New to the coop

[robynok]

My husband and I are looking into building a coop for the first time. I read somewhere on here that cedar was poisonous to chickens. That got us thinking, if we're building our own coop, do we want treated wood? That makes sense since it'll be out in our hot humid environment in South Mississippi. Any ideas on where we can find good coop plans? Also, what kind of hens do we start with? We could use a few eggs a day, and I personally wouldn't mind a hen or two just for her pretty (or unordinary) looks.

Thanks,
Robyn

 

[DavidKerk]

You can find some good coop plans on-line. There are also books out there. Here is the title of one: Art of the Chicken Coop by Chris Gleason.
About the breeds, here are some good layers: Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, Plymouth Rock, Golden Laced Wyandotte, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Production Reds, ISA Browns (Hybrid), Black Sex-Link (Hybrid), Australorps, New Hampshire Reds, and Ameruacanas. The Golden Laced Wyandotte is very pretty and so is the Silver Laced Wyandotte. They are also good layers. I hope this helps!
This is my New Hampshire Red:

On the left is my Plymouth Rock and on the right is my ISA Brown:

This is my California Grey Leghorn:

On the left is my Silver Laced Wyandotte, center is my Ameruacana, right is my Black Australorp:

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Jeanna Marie]

A big hey ya'll from Alabama!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck with the planning.

 

[redsoxs]

Hello from Kansas, Robyn, and

! Super to have you with us!! Good luck with your planning and coop building. I've not heard of treat lumber being bad for chickens.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!