New Here

[CherokeeFlats]

Hello, my name is Crystal Smith. I live in Central Illinois on a small rabbit farm. My 10 yr old son has convinced me (and it wasnt hard) that we needed some chickens. He wants to use they as a 4h project as well as pets

Any suggestions for a newbie???

We are also looking for a simple, inexpensive coop design. We will have around 6 at a time but no more than 10

Thanks
Crystal Smith
Farmer City, IL

 

[turducken]

from Florida

 

[preppy*hippie*chick]

A warm welcome from central Ohio!!!!

 

[Ec_Prokta]

Welcome! You'll love it here.

 

[mfsakc]

Welcome from Northern CA!!

This forum has been an incredible education too for me. Just after picking up my 6 chicks I found this site and have been addicted ever since. Start reading and check out the Coop Designs https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html

Hubby and I used one of the coop designs to build our own - with a few modifications.

Good luck and welcome!

 

[ranchhand]

Hi Crystal,

from South Carolina!

If you look in the coops section, you will be bowled over with coop and run ideas- I frequently get lost in there! And when you build, OVERbuild. There is no such thing as only 10......

 

[Indiana hens]

Welcome, buy show quality. They are more expensive but you would be starting with the best lines for showing in 4H.

 

[crtrlovr]

Welcome, neighbor to the north!

You'll find a TON of ideas, a wealth of information, and a world of wonderful folks on here! Nice to meet you!

 

[ChickenDogDuck]

from Oregon

 

[CherokeeFlats]

Thanks to all of you for your warm welcome and ideas!! I have been drawn into the coop section... WOW... NICE stuff in there... THere is one (Bryan's Coop) that is exactly what we are looking to build. We are thinking a 4x5 or 4x6 in size. front height about 4 ft and back height about 3 ft. we'd like a HUGE run... about 4 ft across and 6-8 ft long. We live in the fields and do have preditors here and I want to make them safe in there. We are looking to have a lock on the door to the run so at night, they can be locked in. We are in hopes of getting our chicks soon. It's hard to find them here!! Found an organic farm just 35 miles from us that "might" have some for us. We are looking for good egg layers but family friendly as they will be handled by children. Any suggestions on breed?? We have been looking for Rhode Island Reds.... I am sure we wont get them from this farm BUT, any others I might like?? I want them to be good lookin too LOL

Thanks again!!
Crystal

60 rabbits, 5 guinea pigs, 2 dogs, a cat, 2 hedgehogs, 2 quaker parrots, 3 children and a husband!!! Whew!!!!