Retired and looking at chickens

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redmike2018

redmike2018

Songster
6 Years
Sep 6, 2018
18
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Greenville SC
I have just entered into the ranks of retirement and looking a the possibility of raising chickens for eggs and as a hobbie. We live in upper portion of South Carolina, in a subdivision with a chain link fence on two side with a privacy board fence across the back. No dogs or cats mostly squirrels and chipmunks. However this year we have had several black snakes take up residence here. Oh almost forgot we have hawks, 2 adults and about 3 juveniles. I will be needing information on just about everything. My first burning question is about build the coop on the ground, 6/8” off ground or 2/3’ off ground. Next is concerning the run, is it necessary to have the buried fencing to prevent predictor dig unders. Thank our for your time an asssisence concerning my questions. Redmike2018
 
redmike2018 said:
I have just entered into the ranks of retirement and looking a the possibility of raising chickens for eggs and as a hobbie. We live in upper portion of South Carolina, in a subdivision with a chain link fence on two side with a privacy board fence across the back. No dogs or cats mostly squirrels and chipmunks. However this year we have had several black snakes take up residence here. Oh almost forgot we have hawks, 2 adults and about 3 juveniles. I will be needing information on just about everything. My first burning question is about build the coop on the ground, 6/8” off ground or 2/3’ off ground. Next is concerning the run, is it necessary to have the buried fencing to prevent predictor dig unders. Thank our for your time an asssisence concerning my questions. Redmike2018
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Hello and welcome! :frow
Chickens are addicting...seriously ;)

The biggest question is...are you allowed to have chickens in your subdivision?
How large is your property?
How tall are the chain link fences?
I recommend heavy breeds for shorter (4’) chain link although some of the lighter birds can fly/jump over 6’ so clipped wings are necessary.
Or you could just keep them in an enclosed run at all times and free range when you’re home. This would help with the hawk issue.

Knowing what the predators are in your area is important but also knowing if they’re plenty of prey species.
We have hawks out here and raccoons and other predators BUT because there’s so many wild prey species about the predators tend to get plenty to eat from them.
I’ve only seen hawks and owls in my particular neighborhood but there’s lots of doves and quail for them to eat so they haven’t tried to get my birds at all and I’ve had them for a year now.

Building a coop that’s off of the ground about 1.5 to 2 feet will provide your birds with a shady spot they can dust bathe in under the coop.
 
:frow CHICKEN-MATH-FARMER-CONNIE.gif
 

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