Need Advice! Going shopping for my new chickens

[chickengirl280]

What breed of food do you favor? What type of litter? What sized feeder and waterers? I live in ny, should i free range? Getting 6 Buff Orpingtons

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

For bedding I use pine shavings. Try to stay away from cedar shavings, as they can cause respiratory problems.

Free ranging is up to you. I don't free range my flock unless I am working outside, or the dogs are outside. Predators can attack more easily if you free range. With that said, the chickens really enjoy it, and the greens can help them produce healthier eggs. A good rooster can add some flock protection.

You should be able to get feeders and waterers at your local feed store. I always start out with chick sized ones (1 quart). Then once they get older I give them a big, gallon sized one.


Good luck!

 

[chocbantamorps]

I am also a newbie. I got two black bantam orpington chicks last fall who are now laying eggs. And I hatched out 6 chocolate and 1 black bantam orpington chicks last March.

I used pine bedding since that is readily available. As the other poster said don't use cedar shavings. I use the Dumor brand of poultry feed because a friend of mine was having very good luck with it with her ducks. But most brands are pretty good. Just make sure you get the kind that goes with the age of your chickens ie. chicks up to ten weeks, teens from 10 to 18 weeks, and layers. I also started out with the chick size of waterer and feeder from Tractor Supply and then graduated to a larger kind as the chickens matured. I prefer plastic since that is easier to clean.

I don't free range myself because of all the predators around including your own family dog and the neighbors dog. I do have a large run for them which is covered and uses 2x4 welded fencing.

Another good source of information is books you can borrow from your local library or purchase from a bookstore. One that I really like is titled "The Small-scale poultry flock" by Harvey Ussery.

Have fun with your orps.