New (future) chick mom

[Littlehouseonhansen]

Hello!

So, like I said in my introduction, I am very much a beginner... I am seeking advice on where to begin.

Right now, I am focusing on building the coop. Finding a place to order my chicks (any suggestions?) and preparing for my future little babes.

Can you please tell me any advice you have on where to begin?

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Welcome to BYC

 

[Ribh]

Out here most people don't buy chicks. We buy our hens @ POL. Easier to sex so fewer unwanted roosters, cheaper in the long run because the birds start earning their keep sooner & we aren't paying for the electricity or losses & it's much easier to see the quality of the bird you are purchasing. Plus you don't have to know that much when you start out ~ which I didn't.

Sorry. Didn't realise you were new here. Welcome.

 

[N F C]

I've bought chicks off CraigsList (which I'll never do again) and I've bought them from an online hatchery (which was a great experience). Some members get their chicks from farm stores like TSC. There's also a buy-sell-trade forum here on BYC where you can get hatching eggs, chicks or older birds.

This article from the Learning Center might be a helpful place to start:
Pickin' the Right Frickin' Chicken: Guide to Picking Backyard Chicken Breeds

 

[Steam Powered Chicken]

Hello and welcome! Sounds like we're both on a similar journey! You'll find this place to be a wealth of good information on all sorts of things. Our little fluffs are heading to us from Meyer Hatchery. I can't review it yet, because this is my first go. Best of luck to you!

 

[adstowe]

I’ve had great luck with Meyer

 

[adstowe]

As far as advice for starting out - Start with the coop and run. Make them larger than you think you could ever need. You may plan on only having X number of chickens, but that’s generally not how it ends up working out. They mysteriously multiply. Having as much room as you can provide them is in their best interest regardless of how many you have anyway. Also with the coop, you need a lot of ventilation. Even in the winter. This is a great place for information. Have fun

 

[Mrs.Megan]

Welcome!

I would first figure out what type of chicken breeds you want. Then the next step will be to figure out where to buy and if you can get them locally and if not, where to buy and the best online source. Lots of people are passionate about their favorite breed and will be able to help you find the best (and maybe the worst) place to find them.

Things to consider would be what you want your flock to look like~ egg color, production; and/ or chicken’s behavior ie friendly, good foraging, size etc.

I’m fairly new to chicken keeping but have bought from Murray McMurry and Greenfire online with success. I hear it is important how close the business is located to you (the shorter the journey= easier for the babes) Your state board can help point you in that direction.

You are in a great spot~ picking and building so take advantage and do lots of research. You are smart to come here and hear other’s advice

Good luck!

 

[Kale Chips]

Hey there! Welcome.

I'm glad you're getting started building your coop, make sure to check out some of the forums on coop maintenance and building. But as others have mentioned, make sure to give your chickens much more space then they need because chicken math is a real thing, no matter what you may have in mind!

There are many pros and cons to getting chicks, as well as getting hens. I hemmed and hawed, but I ended up going with chicks. I would absolutely do it again! It is so much easier to bond with them, learn their personalities, and is exciting to watch them grow. And the first egg is such an accomplishment!

I purchased my chickies at Ace hardware and Tractor Supply, but ended up with 2 extra birds due to an unexpected minimum purchase once I got to TSC so be careful! All birds have been healthy and happy!

Please don't be afraid to ask more questions as more specifics arise, this community will treat you well and be a huge help. Get to know the emergency section so that if you have a problem you'll know where to turn.

Enjoy!

 

[CLovesDucks]

Hi and welcome to BYC! I am just starting out as a duck Mom and I’m incubating my eggs. I’ve had a great experience with Metzer Farms eggs so far. All but one is growing as expected! Best of luck in your journey!