Hi, I'm Jean...
I have been internet shopping and reading all about chickens for the last year. I had planned to get some chickens last summer, but my dad was ill & the timing was all wrong.
Today, after locating a hatchery in my state, I finally ordered my FIRST FLOCK!
I am going to get the "girls" some time after June 1st. I chose 5 Buff Orpingtons, 5 Black Australops and 5 Barred Rocks. I am SO excited.
The building I'm going to use for my coop was pre-existing, and appears to have been a coop in the past as it has cement foundation footers all around it and the run. We had been using it for a dog kennel, so I cleaned it out really good and put new stone in the run (very fine like large grit). The inside of the coop has larger stone. Should I put another time of bedding on top of it? Does anyone have any suggestions for the inside? I don't have any nesting boxes yet, and am planning to build 4 large ones. What should I use for roosts? Any preferred material? What is the best/easiest to clean?
I haven't purchased the feeders, waterers or feed yet, but have found a few good websites for supplies. I still have a month and a half before the babies arrive.
I hope to learn a bunch from all of you, and can't wait for the additions to our family!
Feel free to add me as a buddy... and I will do the same.
Jean, Northwest Ohio
I have been internet shopping and reading all about chickens for the last year. I had planned to get some chickens last summer, but my dad was ill & the timing was all wrong.
Today, after locating a hatchery in my state, I finally ordered my FIRST FLOCK!

The building I'm going to use for my coop was pre-existing, and appears to have been a coop in the past as it has cement foundation footers all around it and the run. We had been using it for a dog kennel, so I cleaned it out really good and put new stone in the run (very fine like large grit). The inside of the coop has larger stone. Should I put another time of bedding on top of it? Does anyone have any suggestions for the inside? I don't have any nesting boxes yet, and am planning to build 4 large ones. What should I use for roosts? Any preferred material? What is the best/easiest to clean?
I haven't purchased the feeders, waterers or feed yet, but have found a few good websites for supplies. I still have a month and a half before the babies arrive.
I hope to learn a bunch from all of you, and can't wait for the additions to our family!
Feel free to add me as a buddy... and I will do the same.
Jean, Northwest Ohio