Posting from Western Maryland

[wava1vaughn]

Hi from Ga. Welcome aboard.

 

[HodgeLodge]

It is as simple as that?

 

[HodgeLodge]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I am getting excited for the spring. To start this endeavor. I need a raising hens for dummies book. Lots of questions I need to investigate, but have time over the winter to do. How often do I clean the coop, can you tell the sex of a chicken when I go to buy them since I can't have roosters in city limits, do they need to be wormed, should I have more than two for companionship? and many more questions. I am illiterate when it comes to chickens. lol

 

[daytonfarm]

Welcome!
You will need some fencing. The hens will have to be locked up at night and let out in the fenced area during the day. Chicken wire only holds chickens in and will not keep predators out. So you need to see what predators you might have during the day and fence accordingly. Dogs will dig under the fence (racoons will also do this at night, but if you have them locked securely in the coop the coon won't get them). If you look at the "coop design" section you will get alot of ideas about fencing also. Chicken wire is ok for the top of the fenced area to keep hawks out during the day. If you want to start with chicks they need to be in a warm area with a heat lamp until they have all their feathers (this would give you time to put up a fence if you need to). Most feed stores will have all the supplies you need.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[HodgeLodge]

Thank you for this insight. I will check out the designs and see what I need to do with the fencing. thank you

 

[OldGuy43]

Howdy from Austin, Texas.

 

[madamwlf]

Welcome from Frederick County, MD!!!

 

[kidcody]

from Washington State glad you joined us!
Sounds like you are off to a great start!

 

[HodgeLodge]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone, I used to live in Mt. Airy Madam!! Great place to live.