Maine

Hello from Richmond, I am just starting out looking into having chickens. I am completely overwhelmed! It seems like a pretty expensive start up cost when considering the cost of a good coop. I would like one that is large enough to have a door to step into it (probably why this is all so pricey) but it seems like the best way to care for and clean up the coop. I had chickens growing up and now want to have that same experience (and fresh eggs) for my children. Also, do I have to run electricity to the coop. It seems as though there are different opinions on that? I dont plan on having eggs during the winter months. Do I need to provide heat in the winter? Or just a well insulated coop?
Welcome! I once had a coop in an out building, ran a sturdy estension cord to it (through a shallow buried plastic pipe) for lights and a heated water fount. A coop needs to be secure (no holes above 1/2") to secure from varmits (esp weasels, we recently had an exchange on that, I'm trying to secure the run currently). I can no longer get out to the outbuilding (wheelchair) but have made a coop on my side porch (which has 3 5'x5' windows). A little side porch or attached shed has convenient access to water and power (mine is accesed through the utility room on the north side of my house. Also can be entered without going outside (great during storms) and stays about 8 degrees warmer than outside temperatures. The coop has ventilation but no drafts and I don't heat it.

Question for experienced hatchers: I have a broody setting, started on March 24th (afternoon). Some of the eggs got cold before being collected so unsure if some were viable.) About 2 weeks into the set, she rolled one of the eggs out of the nest (it was cloudy inside with a nubbin but no chick). On what date may I assume the remaing, unhatched eggs are a lost cause? The broody, (a tiny bantam Wyandotte) is setting fo the first time but is glued to the nest evety time I look in (execpt for seconds long dashes to the treat bowl when it is put in). She is in a large wire dog crate with her own nest, water fount and feed).
 
Welcome! I once had a coop in an out building, ran a sturdy estension cord to it (through a shallow buried plastic pipe) for lights and a heated water fount. A coop needs to be secure (no holes above 1/2") to secure from varmits (esp weasels, we recently had an exchange on that, I'm trying to secure the run currently). I can no longer get out to the outbuilding (wheelchair) but have made a coop on my side porch (which has 3 5'x5' windows). A little side porch or attached shed has convenient access to water and power (mine is accesed through the utility room on the north side of my house. Also can be entered without going outside (great during storms) and stays about 8 degrees warmer than outside temperatures. The coop has ventilation but no drafts and I don't heat it.

Question for experienced hatchers: I have a broody setting, started on March 24th (afternoon). Some of the eggs got cold before being collected so unsure if some were viable.) About 2 weeks into the set, she rolled one of the eggs out of the nest (it was cloudy inside with a nubbin but no chick). On what date may I assume the remaing, unhatched eggs are a lost cause? The broody, (a tiny bantam Wyandotte) is setting fo the first time but is glued to the nest evety time I look in (execpt for seconds long dashes to the treat bowl when it is put in). She is in a large wire dog crate with her own nest, water fount and feed).

As far as cold, I guess it depends. We have had luck with eggs that we pulled out of the fridge and they hatched.

If there was no new eggs added to her clutch then I would say day 25 is all over just to be safe. If your still not sure you can candle before tossing them out.
 
Does anyone know where to get ducks- other then tractor supply etc- they had 3 when we were there today, but wouldnt sell only 3. apparently maine law is they have to sell 6? - I would only want a few to see if I could handle them. we have 1 rooster, 9 hens- one of the hens is sitting, dont know if any will hatch out- this would be her second "batch" of babies. and will be getting 4 more americanas in may. ( Ill have my farm yet!). Im intrested in ducks, maybe turkeys...any advice/info?
 
Does anyone know where to get ducks- other then tractor supply etc- they had 3 when we were there today, but wouldnt sell only 3. apparently maine law is they have to sell 6? - I would only want a few to see if I could handle them. we have 1 rooster, 9 hens- one of the hens is sitting, dont know if any will hatch out- this would be her second "batch" of babies. and will be getting 4 more americanas in may. ( Ill have my farm yet!). Im intrested in ducks, maybe turkeys...any advice/info?

If you are near Saco there is Al's Quackery. She advertises on Craigslist quite a bit and has a Facebook page.
 
my kids were lucky enough to "duck sit" over the winter to find out if they really liked ducks before the commitment. the results, they love the ducks but boy are they messy as ducklings- water everywhere!!!

Does anyone know where to get ducks- other then tractor supply etc- they had 3 when we were there today, but wouldnt sell only 3. apparently maine law is they have to sell 6? - I would only want a few to see if I could handle them. we have 1 rooster, 9 hens- one of the hens is sitting, dont know if any will hatch out- this would be her second "batch" of babies. and will be getting 4 more americanas in may. ( Ill have my farm yet!). Im intrested in ducks, maybe turkeys...any advice/info?
 
Does anyone know where to get ducks- other then tractor supply etc- they had 3 when we were there today, but wouldnt sell only 3. apparently maine law is they have to sell 6? - I would only want a few to see if I could handle them. we have 1 rooster, 9 hens- one of the hens is sitting, dont know if any will hatch out- this would be her second "batch" of babies. and will be getting 4 more americanas in may. ( Ill have my farm yet!). Im intrested in ducks, maybe turkeys...any advice/info?

I also recommend Al's Quackery. I got my ducks from her. I have pekin/pekin cross eggs if you want to try to hatch.
 
Just brought back a batch of chicks from April King in NH - such great quality! I have a few avail for sale - can't keep them all! I have Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, Black Copper and Birchen Marans and OliveEggers. Let me know if interested - always nice to have some new bloodlines avail locally -
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