Looking to start raiseing a few chickens any suggestions??

[thompsonbeach]

Looking for any help. I want to start with like 2 or 3 chickens to get used to raising them correctly. I' am a carpenter so I can build my own coop. What type I should build? What breed should I get? I live in NJ do I need a breed that can survive the cold winter? Just want to start off right so they will be treated right and have the right amount of space. Any advice will be appreciated. Thank-you Steve

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and

! Great to have you aboard! Here are a few link that might help you out.

For breed selection help here is a chart that compares breeds by attribute:

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

For Coop designs/styles check out the Coops tab here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coop_Designs

For general info on chicken raising you can't go wrong with the Learning Center:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/


You can see what locals are raising in the NJ thread of this link:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you

Chickens handle cold better than heat so just about any breed(s) will suffice for your climate. Just make sure the coop is ventilated but free of drafts. Also, make the coop larger than you think you need in case you ever want to add birds...and you will! Minimum size should be 4 sq. ft. per bird in the coop. Good luck to you!

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Love to hear those words "I am a carpenter." We probably all could use you. I used to be very good with legos but that's about it.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Happy you joined!