New Chicken mom, need basic advice

[Becca1223]

Hello everyone . I just got baby checks two days ago and am new to all of this. I have two Buff Orpingtons and two Silver Laced Wyandotte hens. What is the best coop to have for them. We have a large space under our back patio that my husband thinks would be great. Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

 

[Kiki]

We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Doesn't matter where you build it, just make sure it is rat and large predator proof on all sides. Rats like to dig.
Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

 

[City girl Philly]

Hi! I am a new chicken mama also.....nice to meet you! Are your chicks in a brooder right now?

 

[lazy gardener]

Personally, I'd not want it under my deck! Sniffing a cecal poo while entertaining city folks at a back yard BBQ is an appetite quencher. Plan a coop that is a minimum of 4 s.f./bird, walk in style is best. They will need 10 s.f. of run per bird. If you are limited in yard space, you might consider a combination tool shed/coop.

 

[Joeschooks]

Welcome. You’ve come to the right place... There’s so many helpful, knowledgeable folks here and I’m sure you’ll find this site a very useful resource. I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do.

I would recommend building your own coop or converting a shed. Beware of premade coops advertising their product for X number of birds... you can usually only fit half the number of birds in that they say. Please be sure to research predator protection carefully. I’m in the suburbs and I get more predators here than my friends in the middle of the country.

 

[Teila]

G'Day from down under Becca.... Welcome and Congratulations!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

BYC has Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out.

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

Including your general location on your profile will assist others. Location, climate, season etc can be important factors when members are responding to any questions you may have and vice versa.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

You may be interested in these links:

• Learning Centre
• Articles
• Raising Baby Chicks Forum
• Mama Heating Pad Thread
  
• Coop & Run Forum
• How Much Room do Chickens Need?

 

[drumstick diva]

Thank you for joining BYC, Becca, it's nice to meet you

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings Becca1223, Welcome to BYC!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Becca

Thanks for joining, it's a pleasure to meet you!