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New Member lealea

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by lealea44, Nov 24, 2014.

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  1. Nov 24, 2014 #1
    lealea44

    lealea44 In the Brooder

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    Nov 23, 2014
    Headland, AL
    Hi, I'm a chicken newbie wannabe. I've been begging for chickens for Christmas for 6 long years. I've finally been informed that Santa will be bringing me a coop and chickens. I need any and all help I can get from anyone. My fiance is planning on building the coop with a concrete bottom and footer. I understand only a few basics 4' per bird inside run and a little less in the coop. I want about 8 chickens. Should i start with fewer? I live in extreme south Alabama. Temps are sometimes in 20's in winter (not too often) and very often in 90's in summer. He is planning on placing the pen next to the existing barn so we will be able to run electricity if necessary. He is also planning on roofing the coop and 1/2 of the run for shade.I only have one very large Oak tree on the property and a medium size popcorn tree. If the pen should be under a tree please let me know??? Questions are: shouldn't the run be dirt? location, location?? Building materials (we have predators around: coyotes, hawks ect.) ? All equipment i will possibly need? chicks or hatch my own? types of feed, scratch etc? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. I would especially like to hear from anyone that lives in the deep south about their experiences and any problems they have encountered here with our varying temps and predators. i so want this to be a pleasant and super fun experience.

    Sincerely,

    lealea[​IMG]
     
  2. Nov 24, 2014 #2
    dawg53

    dawg53 Humble Premium Member 9 Years

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    Nov 27, 2008
    Jacksonville, Florida
  3. Nov 24, 2014 #3
    lealea44

    lealea44 In the Brooder

    19
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    Nov 23, 2014
    Headland, AL
    ThankS bunches!
     
  4. Nov 24, 2014 #4
    Yorkshire Coop

    Yorkshire Coop Moderator Staff Member Premium Member

    20,069
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    Aug 16, 2014
    Yorkshire, UK
    My Coop
    https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you
    Hi :welcome
    Glad you joined the flock. Sounds like Santa will be bringing you great presents this year!! Check out the above link for your state thread people there should be able to help you with weather questions and what they find best for your climate. You never know you may have other chicken fanatics close to you. Enjoy BYC and have a great Christmas :frow
     
  5. Nov 24, 2014 #5
    TwoCrows

    TwoCrows Bird is the Word Staff Member Premium Member 7 Years

    34,529
    17,476
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    Mar 21, 2011
    New Mexico, USA
    My Coop
    Hello there and welcome to BYC! [​IMG]

    Congrats on being able to now get some chickens! Definitely stop by our learning center. Lots of great articles on getting started and raising your new birds.

    You might start in the early spring with some chicks from your feed store. This is the easiest way to get them. If you pick from a "straight run" bin, you will no doubt get some roosters. So if you can, pick from "pullet" bins. All hens. Start them on chick starter and keep them on this until they are ready to lay. There are good articles in our learning center on setting up the brooder and raising your new babies...https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

    You can start with started birds if you prefer. Do some chatting in your state thread and maybe one of your nearby chicken neighbors has some birds for you.

    Get the right amount of birds to fit your coop...4 to 5 square foot per bird in the coop, 10 square foot per bird in the run. Don't be tempted to cram them in. They will fight and you will have all kinds of aggression issue.

    You can bed them down in pine wood shavings, (never use cedar shavings, toxic on the lungs of birds) grass hay or even sand. I use sand and love it!

    Any other questions you have should be answered in our learning center. If not, feel free to ask questions along the way.

    Enjoy this new journey you are on and welcome to our flock!
     
  6. Nov 24, 2014 #6
    N F C

    N F C you heard the cat, smile! Premium Member Project Manager

    46,780
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    Dec 12, 2013
    Wyoming
  7. Nov 24, 2014 #7
    CloeyCoraCamila

    CloeyCoraCamila In the Brooder

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    Nov 18, 2014
    This site is an awesome reference site - it tells you everything from management to illness and how to use the meds etc. - and it isn't just about chickens it covers lots of animals - my vet recommended this, they use it in colleges ! http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/index.html
    Have fun ! !
     
  8. Nov 24, 2014 #8
    Kelsie2290

    Kelsie2290 Free Ranging Premium Member

    36,683
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    Feb 18, 2011
    Ohio
    Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC!
     
  9. Nov 24, 2014 #9
    Wyandottes7

    Wyandottes7 Crowing 5 Years

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    Jul 24, 2013
    Welcome to BYC! [​IMG]We're glad to have you.

    You've received some good advice already!
     
  10. Nov 24, 2014 #10
    Mountain Peeps

    Mountain Peeps Change is inevitable, like the seasons Premium Member

    28,403
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    Apr 23, 2014
    Colorado
    My Coop
    Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.
     
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