- Oct 23, 2011
- 7
- 0
- 7
We are in Northern Virginia, in a area that is more country then city. I really want to get a small flock (6-12) chickens for eggs and for hobby. We have twin seven year old girls that adore every animal they encounter and I figure raising and caring for chickens will be a fun family activity.
I have been reading and researching every night for months to determine if we can handle the new hobby and just how big a coop I need to build.
From this site as well from www.homegardendesignplan.com I have a good idea of what I will build with an attached run. We have loads of foxes, raccoons,dogs and hawks that routinely visit so having them free range will likely be an expensive way to feed the other critters.
I think we will gravitate towards three types of hens (no roosters) and on the list are RI Reds, Buff Orpington and Barred Rocks.
My big question is if we get older already laying birds, and they were not handled often, will there be a good chance we will not be able to handle them? I want the kids to be able to go into the coop, pick up the birds as required and not be fearful of being bullied as I know some foul will do.
Reason I would like to get some layers right away is my better half is on the fence if this endeavor is a good idea...and waiting months for eggs will not go over well.
I do want the kids to experience chicks...so I was thinking, get a couple layers, and then six of so chicks and keep them separate until they are 1-2 months old. If I keep the ratio of 6 to 2-4, I am thinking there will be less issue of one being bullied.
SO...is that viable or should I stick with all chicks?
Cheers,
Matt
I have been reading and researching every night for months to determine if we can handle the new hobby and just how big a coop I need to build.
From this site as well from www.homegardendesignplan.com I have a good idea of what I will build with an attached run. We have loads of foxes, raccoons,dogs and hawks that routinely visit so having them free range will likely be an expensive way to feed the other critters.
I think we will gravitate towards three types of hens (no roosters) and on the list are RI Reds, Buff Orpington and Barred Rocks.
My big question is if we get older already laying birds, and they were not handled often, will there be a good chance we will not be able to handle them? I want the kids to be able to go into the coop, pick up the birds as required and not be fearful of being bullied as I know some foul will do.
Reason I would like to get some layers right away is my better half is on the fence if this endeavor is a good idea...and waiting months for eggs will not go over well.
I do want the kids to experience chicks...so I was thinking, get a couple layers, and then six of so chicks and keep them separate until they are 1-2 months old. If I keep the ratio of 6 to 2-4, I am thinking there will be less issue of one being bullied.
SO...is that viable or should I stick with all chicks?
Cheers,
Matt