New to Raising Chickens

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Chickadee-09

Chickadee-09

In the Brooder
5 Years
Jan 3, 2015
10
0
22
Virginia
Hello from Virginia!!!!!

So I am starting a group of chickens in the spring, I'm planning on starting with 6 chicks.

This gives me 4 months to get what I need together so I'm ready for my new babies.... problem is I have no idea how to start making my list of needs....

googling "starting a small chicken flock" gives me a ton of confusing information!!!

Looking for help on ideas, a plan of action, supplies or just some good advice!!!

My grandfather and father have given me some advice but its been 30 years for them since they had chickens so a refresher course is needed.

Thanks ahead of time!!!!!
 
Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Cute avatar!

I know how hard it is to get started...we all do! We are here if you have any questions at all.

The important things you need to know is how to feed, water, clean, care, build and maintain a coop, prevent predators and watch for signs of illness. Our learning center is full of all the answers to these questions
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Here are some further links to check out also
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/advice-for-first-time-chicken-owners
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/first-time-chicken-keep-questions-and-anwers
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/top-10-things-to-consider-before-buying-chickens

Once you decide to start choosing breeds, there are a couple things to keep in mind; do you want eggs, meat, pets or pretty chickens? Buff orpingtons are my personal favorite breed; they are hardy, affectionate and cuddly, great layers and overall a great breed. Black australorps, speckled sussex, barred rocks, wyandottes, sex links and cochins are all breeds I recommend also.
Here are three links to help you pick breeds
https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds
http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/best-chicken-breeds-for-different-purposes

I hope this hasn't stressed you out further and I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

Best of luck to you!
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No.. This is great!!!!

All the info is in one place, in order and reliable!!!!

I know for sure I want egg layers. So I'll look into the breeds you mentioned.

Thanks a lot!!!

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Welcome to BYC!
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Mountain Peeps has given you some great info to research. I also like this handy chart of breed characteristics that you may find helpful. It gives you info on size of bird, where they originated from, egg color, broody or not, etc.:
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Nice to have you join us!
 
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Welcome to BYC!!! There are loads of members on here…so if you have ANY questions…just ASK!!!

Hope you have loads of fun and all your answers answered here on BYC the BEST CHICKEN KEEPING FORUM on EARTH!!

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Glad you joined us. I know how excited you are to be planning your flock.

You have already been given advice on articles to review and you have plenty of time to make plans and learn.

For what it's worth, this is my advice:

Pick the breeds who meet your needs, and decide where you will get them. Likely you will want girls, so get sexed chicks and avoid straight runs.

IMO starting with babies is the most fun. Decide on type and location for your brooder. Gather what you need in advance. Make notes on how to care and advance their care, especially raising the heater lamp. ** and have your camera charged and ready**

Go ahead and plan your coop style and location. Be ready to start building when you get the chicks, so all will be ready when they are ready to move.

Build a little larger than you think. Figure in the higher square footage and add a little more.

Feel free to post questions, explore the site. Have fun!
 

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