New to chickens and no clue what we are doing!

LittleSupernova

Hatching
7 Years
Apr 24, 2012
1
0
7
Hello! I will soon be full of stupid questions, so I best introduce myself so you know what name to grumble.

I'm Betsy, I'm married to Mike who will be the coop questioner. We've been together for 12 years, married for 9. We have delightfully rowdy little boys who I homeschool.

We are on 2.3 acres and raise meat bunnies, but never considered chickens. Well, our neighbor moved out and left the chickens behind.

Not sure what they are. 8 are all feathers I swear. 3 are popcorn colored and shaped like a popcorn bowl. 4 are not so bowl looking and are white but their feathers have been outlined in black marker. 2 are smaller with black and white striped feathers. 2 are hugely tall black hens. 1 is popcan sized and she's the boss of all. And the only two roosters are the feathery fluff type.

Right now, they have Mike's tool shed, his tools are now taking over the playroom. So not only the crowded chickens want Mike to build a roomy coop. The shed is 10' by 14' and we attached two dog runs to that so they have a tiny bit of grass to enjoy.

They are getting a octagonal coop, Mike found a great metal roof from a gazebo, so we are building to fit.

Right now, Mike has gotten the legs set in concrete and the floor is framed and has hardware Goth screwed to the bottom and he started cutting the top parts. I think that's done, we just need to get it in place. He's going to build the walls first, then hopefully this weekend with the bribe of homemade pizza and lasagna plus adult beverages after building is done, there will be 16 strong men to put everything in place outside of the garage.

This coop is huge. But this is how Mike wants it, so since I don't have to do the work, I refuse to complain.

Now if I can figure out the types of chickens we have and convince the boys that the chickens don't need treats every 4 minutes, we'll be going.

Betsy
 
Hello and :welcome
Post a picture of your chickens, and we may be able to help you identify them.
The white ones with the black markings might be laced, going from your description. Popcorn-coloured could be anything. :p
Treats are good if you want the chickens to like you. Just make sure they're eating enough of their feed too, then you don't need to worry about how much treat they're getting.
I hope you have a VERY rewarding experience raising your chickens, and enjoy the site!! :D
 
welcome-byc.gif
Good Morning Betsy ! Remember the Old Barn Raising Parties .. Now Mike and you can start the trend for Coop Raising parties . ! I Would def Post some Pictures.. People do it all the Time here .. And usually get answers very quickly ! Sometimes a couple different opinions.. But We little Back yard Farmers can also end up with Mixed Breeds .. Which can be equally fun and productive if you do not show your Chickens .. I Would Love to see a Picture of the Octagon Coop When Mike is Done . Again Welcome TO BYC ! ~ Corinne
 


If you are able to get some good close up pictures of the chickens (including the legs if you can) there is certainly someone here that can help identify them for you. The coop plans sound great and you have taken good first steps in asking for the experience of others. It is very enjoy-full and the whole family will soon enough experience the wonders of "chicken TV".
 
Welcome!! You are going to just love the site. And congrats on your chicken coop and chickens! We also raise meat rabbits, and I just adore my chickens. When people talked about the "chicken bug" I just laughed. But it's TRUE!

Again, welcome. I was homeschooled from pre-school to college. What a wonderful experience.
 

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