Newbie with Black Jersey Giants

[pctechtx]

Moved in with my dad to take care of him.
Government is getting on my nerves and decided it is best to work on self-sufficiency.
My neighbor raises birds and she had a set of adult chickens.
I didn't want to attempt raising from hatch-lings.
I got 7 hens and a rooster.
I average 4 eggs a day.
This is one heck of a forum and am grateful for all the info here.
Been thinking of an auto-water'er and y'all have some excellent ideas here.
I believe my coop is secure against most critters except snakes.
Any deterrents y'all can recommend? Dad recommends throwing sulfur down...
I've had them 2 weeks.
Interesting personalities.
A little bit of a communication barrier but I listen.
Attached pic of some of my new family members

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Here are some links that may be helpful:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Space requirements
• https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/predators-and-pests.13/
• “How to...” guides
• Find other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[416bigbore]

Hello and welcome to BYC, You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members, who are more then willing to jump in and help you along your journey with any questions you may have.

 

[pctechtx]

Question that arised: People have burned trash and junk in several spots on my dad's property that the chickens can scratch. Should I prevent them from scratching those areas? When I dig in it I see no signs of life, grass barely grows on it. Not sure if toxic but would imagine so...

 

[Grammy60]

Hello and welcome to BYC We are happy you have joined our community.

 

[DobieLover]

Question that arised: People have burned trash and junk in several spots on my dad's property that the chickens can scratch. Should I prevent them from scratching those areas? When I dig in it I see no signs of life, grass barely grows on it. Not sure if toxic but would imagine so...

I would keep them off of it.

 

[cmom]

I agree. Good luck with your birds and have fun...
http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[416bigbore]

I agree with @DobieLover, you have no clue as to what may have been burned there. Other then the toxic materials you also may have small nails, staples and screws for them to eat resulting in hardware disease.

Best of luck with your new flock.