New here from MD

[roady]

Hello,

I am new here from the Eastern Shore of MD. Have been reading here for the last couple of months and decided on signing up today. I have agreed to get a some chickens for eggs and something for my daughter to do. She is 12 right now and is very excited to get them.

I am still undecided on the coop design right now and could probably use some suggestions. We have 10 acres of land and do have some predators around here. I have seen fox, racoons, skunks, and hawks. I would like to get around 5-8 hens and also would like to get a the same amount of guinea fowl. Can I keep them together in the same coop?

I will probably do something more permanent with a run so they have a place to move around while we are at work and school. But when we are home I would let them free range so we can keep an eye on them. Sometimes we are gone for long weekends can they take care of themselves for a weekend as long as we have the food and water situation figured out?

Thanks and I am sure there will be many more questions.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, roady, and

! Pleased you joined our community! The great thing about coops is that no matter how elaborate or how simple, the chickens will appreciate it and never know the difference. I would only advise making it bigger than you think you need. You may want to add more some day. Coops are recommended to be 4 sq. ft/bird. I don't know what guineas require. I also don't know if guineas and chickens are good to raise together. You might post in the guinea thread below. Good luck to you!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

 

[drumstick diva]

glad you decided to come aboard

 

[belwelch]

Welcome to BYC from Ky

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Kevin565]