New here-need advice

[kstaven]

Sawdust will pack down and go like concrete in the bottom of a coop. Straw will likely work better.

 

[MissPrissy]

Welcome, alan8!

If you have a big run/outdoor area your 12x12 shed will have plenty of room for more than 12 chickens. If you go by the 4 sq ft per bird rule (with of outdoor space, too) you can have as many as 36 chickens. Common sense will tell that after adding roosts and nest boxes that you would want to scale that number back.

Why am I saying this after you said perhaps a dozen is all you need?

Because raising chickens is addicitve! You're gonna want 'just a few more'. Then you are going to get the itch to try to hatch a few eggs. Or you might get a broody hen and hatches out a few babies. Suddenly you alot more chickens than you planned. LOL

Enjoy your new hobby!

 

[twincreekfarm]

Alan, Welcome to BYC! I too am a newbie at chicken raising. We got our chicks in July. Read allot of the stuff on here, ask many questions, there is always someone on here who gives great advice and does it lovingly! I have grown very fond of my "chicken friends". We here in Ohio found a place that offers free wood shavings. Basically its a mulch like bedding but not chemically treated. Like when people have limbs and such chipped up. It contains all kinds of tree debris and even has pine mixed in which I have to tell you helps with the smell! We've been using this for about 2 months now with no effects to the chickens. We will use the pine bedding that you get from the petstore or tractor supply to put in their nesting boxes.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Alan,

Welcome to BYC! You will find we are very friendly and helpful. I have learned alot in the last few months (got our chicks in May) and no one ever makes your questions seem dumb.

Now as to your floor, replace it. We have an 8 x 8 shed for 12 pullets (who are laying) and one roo as well as an outdoor run. There hasn't been a room issue so you should be fine. I use wood shavings for bedding on the floor and fine hay for the nest boxes.

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions!

 

[Mulemom]

Hi Alan! Welcome to BYC! I would echo the "no" on the sawdust. It will cause respitory issues. Also if you do purchase shavings, make sure they are NOT cedar. The oils are toxic to chickens.

We have an 8x10 shed that we converted into our coop and we have 24 hens.

Here are the nest boxes...

Roosts...

Our floor had some issues too, so we just covered it with new plywood.

I also use DE. It's really important to get the right stuff, because the wrong stuff will kill your birds. Make sure it says "food grade". The DE keeps the mites and other creepy crawlys away, it contols moisture and keeps the odor down. When you mix it in their food (2% ratio) it helps control internal parasites as well. It's wonderful stuff!

One of the bigest things to keep in mind when constructing your coop and run is preditors. Learn from the mistakes already made by our group.

Interesting....I sound like I know what I'm talking about! I am new to being a chicken mom too. I learned everything I know from the friends on this fourm! I've had friends that have had chickens for years comment on how great my girls look and ask how I keep them so healthy and such. It's all do to the combined and generously shared knowlage of the people on this forum.

Beware...Chickens truly are addictive and so is this forum.

 

[McGoo]

Welcome Alan,
I think you'll find everyone on BYC to be very helpful and patient.

I was using straw in my coop and everyone suggested I try pine shavings. They work Great! ANd using the 'Deep Litter Method' (turning over the shavings and allowing the poop to compost) you don't waste a lot. With Straw I foudn that it matted down and had to be replaced. Also, in wintertime the shavings hold much more air for insulation.

All the best with your chooks.

 

[McChix]

Hi, alan8.

My chicken coop is a also converted storage shed (about 8 X 8) with a plywood floor. For quick and easy clean-up, I use a tarp laid over the floor and attached to the walls with plastic-covered cup hooks that are 10" or so above the floor - the placement of the hooks corresponds to the gromments in the tarp. I put straw down on the tarp. On clean-up day, I just detach the tarp and carry contents right to the compost pile!

 

[BerdooFarm]

McChix, your tarped floor- love it, love it, love it

good on ya

 

[jenichick]

This forum is very friendly and helpful, but we're gonna want to see some pics eventually!!

 

[BantyChickMom]

The more space you have the better you will be.

Your will always want more and more chickens, and just when you think "I have enough", you will see another kind that you just gotta have.

My advice to you is to always plan on having more space than is actually needed.