New Coop 50% done

[Minefalls]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and new to raising chickens. My gram raised chicken so growing up I have had some exposure. I have been thinking about it for over a year now and decided to take the plunge!
I started my coop 2 days ago, today I am adding the roof & window and moving it too it's new location in the yard. I plan on getting 4 Buff Orp. starter pullets for temperament mostly and cold hardy, I live in NH.

I plan on having a run, but also free ranging them as I do have an acre fenced in.
I'm sure I'll have tons of questions when they arrive but was wondering how long I should keep them in the coop/run before I let them free range, to make sure they go back into coop? And I would not feel comfortable leaving them out in the yard while I'm not at home, so should I keep the free range down to the hours I am usually home? Or can I teach them to go back in when I want them too?
Thanks, any suggestions would be welcomed!
Laura

 

[Chicken_Girl]

this coop is very good im starting to plan my coop so this is very useful

 

[justusnak]

Welcome to the madness of being OWNED by chickens! LOL Your coop looks good! Large too!
When you put the hens in there....you will want to keep them in the coop for at least 2 or 3 days....weather permitting...if its not too hot, then in the coop/run for about a week. Start free ranging them once they learn to go back in the coop by themselves at night. Its always good to free range them for the first few times just about 2 hrs before dark. Once they get used to going back to the coop...you can free range them pretty much all day, of course, there will be predators...to watch for. I have Buff Orpingtons as well...and love thier personalities. Enjoy!

 

[AtRendeAcres]

Welcome!

Nice Coop

orpington's are great

I just got ausrtlorps because they originaly came from the black orpinton (so temperment is great, great egg layers (better feed to egg ratio) & of course cold hardty!


Good Luck!

 

[Minefalls]

Thanks so much for the great info!! I think the Buff's are so pretty too! I'm excited!
I am glad the pictures helped.
Laura

 

[Minefalls]

Wow, I got a lot done today!! Roof went on, window in, siding finished and my brother carpenter had to add his touch out front! We have the door, chicken door and top of nesting box to do, then it's time to paint.
Can anyone recommand the type of wire I should use in the run?

Laura

 

[Southern28Chick]

Great lookin house.
Just be warned, if you're getting started pullets from a hatchery they will probably have clipped beaks. Very sad!

 

[Minefalls]

Thank you, it was a bit harder than I thought!
Why do they clip their beaks? Will they grow back? That just sounds terrible!

 

[Southern28Chick]

Quote:
They clip them so they won't peck each other in the small areas that they keep them in. I don't think they grow back. It is terrible...cruel if you ask me.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=111361

 

[greginshasta]

Oh man, I am so getting my building juices flowing. This shed is really nice, but what has my attention is the extremely cool fascia trim on the front eaves. How did he do that? Is that store-bought or did he create that detail with a saber saw?