Hi All,
I have little to say...
I have wanted to into chickens for some time. We finally dove in this past spring (2017).
I have used the wisdom from this site for over a year, so figure I introduce myself.
We started with 4 Brown Leg horns, from four weeks old. Got the coop built fairly quickly with all my scrap. I tried to make maintenance life easy... Linnolem installed and wrap up 8" on walls to make for a cleanable surface when I empty it out. I have deep liter that has been the way to go for me , with no moisture issues or smell from coop at all. I also used two old guy i.e. Pig cage trays under roost. Which I can out every couple days, . And used kitty litter trays in the nesting box that make for easy dump and change shavings.
I insulated the walls, but ventalated the coop well utilizing the corral ion in the roof , and many wall louvers , witch I installed late fall, when I was reading up in re to cold climates. I do not heat , but I ran power out ( In case ) I want to plug something in, like a water heater. And I have security lighting to hopefully continue to deter my fox friend.
I did an auto door for coop, and the run fence is in ground three , and back filled with concrete, so no digging under.
I can't tell you how much I learned by searching my questions or topics on this site. Really took me step by step all year.
All has been great, the kids love the fact the we have Chickens and the run off bus to collect eggs.
I am Lucky , I have helpers, including the dogs.
I am addicted to them, they even go all the way out in the woods to hang out with when I out and they are free ranging. They follow me everywhere.
So I think , I have done a good job so far..
I think maybe the only mistake I made this year ( well not sure yet,,,, opinions welcome)
I wanted more and I got more . I got three Silver Lace and Three Buff Orp. On Nov 1, they were day old chicks.
Everything has been fine with them , my wife is pist off as all h$ll me.
I built a dust shanty in my basement, put a tarp down , and using an extra large kennel at moment.
I clean it out every five days , so it really is not a problem inside.
I bring friends down to show them and they say they don't smell anything, so that's good .
So I feel like I maybe should of waited like four months to get chicks, because now they are plenty ready to be outside, but of course it's been frigid with a foot of snow everywhere .
I am walking around thinking it's gonna be late Feb at best to start introduction and get them in coop with the other ladies.
So there gonna be 13 weeks then is that too late Or should I start when I can sooner if it's not negative out and there sunlight to work with.
I attached photos also.
Anyhow you all have been extremely helpful with my questions , glad you all are around..
Welcome!
