Middle of Iowa, will have Chickens soon

[Cushman]

When growing up in Mich. I never even thought about raising chickens or anything agrarian, always hunting/fishing as hobby. However, after moving to Iowa in 2006 I have slowly become intrigued with agriculture and am within weeks making the move into cultivating my first flock.

I will be starting very small maybe 6-8 from chicks, goal= layers
(not exactly sure of breed mix, have ideas but open to suggestions for IA)

I am open to any suggestions, tips and tricks.

I will build a brooder and purchase the chicks in march and then as the weather breaks i will convert an old 14'diameter (9' high) grain bin into my coop. (hoping to post progress on here and learn from feedback). Should be an interesting bit of re-purposing.

Joining me in my adventure will be my wife (likely from a hands -off distance) and my 2 y.o. son (most likely glued to my hip) and a daughter will join in late April if she abides by her due date.

 

[nestegg]

hi i was just wondering how to get a picture on my profile -i have a photo in my gallery on my computer but dont know how to put it on... please help

 

[JCK4]

I can not get my 2 1/2yo away from our hens for nothing. She's in the coop with them, chases them up the yard, they chase her back down the yard. She feeds them anything she can get her hands on, and helps turn over pavers and walkway stones for them to feast on the bugs hiding under them. When she comes home from school she screams through the house to let them out of the 300sqft aviary their kept in with their coop when were not home. Two of them jump in her lap to be cuddled and petted. They fight for her tiny lap, ha...

Hopefully your 2yo digs it just as much as ours. I'm not sure what's more entertaining, watching her with the chickens or the chickens with her.

Good luck !!!

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Do you want to add an avatar pic? Have a look here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-do-i-add-change-my-avatar

Here are some section you can browse through for tips and ideas and inspiration:

Housing: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

Breeds:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

General:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Build a big coop, as you will want more chickens once you discover how much fun they are! Enjoy your chicken adventures and if you have any questions, feel free to ask. We're here to help.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, cushman, and

! Great to have you and the family with us!! Looks like Sumi has some research set up for you. Iowa has a hatchery or two so you have birds close by. Best of luck to you and enjoy ALL of your new additions!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

I would love to be in Iowa just to be closer to my favorite hatchery, Sand Hill Preservation

 

[thasista]

Hi from Kentucky!!

 

[Kevin565]

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Cushman]

thanks for the greetings