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Looking to get my own chickens for the first time!

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Budell1996

In the Brooder
Nov 27, 2023
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Hello everyone,

I'm from SW Michigan, I am looking to set up my first coops here in the spring of 2024. I have about 12 acres of land and I don't exactly know where to start. I'd like to know what all I need in order to set up my first set of chicken coops. My goal is to raise my own chicks in hopes they can provide fresh eggs for the family (3 of us).

I live in some pretty harsh conditions being so close to the lake, so any tips on the proper set-up, what I would need to cover up the coops and maintain them. I hope to get building them towards the end of the gloomy winter months!

Any feedback is appreciate :)

Thanks!
 
Welcome!
Don't buy a premade 'chicken coop'! At least show photos and measurements here first, most of them are miserable things. A garden shed, modified with more window openings and ventilation, either on a concrete foundation, or with a wide wire skirt, works very well. Then, a fenced outdoor run, made safe as possible, because every critter loves to eat chicken!
Read up on breeds, considering what your goals are, and best to start small, so you can learn as you go. Henderson's breed chart is online, and feathersite, both fun to see. Also big hatchery catalogs, like Cackle and MurrayMcMurray.
Having electricity in the coop is almost a necessity up here, because keeping drinking water unfrozen is not fun without it in winter. Also having a light out there is very nice.
Mary
 
Folly's place said:
Welcome!
Don't buy a premade 'chicken coop'! At least show photos and measurements here first, most of them are miserable things. A garden shed, modified with more window openings and ventilation, either on a concrete foundation, or with a wide wire skirt, works very well. Then, a fenced outdoor run, made safe as possible, because every critter loves to eat chicken!
Read up on breeds, considering what your goals are, and best to start small, so you can learn as you go. Henderson's breed chart is online, and feathersite, both fun to see. Also big hatchery catalogs, like Cackle and MurrayMcMurray.
Having electricity in the coop is almost a necessity up here, because keeping drinking water unfrozen is not fun without it in winter. Also having a light out there is very nice.
Mary
Click to expand...
Thanks so much for all of your insight, Mary! :D I'll definitely look up some of those catalogs that you mentioned. I'll have to do some further researching on setting up the construction of the coop, I had no idea keeping it heated was essential! Thank again.
 
Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you here in this poultry loving community. Having experienced several winters in S Michigan what Mary has told you is spot on. No one has mentioned breeds yet but for a start for eggs I'd want 6-8 Wyandottes for a winter hardy breed. There are others but this is the one I've known about for a few years.

https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/white_wyandottes.html
 
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