my first time having chickens; any advice?

[mfpif16]

my coop came on friday!!!! I spent the whole day assembling it, but the roof was cracked. we emailed the company for a new one.

 

[Kagu]

oh, and one more question. do i need to put anything in the floor of my coop? if so, Sand, or deep litter?

We use hay, but some people can have chickens who get sour crop...

If you use sand, then its like a giant litterbox >You can churn it around, but eventually, it'll have to be changed. And thats a LOT of sand! If it were me, I'd use hay. Deep litter is best for winter because it causes SO much heat!

 

[mfpif16]

ok, thanks. I'll probably end up using hay.
oh, and I figured out names for my chickens. I'm going to call them Phoebe and Popcorn.

 

[Kagu]

You should get more then 2 but its OK, but I still suggest 3-5. Housing that many doesn't take much room, depending on the breeds

Hope you love them!

 

[mfpif16]

thanks! here is the coop I have: http://chickensaloon.com/the-corral-backyard-chicken-coop/
I'm not sure if it would fit more than 2 chickens. what do you think? we are getting Favorelles.

 

[WingnutCrazy]

For a friendly breed I would suggest Mille-Fleur. They get to about 8 inches tall and lay a reasonably well-sized egg. Also, I don't know if you've ever heard of a Hamburg, but we have the friendliest hamburg rooster. Last, but not least, I recommend Australorp.

 

[mfpif16]

Thanks! I looked at them. Humburgs look great, and I would get an Austrolorp, but I'm not sure they would survive a new england winter.

 

[Kagu]

Nearly ANY chicken can survive ANY winter with

A dry coop
A not moist coop
A clean coop
And a ventilated coop.

Austrolorps shall be alrighty in England, even if its moist there just remember to make sure the coop is ventilated and clean and you'll be OK!

 

[mfpif16]

ok, thank you!! We found a place near us to get the chickens, and we're going to pick them up on Monday. I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!

 

[mfpif16]

YAAAAAAAAY!!!!!! Chickens came home today!!! They are Bantam favorals and their names are Popcorn, Phoebe and Samantha. Sorry if I am boring you guys with this random info, but I am SOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!!