New Chick Mom

Pics
Date sort Score sort
Welcome to the coop! I use the Forums and Articles tabs at the top of the page to do research. You can get lost for hours. It's nice to know you are minutes away from getting help with questions and emergencies! I always check in the "What's New" section as well at the top of this page. This way I can read how I may have a similar question or help give some advice.
 
Glad to meet you, Dixie. Your chicks will need more space. I ended up cutting holes in my brooder boxes (which were cardboard, so it was easier), to attach extra boxes. If chicks (or chickens) feel crowded, they will often either peck at each other or themselves. Watch for this behavior!

Here are my favorite beginning articles that helped me as a newbie. All articles are short, and have illustrations, and reviews, which are often worth looking at for the comments.

1. Intro to chicken keeping

2. Common mistakes & how to fix them

3. Ventilation (important to chicken health), with helpful links to coop designs organized by climate (because what is just right for my New England hens won't work for my brother's Arizona chickens)

3(a). Farmers Almanac on Building Coops (Includes size requirements!)

4. Predator protection for new & existing coops

5. Dealing with a muddy coop and run

6. Winter chicken care

To look for articles on your own:

A. Use the SEARCH button, but use the Advanced Search choice, and select ARTICLES at the top of the box. Just enter your keyword(s) and scroll through your results!

B. I find it helpful to notice the rating and reviews. All articles are by BYC members, and all the reviews/ratings are as well. The ratings help a newbie like me sort the most useful and reliable articles.

C. You can bookmark the articles or posts you think you want to refer to again using that bookmark icon at the top of articles or posts. You can find them again by clicking on your own avatar and looking at the list of bookmarks you have built up!

Notes about where to put a coop:

1. As far as you can, put a coop and run on high ground, that drains well, so you won't have so much muddy coop problems. Chickens need to be dry, dry, dry.

2. As far as you can, put a coop with the ventilation lined up with your prevailing breezes, and away from the direction of your storms. If you are not sure of these (who is these days?), check with your local National Weather Service website.

3. As far as you can, arrange for some sort of shade over your coop and run. Preferably deciduous so the girls will enjoy winter sun, but summer shade.
 
Dixiechick97 said:
Hi! My name is Dixie and I am new to the chick mothership. I am a licensed veterinary technician and while I work with and know a lot about dogs and cats, most of my knowledge of chickens has come from internet searches and pinterest boards. I currently have 2 New hampshire reds (hens), 1 Rhode island red (hen) and 5 Barred rock chicks (straight run). I have them set up in a large storage bin filled with pine shavings and the essentials: chick feed, water, eco glow heater, chick grit, and a chick perch for when they get a little older. The coop and run are in progress. I am mostly looking to receive any advice first time chick owners wish they had to help me ensure I am giving my new babies the best care and keeping them happy. Thanks to everyone in advance!
Click to expand...
Welcome to BYC!! Cute chickies!
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom