rooster? Yes i said it, Do i need a rooster for the hens.

 

[Teila]

G'Day from down under JAiello Welcome!

I 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 Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. This one may be of particular interest:
Topic of the Week - Roosters, Yes or No?

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

Including your general location on your profile will assist others. Location, climate, season etc can be important factors when members are responding to any questions you may have and vice versa.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

You may be interested in these links:

• Learning Centre
• Articles
• Pickin a Chicken
• How Much Room do Chickens Need?

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome. You don't need a rooster unless you want fertile eggs for hatching . Hens will lay just as many eggs without a rooster although they be be infertile.

 

[JAiello]

G'Day from down under JAiello Welcome!

I 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 Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. This one may be of particular interest:
Topic of the Week - Roosters, Yes or No?

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

Including your general location on your profile will assist others. Location, climate, season etc can be important factors when members are responding to any questions you may have and vice versa.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

You may be interested in these links:

• Learning Centre
• Articles
• Pickin a Chicken
• How Much Room do Chickens Need?

Thank you. I just updated my location. Also thank you for the advice. Might be visiting Australia next year.

 

[JAiello]

Welcome. You don't need a rooster unless you want fertile eggs for hatching . Hens will lay just as many eggs without a rooster although they be be infertile.

Great and thanks for not laughing in my face. I really didn't want to annoy my neighbors.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome! We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

No you do not need a rooster.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

BYC has an APP!

 

[JAiello]

Welcome! We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

No you do not need a rooster.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

BYC has an APP!

Great Thanks

 

[Kiki]

Feed a complete poultry feed.
Usually sold for different stages of life.
Starter feed for chicks
Layer feed for laying hens.

I recommend not even buying scratch and keeping treats to a minimum.
Here is a good read.
http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

Learn about and practice biosecurity.
Good link below in my signature line.

 

[haileyeverhart]

Welcome! A lot of chickens are good layers. But for your girls, I would get friendly breeds such as Barred Rocks, Easter Eggers, Orpingtons, Cochins, etc, they all lay well and different colored eggs and will prove to be great pets (I know from experience). Breeds you do not want are meat birds such as Cornish Crosses, they do not lay for long and dont live to a year old usually. Id also stay away from Isa Browns, they have health issues as well. When you get your chicks they may get constipate, sneeze, and concerning legs or beak. These issues can usually be resolved and youll find the answers to them in the emergency forum on this website (or google!). For feed you want chick starter, not layer or meat feed, and non-medicated. A waterer and a feeder are required and make sure to add small rocks to the waterer because they can drown in shallow water. They need a heat lamp! Any lamp that you think isnt a fire hazard and generates enough heat will be fine, they dont need it once they grow all their feathers. For bedding they NEED shavings! Or else their legs and toes will splay and not develop properly. Newspaper is not good bedding. For a coop outside you dont really need bedding and i dont personally have a coop i have a barn but i see many keepers use sand. Im not sure what else there is to say but you dont need a rooster unless you want crowing all day, mating with your hens, and baby chicks! Hope this can get you started.

 

[JAiello]

Welcome! A lot of chickens are good layers. But for your girls, I would get friendly breeds such as Barred Rocks, Easter Eggers, Orpingtons, Cochins, etc, they all lay well and different colored eggs and will prove to be great pets (I know from experience). Breeds you do not want are meat birds such as Cornish Crosses, they do not lay for long and dont live to a year old usually. Id also stay away from Isa Browns, they have health issues as well. When you get your chicks they may get constipate, sneeze, and concerning legs or beak. These issues can usually be resolved and youll find the answers to them in the emergency forum on this website (or google!). For feed you want chick starter, not layer or meat feed, and non-medicated. A waterer and a feeder are required and make sure to add small rocks to the waterer because they can drown in shallow water. They need a heat lamp! Any lamp that you think isnt a fire hazard and generates enough heat will be fine, they dont need it once they grow all their feathers. For bedding they NEED shavings! Or else their legs and toes will splay and not develop properly. Newspaper is not good bedding. For a coop outside you dont really need bedding and i dont personally have a coop i have a barn but i see many keepers use sand. Im not sure what else there is to say but you dont need a rooster unless you want crowing all day, mating with your hens, and baby chicks! Hope this can get you started.

This is awesome, i am so glad i joined.