NEW TO BACKYARD CHICKENS

[Trish9806]

Hello, I am new here and new to the world of backyard chickens. My oldest son is turning 11 this summer and really wants chickens for his birthday. I am ready for this journey as I too really want backyard chickens. I'm having trouble finding a coop that will not cost us a fortune but, something that will hold up with the extreme weather in Southern New England. I have looked at so many coops and I know that I want something made here in the USA, I have sort of zeroed in on a company in Delaware, OH called CC ONLY. However, I am having trouble finding any reviews good or bad. I like how they are 95% made by humans and are preassembled before they are shipped. Not the style wood I was hoping for, but I'm thinking if everything goes well with caring for the chickens we will keep it for 2-3 years and then spend a little more money and upgrade for one that will last is many more years. I would like one that holds 6-8 chickens as we will start with 3-4 and if all goes well next spring we can get 2 more. I love the Round-Top Backyard Chicken Coop from Urban Coop Company, and the food and water system for that but just don't want to spend over $1,000 right now.

Any suggestions on coops and reviews would be awesome!

Also, hoping to get some recommendations on docile, calm, friendly and good layers! I think we will start with 3 good layers and one pretty chicken, since the good layers aren't the prettiest looking. I also want to make sure the different breeds will all get along since they will be spending all winter cooped up together. We also have a 1 1/2 year old and 3 dogs so I don't want any skittish chickens.
Thank you!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!! I would recommend building a coop, or reusing an existing shed or something as a coop; most premade coops aren't worth the$$$. Sellers often exaggerate the bird numbers that can be housed; AT LEAST four or five sq. ft. per bird in the coop, not less. Check out feathersite and Henderson's Breed Chart, and some books also for breed information, and ask questions ! Mary

 

[jwcloud]

hello im a new too ,, but i agree pre made coops look nice but way not big enough ! my familly wanted chickens and i have never ben around them so i started here reading and reading and built two different coops on the sides of our old barn one to raise chicks in and one for our hens it a lot of work but also a alot of fun !! we free range our hens so i didnt build a run for them but i did for the chicks lol once you start it only gets better you come up with all kinds of ideas !!! lots of luck with your choice and your chickens ! as for a good laying breed i really likr our barred rock hens