recently retired and are going to start small

[heyfly]

Retired in January and I'm contemplating starting with 5 layers. Struggling with coop design at the moment, after looking at pre -built / prefab I'm going to build my own. Unsure whether to start with pullets or chicks. We are in southern Greene county and would like some ideas as to sources of chicks and or pullets.

Predators are an issue so free range is not an option, would like to have a chicken tractor for good weather and a coop an run for winter. This forum is a wealth of information, I've spent some time looking around and will continue.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC!

Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Best of luck to you and planning for your flock! I've attached some links you should be sure to check out. I also highly recommend you start out with chicks as they are fun and easy to raise, they tame very easy and are super fun!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/medium-chicken-coop-designs-pictures-of-chicken-coops
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-tractors-mobile-chicken-coop-designs
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

 

[6LittleHens]

It would be easier to start with pullets because they are a lot tougher and they are easier to maintain. If you get pullets then you won't have to buy chick feeders and waterers then turn around and buy feeders and waterers for older and larger chickens again. You also will get eggs sooner.:cd. Hope this helps!!!

 

[heyfly]

Thanks, that was my way of thinking also but my grandchildren are expecting chicks. Certainly easier being retired, but I have no excuses for the kids. We were out of the house 11 hours a day at work so that was a ready excuse.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - good luck in establishing your flock. With chicks(even if they are sexed) there is always the possibility of getting cockerels.

 

[6LittleHens]

If you are out of the house that long then pullets are the way to go.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Definitely stop by our coop pages. Lots of good ideas from our members. And some of these coops are really easy to build. Mountain Peeps has left you with the link.

Which ever you choose, pullets or chicks, I do hope they bring you great joy!

Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your new flock!

 

[Family Farming]

Welcome to BYC! You will find all the chicken answers you need here. Build your own coop it will last way longer than a prefab. There are all types of great coop designs on the site. I was able to build mine out of all recycled materials, even the shingles were free on CraigsList!

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! If you decide to go with chicks. I have ordered from Dunlap Hatchery (http://dunlaphatchery.net/), Murray McMurray Hatchery (http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/index.html), Ideal Poultry (http://idealpoultry.com/), and Cackle Hatchery (http://cacklehatchery.com/) and have been satisfied with all four of them. I especially like Dunlap Hatchery. Because they are smaller than the other three, they don't have as big a selection of breeds, but I love their service and birds. The folks there are very friendly and helpful and I never never lost a chick in one of their shipments. Good luck with your flock.