Hi everyone....
I grew up on a chickenless farm (cattle and hogs) so I am going to be new at this.
I have contacted the local feed store in regards to obtaining some chicks, they will have some from Townline hatchery mid April. My thoughts are just a dozen should be plenty for myself and the Mrs.....with extras going to my son and his family for all our egg needs. I haven't decided on Isa Browns, Rhode Island Reds or Barred Rocks as of yet....looking for input on this from anyone.
The coop I am building is like most around this area with the shed type roof, building size is 5 x 8 which seems from what I have read here is more than adequate and should allow for some expansion if needed. I am worried about how the chickens will do when it gets cold here (like today at -10 wind chill) I hope to make the coop draft free, but I worry about cold.
From what I read pine shavings are ideal for the coop.....I have an abundance of Ash and Oak planer shavings, will these work or should I nix them in favor of purchased pine shavings?
And last question (for now) if I get chicks in mid April, when will they normally be laying eggs?
Thanks in advance for any input that you have.
Steve
I grew up on a chickenless farm (cattle and hogs) so I am going to be new at this.
I have contacted the local feed store in regards to obtaining some chicks, they will have some from Townline hatchery mid April. My thoughts are just a dozen should be plenty for myself and the Mrs.....with extras going to my son and his family for all our egg needs. I haven't decided on Isa Browns, Rhode Island Reds or Barred Rocks as of yet....looking for input on this from anyone.
The coop I am building is like most around this area with the shed type roof, building size is 5 x 8 which seems from what I have read here is more than adequate and should allow for some expansion if needed. I am worried about how the chickens will do when it gets cold here (like today at -10 wind chill) I hope to make the coop draft free, but I worry about cold.
From what I read pine shavings are ideal for the coop.....I have an abundance of Ash and Oak planer shavings, will these work or should I nix them in favor of purchased pine shavings?
And last question (for now) if I get chicks in mid April, when will they normally be laying eggs?
Thanks in advance for any input that you have.
Steve