Hi, just wanted to say I love this site and just joined! In case you aren't familiar with Kitsap Peninsula, it's in western Washington, across puget sound from Seattle.
I've wanted chickens for about 30 years, and now we're finally doing it! We're building the coop now and like everyone else I have questions. I've already found the answers for many, others I'm still researching. First, can anyone tell me if a Black Sex Link is just another name for a Star Black. Since I'm going to have an VERY small flock I'd like to get the right hens. I'll probably have only two (maybe three). I'd love to have an Easter Egger (for shell color) and a Star. As I understand it neither breed is overly large, they lay frequently, lay large eggs, and have good dispositions. A Rhode Island Red would be my second choice in place of the Star.
Second, my coup is quite small, about 10 sq. ft. and only 3 ft. of interior height. I know the perch should be about 16 - 18 inches above the floor and should also be noticeably higher than the nest box, which brings me to this question.... Must I actually use an enclosed box, or can it just be something like a pan with no lid? If if must be a lidded box can it be rather short like 12"? Or, if I make it taller with a slanted lid would that be acceptable, say 16" at the back and 13" in the front? Whatever I end up with, it will be sitting on the floor.
I think I'll post these questions elsewhere, too, for more exposure. So please don't bother answering twice if you see it again!
Thanks for your ideas!
I've wanted chickens for about 30 years, and now we're finally doing it! We're building the coop now and like everyone else I have questions. I've already found the answers for many, others I'm still researching. First, can anyone tell me if a Black Sex Link is just another name for a Star Black. Since I'm going to have an VERY small flock I'd like to get the right hens. I'll probably have only two (maybe three). I'd love to have an Easter Egger (for shell color) and a Star. As I understand it neither breed is overly large, they lay frequently, lay large eggs, and have good dispositions. A Rhode Island Red would be my second choice in place of the Star.
Second, my coup is quite small, about 10 sq. ft. and only 3 ft. of interior height. I know the perch should be about 16 - 18 inches above the floor and should also be noticeably higher than the nest box, which brings me to this question.... Must I actually use an enclosed box, or can it just be something like a pan with no lid? If if must be a lidded box can it be rather short like 12"? Or, if I make it taller with a slanted lid would that be acceptable, say 16" at the back and 13" in the front? Whatever I end up with, it will be sitting on the floor.
I think I'll post these questions elsewhere, too, for more exposure. So please don't bother answering twice if you see it again!
Thanks for your ideas!
