Raising Chickens to Hens for the first time! (Maryland)

[Folly's place]

YUP! Aart, it's crazy, but they came very early last year too. I think FF&H generally gets chicks early too.
Mary

 

[bruceha2000]

That is nuts, unless they are meat chickens.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Mike when I first started making plans for birds I think it was about this time of year . Maybe February. I was up late on this site for a couple months figuring out the coop and breeds. Ahhh I remember it well. I was also secretive about it until my son walked behind me and the computer and exclaimed, “are we getting chickens?!” DH had his head in the fridge and slowly backed it out. Without looking at me he said very assertively, “no.”
As you can see that went over like a fluff in church with me.

Anyways. This is draw up your blue print time. Start getting your materials time. You’ll be sawing and nailing by Easter.

 

[Living_Legend]

What size hardware cloth does everyone use? 1x2, 1x1, 1/2x1/2 ???

 

[Folly's place]

I use 1/2" only. Some people use 1/4", which will also keep mice out. Anything larger than 1/2" allows rats and weasels to enter, not good.
Mary

 

[Living_Legend]

I use 1/2" only. Some people use 1/4", which will also keep mice out. Anything larger than 1/2" allows rats and weasels to enter, not good.
Mary

cool thanks

 

[bruceha2000]

1/2". 1/4" is a smaller size wire. Not as strong.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

I discovered the 1/4 inch was easier to cut with the tin snips than the 1/2 inch which stabbed me and scratched me at every down-slice.

 

[bruceha2000]

Perhaps but the purpose of the hardware cloth is to keep out predators stronger is better. And yes, do be careful when cutting hardware cloth it is quite "pokey".

 

[BBZZZZTT]

I am also getting chicks for the first time this spring! Thanks for making this thread. It's answering questions I didn't even know I had.