New to Chickens

[Pumphrey]

Thanks for adding me! I have a 2-stall pipe corral that I am thinking of converting to a chicken coop. It has a full metal roof and wood along the bottom 3 pipes. Both stalls together are 24 x 12. I think one 12 x 12 would probable work. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I could do this? Or if someone could recommend a good plan for building a coop from scratch I would appreciate it. I am only allowed 6 chickens where I live in Orange County. Also, I am interested in getting really healthy chicks. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good breeder in Orange County, CA?

 

[Rubysword]

My family has used Meyer Hatchery, and we've been pretty pleased. I'm sure they aren't perfect, and others might have had a different experience, but we had no genetics issues and the chicks generally arrived healthy.

 

[CatWhisperer]

Welcome to BYC! A picture is worth a thousand words. It will be easier for us to help if we can see your current setup. Glad you’re planning ahead and getting the coop before the chicks.

 

[Rubysword]

I've had a lot of success with mail-order chicks. They've actually been as hardy/healthy, if not more so, than most of the ones we've purchased from local sources.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

Pumphrey, welcome home to BYC, these folks give great advice...

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Predator control should be at the top of your list. A combination of hardware cloth and hot wire helps protect.

 

[Rubysword]

Whether you decide to go the mail order route or not, it might not be a bad idea to mail in for a catalog. They have basic information on the breeds they offer, you can get an idea what the different breeds will cost, and it's fun to look at pictures of chickens

 

[aart]

Ditto on the pics.
Here's some forum navigation guides:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/announcements-feedback-issues-guides.3/?prefix_id=3


Welcome to BYC! @Pumphrey
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Pumphrey]

I've had a lot of success with mail-order chicks. They've actually been as hardy/healthy, if not more so, than most of the ones we've purchased from local sources.

Thank you. Is there a particular one you have used? Trying to avoid salmonella from over crouding.

 

[Pumphrey]

thank you for the welcome, Ted!