Some Questions From a Newbie

[Ezio]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a few hen's since I miss having fresh eggs (had some a couple years ago, but we had to move and they would have been too stressed (long drive+100 degree weather).

My questions:
1. What are the best breeds for South Texas? It gets into the 100s in the summer and can get as low as 15 in the winter. We also get very little rain.
2 What would be the best hutch design? We have predators (coyotes, raccons, hawks,and domestic cats). Is there a certain brand that's good or should it be home made?
3. What would the best grain/scratch be? Is Purina or Producer's Pride (Tractor Supply's brand) good?
4. What medicine's/wormers/supplements will they need?
5. Most importantly, where is the best place to get chickens? Feed Store (Tractor Supply), Craigslist, or mail order?

 

[redsoxs]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a few hen's since I miss having fresh eggs (had some a couple years ago, but we had to move and they would have been too stressed (long drive+100 degree weather).

My questions:
1. What are the best breeds for South Texas? It gets into the 100s in the summer and can get as low as 15 in the winter. We also get very little rain.
2 What would be the best hutch design? We have predators (coyotes, raccons, hawks,and domestic cats). Is there a certain brand that's good or should it be home made?
3. What would the best grain/scratch be? Is Purina or Producer's Pride (Tractor Supply's brand) good?
4. What medicine's/wormers/supplements will they need?
5. Most importantly, where is the best place to get chickens? Feed Store (Tractor Supply), Craigslist, or mail order?

1. Chickens with large combs regulate heat through their combs - breeds like Minorcas and Leghorns (and many others) would do well in your climate.
2. There are a lot of great designs for coops on the Coops links on BYC. Advice: build it bigger than you think you need in case you ever decide to add birds. If you purchase one, make sure it is made with heavy hardware cloth to keep out the predators.
3. Chicks shouldn't get straight grain or scratch - it should be chick starter as it specially designed for chicks. I'm not sure if one brand is better than another.
4. Some get their birds a Marek's vaccination. Medicated feed starter prevents cocidiosis.
5. Where you get them is up to you. Feed Stores usually get them from hatcheries. You will get a lot of choices on hatcheries. I feel you take your chances with Craiglist. Here are some useful links - best of luck!

Coops thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coop_Designs

Here is the hatcheries link:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16/chicken-breeders-hatcheries

Chicks thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/11/raising-baby-chicks