Newbie from Md!

[blb]

Hey all!
I'm Beth. I am new here and just posted in the sell/sale thread for someone out there to build me a coop. The people at the farm store didn't know anyone. I would rather buy localy then pay for shipping.

I have 4 kids; 2 girls in college, 21yo son in Iraq with the Marines and another son 23 who lives around here and works fulltime. There is also a hubby who thinks I am just crazy, lol.

We have 3 dogs (akita, pit bull and husky), 2 cats, 20something fish tanks and a snake. They are all mine, hubby tolerates them because he says he loves me and I love pets. He was a little shocked over the chickens but I think he is finally coming around.

We have a fenced in yard but I need to train the dogs first. I will build a run too and when dogs are finally trained have plans to have the chickens free range. I am looking into the deep litter method. Do you put wood on the bottom or wire? Plus is the whole bottom deep litter or just part?

I know I will have lots more questions later. Just wanted to introduce myself. I do love this site!

Thanks all!
Beth

 

[HenHappy]

Hello and welcome. I know you will find great answers from everyone here for all your questions on here. I really appreciate all they have done for me!!!

 

[mom'sfolly]

Welcome.

I hope you find someone to build you a coop. You might try craigslist, the one here seems to have coop postings fairly often. Considering the breeds of dogs you have, you might have an uphill battle with freeranging. Several people on the board have had their own dogs kill their chickens, its heartbreaking. A large run, kennel style might work for you. If it can keep dogs in, it should be able to keep dogs out.

Hope you have fun here, it's a great group of people.

 

[fallenweeble]

welcome blb!

 

[countryboy]

welcome
my son also has am akita that we take care of while he is away, great dogs

 

[blb]

Thanks all! I already got a hit from a kid here that live not too far that might be able to build me a coop! I will check craigs list too.

Yea, I know we might have problems with free range. It is the akita and the husky I worry about. The pit is the sweetest thing on earth and wouldn't hurt a fly. I might just have to keep them in the coop and run.

A kennel run is a good idea. There could be lots of perches. I will have to look into that.

Thanks all for the wonderful ideas!

Beth

 

[Scrambled Egg]

HI Beth, we're glad to have you here!

 

[PurpleChicken]

Welcome to BYC. I wish you were closer I'd help you build one.


You have my ABSOLUTE RESPECT & GRATITUDE for raising such a fine
young man who would voluntarily serve in Iraq.

We have a few great members in MD and one particular crazy one.
(That's "Crazy" in a good way)

 

[sunnychooks]

Welcome!!! I hope your coop situation is figured out soon! I have Huskies (15 of them) and I wouldn't count on them being trained to be able to have free range chickens roaming around. Our chickens free range, but the dogs are well confined. You might find that it's easier that way than to try to train your dog!

There are lots of people here who used the deep litter method and some very good posts. Do a search for Deep Litter or DLM.

God bless your Marine son. Thank him for us!

 

[mdbucks]

Quote:
Yeah I heard there were some good ones in MD hopefully I will get to meet one.