New member intro

[Cys chickens]

Hi! I just joined. Cys Chickens is my moniker. I'm getting chicks for the first time and am nervous; I don't want to dispose of dead chicken! I'm thinkng buff Orpingtons because they are quiet, broody, and heat resilient. Our summers are HOT (115), DRY and our winters are not uncommon at -5 F. Mycoop will be moving each month to a new spot oof my yard. Any suggestions on vermin bracing of the run? I can't think of anything except dig 2' down along the perimeter, place 1/4" mesh firmly attached tp the run's base. That's going to be hard to do every month when I move everything. We have the regulars, rats, racoons, skunks, coyotes, and people have told me mountain lions.
Hoping I get great recommendations for my flock.
Cy

 

[PouleChick]

Bonjour and welcome from France! Do you get much snow - not sure I'd be wanting to drag a chicken tractor around in bad weather. If you can make a permanent coop it will be much easier to predator proof. You could have a movable day tractor run.

 

[fldiver97]

Welcome! Nice introduction

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC.

On this link you'll find lots of information on almost every aspect of keeping birds - from coop building ideas, to incubating eggs - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

Each week, various topics are discussed, which can be a great resource - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archives . Ditto the Learning Centre - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

This is a useful link of BYC guides to take a look at announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3 I’d suggest including your location using the guide in that link. You can use this link to contact members in your area - Find your State's thread.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Perris]

hello @Cys chickens ! welcome to BYC

 

[Bamabexchicks]

Hi! Welcome to BYC, lots of information and great people to help with all your chicken questions.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! Glad that you joined us here!

 

[N F C]

I agree with @PouleChick a permanent coop plus a movable day-time tractor may be your best bet. It will be easier to predator-proof a stationary coop. You may also want to consider hot wire as a deterrent. Chat with other members in your state thread and see how they deal with the issues you're concerned about.

Best of luck to you, thanks for joining us!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
It isn't necessary to dig down 2 feet to predator proof your coop/run. You just need to get spread the hardware cloth 2 feet out and bury it under a few inches of soil to hold it down.
I agree with the others that a permanent coop with a removable tractor is the way to go.