New To The BYC in Fort Pierce Fl

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StinaD

StinaD

Chirping
7 Years
Sep 26, 2012
16
0
77
Hi Everyone,
We are on our way to being First time Chicken Owners. (We have not gotten our chickens yet) My Son and I just started building Our Coop yesterday and have a few questions. We are building a 4x4 coop and we'd like to know how many chickens can we put in there. Should they have free range of the backyard or should I keep them contained to a certain part of the yard? What type of chicken is suggested? I have had some people tell me Rhode Island Reds Are good but we are just not sure. Could use some good advice. Thanks.
 
:frow

Welcome!

You can keep 4 chickens in a 4x4 coop - allowing 4 square feet per bird is what is recommended, though I always say more square footage is better.

I would suggest building a very sturdy predator proof run. I see you have a dog by your avatar. Make it strong enough so your dog can't get in, and that's probably good enough. Most predators are nocturnal. Day time predators are usually dogs, cats, and birds of prey (hawks, eagles). Having a fully enclosed run is beneficial.

If you want to free range, you can do it under supervision. I free range 24/7 but I have a special dog who watches for predators, and many roosters to protect the hens.

What are you looking for in a chicken? Eye candy, eggs, good personality?

For eye candy and personality - I suggest a silkie. These are a great first chicken for kids. However, silkies can be bullied by more aggressive breeds. They work really well with Buff Orpingtons because they are a docile breed as well, even though they are 10 times the size (exaggeration - but they are MUCH bigger). Easter Eggers are awesome as well, but their temperament is very hard to predict because they are not a real breed, so they can be super aggressive, or very docile. They usually lay blue or green eggs, but occasionally you will get a brown or pinkish cream egg from them.

I personally love the Barred Plymouth Rock. They fill every need (IMO).

  • Pretty
  • Great personality - good with kids and adults
  • Great egg layer - who will lay during the winter in their first year (and even the second if adequate light is provided)
  • They do well with silkies. Mine do anyway. Just don't expect a barred rock rooster to get along with a silkie rooster - Mine despise one another.

Hope this helps a bit.
 
welcome-byc.gif


You could put about 8 hens in there, more than that would be a bit cramped. I'm sure they'd love to free range around your backyard, but they will destroy whatever edible plants you have growing there and you can forget about growing vegetables with chickens around! Also keep possible predators in mind. Make sure your fences are secure. There are many breeds to choose from. Some lay better than others, some tend to go broody often and some seldom goes broody, some are friendlier than others... I only ever hear good things about RIR, but to help you decide have a look in the Breeds section. Enjoy the site!
 
sumi said:
:welcome

You could put about 8 hens in there, more than that would be a bit cramped. I'm sure they'd love to free range around your backyard, but they will destroy whatever edible plants you have growing there and you can forget about growing vegetables with chickens around! Also keep possible predators in mind. Make sure your fences are secure. There are many breeds to choose from. Some lay better than others, some tend to go broody often and some seldom goes broody, some are friendlier than others... I only ever hear good things about RIR, but to help you decide have a look in the Breeds section. Enjoy the site!
Click to expand...
My RIR is gorgeous. Not the greatest layer, but she is a REAL RIR, not a hatchery type.

They are known to be aggressive with docile breeds. Just a tip :)
 
Hello and welcome. If the coop is to be just used for a night time roost then 12 is o.k. Especially if you have a cold wintertime climate. Then they can keep each other warm. If this is more than you wanted then at least keep four ,for, warmth this winter. If your coop is also the size of your run , ( place where they run during the day) then four or five is plenty. The chickens will be very happy if they can free range and will produce tasty eggs. I noticed that you own a dog, so, I would keep them separated from the pet. He or she may be very gentle ,but, an accidential death could occur from puppy play. Rhode Island reds are an excellent brown egg layer and have a large body. If you like white eggs then ,I, suggest white leghorns. They produce the most eggs on less feed. The Leghorns are a smaller framed bird. I keep both of these breeds for egg and pullet sales. I love all chickens and all of them serve a purpose. I noticed your son in the picture ,so, any chickens with " Game" in their name I would not recommend. Games were meant for fighting. I know what ever breed you choose you will be glad to add chickens to your family.
 

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