New to chickens

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Dec 14, 2018
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Hello everyone. I am new to chickens. I would eventually like to have 3 or 4 layers in my backyard for eggs to eat and birdie byproducts to compost. We are definitely wanting some form of chicken tractor. I am here doing research before we buy anything so that I go into this with at least half a clue about what I am doing. I live in Winnipeg Canada (ag zone 3) so winters will be an issue for me. My first questions are where should I start and what should I expect to spend?

Edit: I see there is a parrot forum here. I have had parrots for about 10 years.
 
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Welcome to Backyard Chickens! We are glad you joined the flock!:welcome BYC is a helpful site providing all of the information you need to know about poultry. There is always space for more members on the BYC roost!:highfive: Check out my article for chicken breeds who are the most notorious for their egg production. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/10-top-best-egg-layers.72744/
Hope you enjoy it here as much as we all do!
 
Hi and welcome to BYC. This link should help - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/getting-started-raising-chickens.21/

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 other Canadians - http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/144/canadians-check-in-here

Best wishes

Pork Pie
 
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I started with 3 chickens- it's a perfect number to get acquainted! Why do you prefer a tractor? It seems that since they're portable they wouldn't be be as predator-proof as a secure coop and run. If you're wanting to make good compost, the best way is with deep litter. A tractor will just spread fresh "hot" manure on your ground. With deep litter in a coop or covered run area, you only need to change it out once or twice a year (I do once).

Start with a shallow base of pine shavings, leaves, grass clippings or similar bedding and keep adding more every so often to build up a thick base. This will create a little ecosystem that brings in beneficial microbes and other bugs and yummies for your chickens to snack on. Then once you clean out the litter, move it to a pile to finish composting and you will have the absolute best garden soil ever!

You'll also need to get cold hardy breeds, there are many: Brahmas, Easter Eggers, Jersey Giant, Marans, Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Red, Sussex, Welsummer and Wyandottes (and probably more). You could buy a prefab coop for pretty cheap ($300) or less for a used one, but I would worry about parasites or diseases coming with it. A prefab also won't hold up very long, but can be a good starting point to see if you even like having chickens, and figure out your actual needs through experience. Building a coop yourself is usually best for long term housing... might cost anywhere from $400-800 or a lot more depending on how big or what materials you use. You could take a look at what I built... I included a materials list with prices at the end of my article:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-mod-coop.74256/

Here are some other articles that may help you get started and think about preparing for winters:
Advice For Chicken Owners
Prevent Frostbite During Winter
Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!
To Insulate or Not To Insulate

I know that's a lot of reading, but it might help you get some ideas what to expect.
Good luck with your research!
 

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