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jbradford24

jbradford24

Hatching
6 Years
Jan 31, 2013
2
0
7
I am completely new to this! So I could use any insight you all could provide. I have ample space in my yard for a medium size coop but don't know exactly where to start. Is there a particular breed I should start with? Should I start with baby chicks or adults? Feeding I think I have a handle on based on posts I've seen on here.
Goals are meat (occasionally), eggs, and education for the kids.
I've seen a couple of sites that sell on line, any that are best or would I be better served to look to local farm markets/trade days/co-ops?
I'm in South Alabama so winters are relatively mild. Is heating the coop something I need to worry about?
Alright that's about all I can think to ask for now, so let me know if i've missed anything or anything I definitely need to know.
thanks in advance!
 
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and
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from Highland County Ohio and God Bless!!!

1) If you are thinking of building a coop, you can look at coop designs here https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
If you would like to buy a coop, you can look into places like Tractor Supply Company. You can also try your local feed stores. Sometimes they sell coops.

2) You can read reviews on chicken breeds here https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds

3) Buying started pullets (young female chickens that are almost ready to lay) is an easy and quick way to start. However, if you are looking to have your kids experience raising chickens you might want to get chicks. Personally, I suggest getting chicks. It is very exciting to see them go from tiny babies to adult chickens. You can learn more about raising baby chicks here https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

4) Raising chickens for meat is what got me into chickens! It fun and pretty simple. You can read more about raising meat chickens here https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-raise-chickens-for-meat-tips-and-pictures

5) You can read other members' thoughts on different hatcheries here https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16/chicken-breeders-hatcheries

6) Up here in Ohio it gets down to single digits and I don't heat my coop. However, I do winter proof my coop so that my girls are not as cold. You can read how I winter proof my coop here https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-proofing-your-coop-why-and-how

Sorry, I know this a lot of info and links all at once. I hope that it helps you! Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Hello and welcome to BYC
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Chickenpooplady got you covered, so all I can add is: enjoy your flock!
 

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