New Hampshire!

[kkschu]

Hi all,
Waiting (very impatiently) in Rumney for my first ever chicks!!!!!! April seems sooooo far away!!!! I couldn't be more excited. I have wanted chickens all my life and am fianlly "taking the plunge"!

 

[BrewedInNh]

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I agree with aceschix about having a run, it's at least a nice convenience. Chickens love to help "freshen up" planting beds, and sometimes you might have other ideas. Also, they poop on our deck which can put a damper on a cook-out.

The other big reason for having a run is security from predators of all types. Having a fenced yard is great, but I wouldn't consider typical fencing to be very predator proof. Our property isn't fenced and we do let the girls free range our 3 acres whenever possible, but during the day while we're at work they're limited to the run. It's as predator proof as I can reasonably make it. It won't stop a bear, but even a large dog is likely to fail. The run is covered to protect against hawks and owls too.


Hi kkschu,

Have you chosen your breeds yet?

 

[serenityNH]

Sounds like I need to start the plans for the run! Thanks for all the useful advice, sounds like having a run is definitely a good idea. Any suggestions on how big for 10 hens?
Thank you

 

[kkschu]

BrewedInNh,

Yes! I have ordered 4 chicks to start, but am sure my flock will grow. So many to choose from! We are getting 2 Dominiques, 1 Barred Plymouth Rock and 1 Buckeye. If things go well, I also have my eye on Javas, EEs, Orpingtons and who knows what else.
I love your coop and run. It is exactly the type of setup I envision for my girls. Now, to figure out how to build it.........

 

[aceschix]

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Nice breeds but if the addiction take hold you will not stay at 4 birds for long

I have Javas and Orpingtons when you are ready. Both nice breeds I like the Orps better. The fluffier the chicken the more calm they are I think.

 

[BrewedInNh]

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Conventional wisdom on space is 4 sq feet per bird in the coop, and 10 sq feet per bird in the run. This is for standard birds, I'm not sure how much less you could have for bantams.

There's this funny thing called chicken math. It's the phenomenon where otherwise rational folks can't resist getting a few more chickens. I was determined that it wouldn't happen to me, but now I'm seriously considering building another coop and expanding the run to connect them.

If I had been more realistic I would've planned ahead when building our existing setup.

 

[cardigan99]

Alexandria here.

 

[BrewedInNh]

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Got snow?

 

[aceschix]

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Got snow?

Only A LOT!! Evereywhere! And where there is no snow it is because it is flooded!! Gotta love New England!

 

[cardigan99]

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Got snow?

Brewed, you must be familiar with Alexandria.