Newbie

[Jags4Me]

Hi everyone! I'm on the east coast of Florida between St Augustine and Daytona. I have two rescued Lab/Pointer pups (1 1/2yrs old) and am looking into chickens (for eggs and poop for fertilizer). I've been researching online to try to build a coop/run and there are so many....not sure which would be best for my climate or size. I have a fenced in yard but looking to have an enclosed area because we have lots of hawks, eagles, rats, raccoons, bobcat and of course my 2 pups. Thinking of getting 4-6 hens, no clue of what kind yet. Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.

 

[lazy gardener]

Plan on a minimum of 4 s.f./bird in coop, 10 s.f./bird in the run. Extra space if you ever intend to have a rooster, add new birds or increase flock size. Cover all openings with 1/2" hardware cloth for predator proofing. Chicken wire will not protect from predators, but will keep chickens in. I strongly recommend a walk in coop, absolute minimum size 4 x 8. Shed style is most likely the easiest to build. I wish you the best as you continue to research and plan.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Hello and welcome to BYC!! It’s so nice to have you join us.

This video may help with learning how to navigate this site.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask one of us.

 

[IslaBean]

If you’re wondering what breed to get, I have Easter eggers, and love them dearly! They are so friendly!

 

[bluebird]

 

[bluebird]

So happy you joined our community!!!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Jags4Me Welcome!

Very exciting!

First up, you might want to Find Your State Thread for tips on the build in your climate.

This article may be helpful on selecting a breed: Pickin a Chicken

You might be interested in downloading this free e-book My First Year With Chickens

I do hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

Personally, I have found the Topic of the Week articles a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group. There are a few discussions under 'Chicken Coop and Run Management' and a couple in particular you might find of interest:
Topic of the Week - Raising People Friendly Poultry
Topic of the Week - Dogs and chickens

If you would like to share pictures and stories of the coop build or your flock when they arrive, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[MissNutmeg]

Welcome to byc!! So glad you could join us!!!


~Meg

 

[MissNutmeg]

 

[Jags4Me]

Thank you everyone. I will check out all of your recommendations!! So much stuff on here...wonderful.