New to the chicken world and there's lots and lots of questions.

[Serena303]

I haven't had a chance to navigate through the site yet to see if these questions have been answered.

I've been contemplating building a coop and raising a few chickens for a couple months now. Not sure if I've lot my mind or what but, here are a couple questions regarding building a habitat that works for our lifestyle while providing a nice little egg making sanctuary for the chickens.

Is there any concern with having the coop primarily in the shade during the winter months when the temp can drop below zero?

Do retractable fences actually work?
What is the shortest ideal height for sectioning off a area in the yard?

What are the best egg Laying cold hardy breeds? (our summers get pretty hot)

Any random tips, do's & don't or advise is greatly appreciated?

Thanks! Hopefully this will turn out to be everything I hope it could be!

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Glad you joined. BYC has a lot of answers to your questions, but I can answer a few.

I think Australorps are hardy and lay well. I have one and she is still laying. She also had a very quick molt which is good and picked right back up afterwords.

Putting Apple Cider Vinegar in your chickens drinking water helps them a lot. Also keeping you coop clean and using a mite and lice dust in the coop after you clean it help prevent parasites.

 

[wekiva bird]

and

You will find lots of help here on BYC.

 

[Serena303]

Great! Thanks for the tips!

I just started looking though the site and whoa, there's so much information! Glad I came across this webite.

 

[kidcody]

from washington state glad you joined us !

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Serena303, and

! Pleased you joined our community! My best advice for the chicken keeper just starting out is to go the link below and read through the information - it is so helpful! Good luck to you!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Visit the Learning Center above for lots of good info.

Chickens are more cold hardy and less heat tolerant, so plan your coop to take advantage of summer shade.

Basque chickens (Euskal Oiloa) are very heat tolerant, and do fine in cold weather too. They are also very good layers of large brown eggs.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Tough Old Bird]

Welcome from another NEWBIE -- I'm from NY State. People here have been terrific and really helpful.

TOB

 

[Serena303]

Thanks! This is really a great online community... I'm super excited now!