New Member and new to raising chickens in Alabama.

[dcphotos]

Hi all. I live in Alabama and just setup a spot for chickens in my barn. I cleaned out a horse stall and bolted a dog pen on the front of it. Looked like this at first but it's sealed off on top now with chicken wire:

I built a nest box for the inside, so far they don't seem too interested in it but one of the Reds hangs out in there sometimes. I put up a board for a roost also, no interest in that.

We bought the chicks at a flea market and 3 are Rhode Island Reds and 3 are Dominiques. The guy selling them said we should have one rooster and 4 hens but he wasn't sure. I got some cracked feed and a feeder and water and grit, they seem to spend most of their time eating so far.
More photos:
Upon arrival:

One of the little ones:
[URL]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3792249123_9f0ee55f3b.jpg[/URL][\\img]

I'll post more when I can. Any advice on chicken raising would be appreciated.

 

[newnanchic]

Welcome from Ga !!!

 

[dcphotos]

Thanks. Just saw the question template.


(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?

Yes. Got them Saturday.

(2) How many chickens do you have right now?

5.

(3) What breeds do you have?

2 Dominiques and 3 Rhode Island Reds.

(4) How did you find out about BackYardChickens.com?

Google.

(5) What are some of your other hobbies?

Skateboarding, photography, gardening, woodworking, a lot more.

(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.

I'm a photographer, have a wife who is a small-animal vet(no livestock experiance), a big dog, 6 cats, 2 fish tanks and 2 rabbits. We live out in the country in Macon County Alabama.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

from Utah

 

[Cats Critters]

 

[tnlorprazer]

and

from SW Tenn...

Congrats on your first chicks. My only advice is be careful they are addicting

 

[SED]

Weclome from Walker County Alabama!

 

[Hen_House_Rocks!]

Welcome! From Missouri

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida. Glad you joined us! Looks great! Your girls will get used to it, not to worry. Enjoy!

 

[allaboutdemchicks]

Welcome DC!! Here in Alabama with you!

I noticed a few things that I would suggest....

Cracked corn is great for a treat, but your pullets are young...they need to be on a starter/grower. It has higher protein and added vitamins that they need.

You mentioned the layer box and their lack of interest. That is because they look to be very young, I would guess 12 - 14 weeks. Their little combs are still very light pink and will turn a true red as they near their time to lay.

Excellent set up. Now that you've sealed it up you are set to go!! Enjoy your newfound hobby! The little boogers, they are so addictive.

Claudia