Hi, oasishillsfarm! Welcome to the cult--er, I mean the world of chicken raising! \
/ It's very rewarding, so I really hope you enjoy it.
As for tips, one that helped me a lot is the deep litter method for your coop. Cuts down on maintenance time, which is great for beginners AND busy farms, and the need for chemicals, which is great for living more naturally. Plus it cuts down on smells from your chicken coop (mine barely smells in the peak of the CA summer, and even then mostly like shavings), works as insulation, and promotes good microbes. Here's some more detailed information on what it is and how it's done:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...e-easiest-way-to-deal-with-chicken-litter-dlm
http://naturalchickenkeeping.blogspot.com/p/deep-litter-method.html
If you're ordering new chicks through the mail from a hatchery, consider getting them vaccinated by the hatchery for Marek's
at least, and coccidiosis.
Especially since you already have some chickens on the farm and never know what they might be carrying, even if they seem perfectly healthy. It doesn't cost much extra but is an extra layer of protection for your flock. It is also NOT the same as treating a chicken with antibiotics, and doesn't make your chickens "un-natural". (Not sure if they would qualify for "certified organic" afterwards though.) This is unfortunately a pretty common cautionary tale, but worth knowing:
http://growitcookitcanit.com/2013/03/11/before-you-get-your-baby-chicks-you-should-read-this/
(I went though a similar, though thankfully less severe, experience myself, which is also why I won't get birds from a poultry auction ever again. An ounce of prevention, as they say.)
But mostly, have fun! Best of luck to you and your flock!
) If you haven't done so already, definitely our Learning Center at 
