newbie l@@king for advice!!

[IleeaG]

Looking for any & all advice for buying, raising free range chickens in PA. Would like to keep 5-6 laying hens to start. Need advice on shelter, predators, any laws, vet care. The need to knows and baisics of what it entails. I am a beginner starting with nothing. Trying to do my research online before I make the decision to buy/make a coop and buy hens. What breeds are best. Do I have to start out with chicks? Ah so many questions!! Thanks everyone

 

[mymilliefleur]

Hello and Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us! I suggest you head over to the learning center, there are lots of great articles on all the subjects you are interested in.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

The Learning Center is the place to start as suggested by @mymilliefleur .

You may also like to 'meet' other members in your state thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/248345/pennsylvania-unite

Hope you find the birds you're looking for. Nice to have you join us!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X3 on the Learning Center is a great place to start https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center for local laws, give your town or city hall a call.

 

[drumstick diva]

You don't have to start out with chicks, you can buy pol(point of lay) hens. The difference is chicks are much easily to socialize, if you would like to be able to pick them up or have them sit on your lap etc. Older birds are generally raised with less up close attention and may be flightly or unfriendly at first.