New to BYC for information to help my 7yr old

[carl0209]

Hello everyone,
I am new to BYC and my 7 yr old and I are going to start raising chickens. Right now we are currently looking at coops plans and the type of chickens that would suite what he wants to do. He wants to do a summer project on raising chicks to layers and then harvesting the eggs.
1. We live in West Central Fl
2. We have a 15x12 ft area that we have cleared for the coop and run.
3. He is looking at Rhode Island Reds and Red Stars ( are these ok in the heat in FL)
4.was looking at ordering 15 from http://Www.MurrayMcMurrayhatchery.com
Anyone know if they are ok or not?
I want to keep the coop elevated off the ground for more room for them to roam in the coop. We have a chocolate lab so no free roaming. Would this pen area be large enough for them?
Thank you in advance for all of the help in this new adventure. Carl

 

[3riverschick]

Hello everyone,
I am new to BYC and my 7 yr old and I are going to start raising chickens. Right now we are currently looking at coops plans and the type of chickens that would suite what he wants to do. He wants to do a summer project on raising chicks to layers and then harvesting the eggs.
1. We live in West Central Fl Pretty place to live!
2. We have a 15x12 ft area that we have cleared for the coop and run.

Buy them from a breeder in Florida so the birds are already aclimitized to the heat and humidity.

I want to keep the coop elevated off the ground for more room for them to roam in the coop. We have a chocolate lab so no free roaming. Would this pen area be large enough for them? Yes.
Thank you in advance for all of the help in this new adventure. Carl

Here is a list of discussions ( called threads) on BYC which may be helpful. Make a short list of the most often recommended breeds which meet your needs. The come back here and ask who is breeding them in your area. .
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/139921/what-is-the-best-easiest-bantam-breed-for-a-kid-to-show
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/825914/what-bantam-breeds-lay-the-best-experiences

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/27231/best-breed-for-childs-pet-and-egg-laying-in-a-small-space
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/20098/suggestions-for-bantam-breed-for-kids
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/867015/best-breeds-with-children
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/840421/kid-tolerant-breeds
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/165473/best-breed-around-kids
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/294678/best-egg-laying-bantams

-----------------------
This is the Breeders And Hatcheries Forum. if you buy from a breeder you have a much better chance of the breed looking and acting like the pictures you son is admiring. Plus you will have the breeder to contact with questions. I put in "Florida" as the advanced search term. All kinds of hits for many breeds! https://www.backyardchickens.com/ne...gPreference=relevance&search=Florida&type=all

Best Regards,
Karen in PA

 

[drumstick diva]

For advice on what breeds do best in your area, go to "where am I, where are you," in the social forum. Then locate and post on your state thread. You may even find the breeds you desire locally, so you can see them first and eliminate the need for shipping.

 

[carl0209]

Thank you for all of the info... We have our work cut out for ourselves.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

I have had good luck with Murray McMurray with good stock and nice birds. I would however go with some Buff Orpingtons, Black Australorps, Barred Rocks, Sussexs, etc..as Rhode Island Reds can be stand offish and even aggressive sometimes. My Orps are very kid friendly, docile, they love attention, big on lap sitting and follow me around like drooling puppies looking for goodies. They are very hardy and great layers as well.

Good luck in what ever breed you chose and welcome to our flock!

Thank you for all of the info... We have our work cut out for ourselves.

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[gander007]

I have RIR hens and it get's up to 130 here in the summer and they make it

 

[carl0209]

All good info! Thank you everyone for the help