Hello all,,,,,,I just convinced my SO to let me get the chickens I've wanted for a long time ,,,,,I got a 4x6 metal roof coop with 8 nest boxes, I got 4 red sex links , and 3 buff orpingtons, and one "other" so 8 in total,,,,,got the coop Monday and the chickens on Tuesday, I built a 4x8x4h run for them with two feeders and 2 waterers. I let them out for the first time today, 2 of the Buffs are older and more adventurous, and they took off to explore, two of the RIR went into the woods, now we don't have A LOT of predators around here because we are over run wit rabbits right now, but I spent about an hour running thru thornny scrub to try and get this one girl out of the woods. After I finally gave up and was laying on the grass having resigned her to her own fate,,,she came strolling out of the bushes like nothing was wrong. How much should I feed theses ladies, and the feeders are un covered, can the feed get wet?, should it rain,,it' s in the 90's and I've been keeping the water full. Trying not to make any STUPID AMATEUR mistakes that cost one of my chickens it's life I am in rural New York State Joe
Welcome! Sounds like you have some adventurous ladies I would cover the feeders - if it gets wet it can get moldy. And keep making sure the water is full. Especially in this heat wave. I have an extra bowl out there and I keep filling it with ice cubes during the day - we are pushing 100F without the heat index down here in NC. Sounds like you are doing just fine!
Welcome to the wonderful world of chickens. Try to keep their feed dry. Be aware that most of the rest of the world wants to eat your chickens. Do your best to fortify their coop and enclosure. Good luck and enjoy.
