Hi! I have been following this site for quite some time researching and getting LOTS of valuable information to get started on my journey of raising backyard chickens. I love the site and all the great members! I have a family of three and two pets - a dog (sheepadoodle) and cat (bengal). My son is 6 and is so excited to start raising chickens. We live just outside of a small town on an acre that backs up to a small "forest" and some farm land. Although not the greatest quality, I purchased a decent pre-made coop and will be getting it put together this weekend. We are predator proofing it by laying a couple feet min. of hardware cloth or chicken wire round the coop bottom to prevent diggers from entering the run at night.
Question 1: how far from my house and deck should I place the coop so we aren't bothered by flies while grilling out or hanging on the porch/deck?
I plan to start off with 3-5 pullets and maybe add on as we go. It is my plan to use the original coop as a starter coop and build a more permanent one over the next couple of years.
I have checked out may posts here and think I have narrowed it down to a gravity feeder and a nipple waterer like the chicken fountain, only DIY.
Question 2: Any suggestions? Should I buy a pre-made gravity feeder and the chicken fountain or do you all find the DIY ones work just as well?
Now, once the coop is setup and all the supplies gathered I'll be off to the hatchery to pick out some 4-6 week old pullets for my coop.
Question 3: Any suggestions on breeds? I want good egg layers, would love a colored egg layer but also want friendly birds that will tolerate holding. I have a 6 year old son who is excited and wants to be able to get to know them.
Question 4: any general suggestions or tips?
Question 1: how far from my house and deck should I place the coop so we aren't bothered by flies while grilling out or hanging on the porch/deck?
I plan to start off with 3-5 pullets and maybe add on as we go. It is my plan to use the original coop as a starter coop and build a more permanent one over the next couple of years.
I have checked out may posts here and think I have narrowed it down to a gravity feeder and a nipple waterer like the chicken fountain, only DIY.
Question 2: Any suggestions? Should I buy a pre-made gravity feeder and the chicken fountain or do you all find the DIY ones work just as well?
Now, once the coop is setup and all the supplies gathered I'll be off to the hatchery to pick out some 4-6 week old pullets for my coop.
Question 3: Any suggestions on breeds? I want good egg layers, would love a colored egg layer but also want friendly birds that will tolerate holding. I have a 6 year old son who is excited and wants to be able to get to know them.
Question 4: any general suggestions or tips?