Newbie

[Blue Raptor]

I am new to raising chickens and trying to do it the healthiest way possible for them and me. I have 2 Road Island Reds and 2 others that were gifts so I don’t know their breed. I want to let them free roam but we have quite a few hawks in the area so I haven’t done that yet.

Welcome to BYC! If you post pictures of your mystery hens here, someone will be able to tell you the breed!

 

[Grammy60]

Hello Cathy and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined our flock.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Tookie]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Enjoy your time here!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you joined us!

 

[swampfox440]

Hi, welcome to BYC! pleased to meet you and thanks for joining us.

 

[Duckduckchicken32]

Welcome to byc! We have lots of hawks too, a large pen or chicken tractor could let them be outside safely.

 

[rjohns39]

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

 

[JedJackson]

What kind of stuff do you suggest?

Branches, old pallets, old ladders, bushes, tarps, roosts-- anything you have on hand, really. Chickens like to have hiding places and they like to explore new things when young.

Oh, I just saw Dobie's post. That covers the topic nicely.