Listing supplies needed for start-up with layer chickens

[toochicky]

Hey Guys,

I need some help. I am trying to price out my starting costs for having chickens. I hope to have 7 chickens total (6 layers and a rooster). I think a 11ft by 4 ft coop (run included in that measurement) would work for this amount, right (at 4 sq feet per chicken) or could I go smaller? I am trying to get a list of everything I would need as if I was buying it all (I know some I might be able to make). Are there any items that you have now but didn't know about when you started? Anything you see missing from my start-up list?

Also, Do i need grit if I have sand in their run?

Here is what I have so far, please help if I leave anything out:

2 Good books on Chicken Raising
Chicken Brooder (Heat lamp, chick waterer, chick feeder)
Chicken Coop and Run
Nesting Boxes
Roosts (If I need more than 2)
Oyster Shell
DE
Sand (For Run)
Pine Shavings (For Coop)
Chicken Feeder
Chicken Waterer
Chicken Starter/Crumble Feed
Chicken Scratch

Thanks!

 

[Avalon1984]

Kudos to you for wanting to get prepared. I can add taht you may want to have a good supply of "grit" for your chickens.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

If this is to be a fixed coop and run then I'd think bigger. In my tractors I prefer five square feet per bird. But those are moved every day to give them access to fresh pasture. For a stationary structure I'd think closer to ten square feet per if these are large fowl and not bantams. I'd also not have a rooster under such close conditions. Your hens will thank you for it.

 

[hmmcc123]

Hello and

Looks like you have a great list! I did want to note though that you might not have enough space for 7 chickens. I believe that most BYCers recommend 4sq. ft for the coop per chicken and at least 10sq. ft. of run space per chicken so for 7 chickens you would want a total of at least 28sq. ft. for the coop and then at least 70 sq. ft. in the run. This is based on the larger breed chickens, for banty sized I think it is a minimum of 2 sq. ft. coop and 8 sq. ft. run.

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[toochicky]

Hmm..I don't know how to implement pictures but this what I am thinking about getting for a coop (not from this company though). It looks pretty big. The site says that this model is around 11 feet by 4 feet by 7.5 feet tall. I haven't really seen many bigger ones.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/grd/2670642660.html

Can someone show an example picture of one that would be a better fit?

And thanks!

 

[hmmcc123]

Quote:
That could house 3-4 chickens. (Cute coop btw.)

Click on my BYC page and see my set up. I have 10 larger breed hens and I have a 8x5 coop with a second story for mostly roost space. (I can post more photos for you.) My run is 132 sq. ft. total for the 10 of them plus they free range.

Let me know if you would like more detailed photos!

 

[carrlr]

So your looking to spend $880 on that coop. It's pretty costly, and small, too small for 7 regular size birds. With minimals skills, or assistance you could probably build something sturdier that would cost less. Initially, I can't think of anything needed for your list that wasn't already included or mentioned.

 

[hmmcc123]

Oh! BTW, you wanted to know starter costs too. So far, we have spent (and we have been frugal) around $1,200-$1,500. This includes EVERYTHING chicken related, including chicks, feed, meds, you name it!

Heidi

 

[toochicky]

hmmcc 123...Your page is great! I see what you mean on the coop.. so something more like a shed than a box. Interesting. I would love to see more detailed photo's of your coop, especially the interior! I love that you painted it, I hope to do that as well.


Carrlr.. Not looking to buy from that company. Debating between searching around for a cheap company, or attempting to build myself. If I built myself though, I would have to buy the tools and supplies, which might only be slightly cheaper than buying a coop. Considering we are going from apartment life to country life (so nothing more than a hammer and nails in our tool cabinet atm). However, the investment of tools might be worth it considering we will have goats and chickens. Then again, I have never built anything with wood, except a cutting board in highschool.

 

[hmmcc123]

Quote:
I'll start uploading photos now! I will put them on my BYC page since I had planned on doing that soon anyways!