new to the chicken world and look for some advice

[Eggsakly]

Thanks, NFC! It works. I also have framed openings in both the coop and the wall leading to the outside run space. They have been sealed up for the winter, but I will be able to open those soon. I framed the whole thing with screws and 2x3 lumber. The entire thing can be taken apart with a screw gun, panel by panel, and moved and reassembled pretty easily, if I decide to do that. Or, it can just stay where it is. Either way, I love having my own "barn" for the coop and for future chicken projects. I see Ideal hatchery has a screamin' deal on assorted Wyandotte bantams right now, a breed for which I've been watching their site. I may need to start construction on new pens soon . . .

 

[lilmarie84]

Thanks for the ideas i have actually been thinking of getting shipping pallets to use as material I have seen some really nice ones and it would help cut down on time and cost a bit I would think

 

[drumstick diva]

Black Australorps are very good layers and docile- also very popular. You could read the breed reviews to see what owners have to say pro & con. No hen is going to lay eggs every day of the year - when they are molting they don't lay, when daylight lessens they often stop laying till spring, etc.

If you wanted to raise chicks, you still don't need a roster. If you have broody hen(s) you can put fertile eggs from any breed under them and they will hatch and raise them as their own.

You may want a broody breed (Buff Orps, Silkies, Cochins,) hen or two just to be your living incubator. It's a great way to get different breeds cheaper than buying chicks.

 

[lilmarie84]

Black Australorps are very good layers and docile- also very popular. You could read the breed reviews to see what owners have to say pro & con. No hen is going to lay eggs every day of the year - when they are molting they don't lay, when daylight lessens they often stop laying till spring, etc.

If you wanted to raise chicks, you still don't need a roster. If you have broody hen(s) you can put fertile eggs from any breed under them and they will hatch and raise them as their own.

You may want a broody breed (Buff Orps, Silkies, Cochins,) hen or two just to be your living incubator. It's a great way to get different breeds cheaper than buying chicks.

thanks for that idea I might look into that i'm just trying to find a way that I dont have to replenish often cuz they will be used for dual purposes as for the black australorps how well do they handle heat