looking to get started

[Davidlonghair76]

hello everyone my name is David ,I just moved to the country and i am loving it out here. I live in North Carolina where the winters are fairly mild and summers are hot,but not unbearable.I,m looking into starting up with chickens. I mainly want eggs,and meat to help support a family of four.i dont want to get overwhelmed with chickens as soon as i get going,and i dont want intial costs to take forever to hit payback.We might eat 3 chickens a month ,and about 2dozen eggs a month.i dont care for the idea of "broilers"or 8 weeks to slaughter.i perfer free range during the day and coop at night.I,m prepared to build coop to suit needs.I need to know if keeping chickens from bities or "chicks" is going to be a huge investment.and do I need to worry about shots,or tags,or "special" equipment to buy.I know on the coop that I need 4 sq.ft per chicken.How many should I start with.Should i start with chicks or older fowl?any advice is welcomed
thank you

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

People are often able to build nice coops with scrap wood and inexpensive items off Craigslist.

 

[thasista]

Hi from KY!

Check out the learning center and the overwhelming majority of your questions will be answered!

 

[LovePolish2]

Welcome from Missouri

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, David, and

! Pleased you joined our flock! I agree - the Learning Center will teach you what is involved on getting up and running in the chicken biz. Happy researching and best of luck!

 

[S&N Livestock]

from Ohio

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[sourland]

Hello, David, welcome to BYC.