Spring 2017 first timers post!

[Merrymouse]

Thanks, yes, all female!! I was hatching too many males, and don't have the heart to eat them, once I name them!!
I also needed them to be vaccinated for Mereks. (We have had a case of that before). It cost so much to get the vaccine, then buy the eggs, only to hatch a few females, or any at all! I decided to just take a chance and try a hatchery.
I had dealt with MPC before for a coop, and they were awesome in the Cust service dept. so I decided to try them for chicks, even though we have a hatchery about 200 miles away.
Ideal hatchery did not have the variety that MPC has.
I have SLW, BO, SS, OE, EE, Astrlorpe(sp?), and the most pricey chick... Lavender Orpington.

I am in the process of building my coop. I have no prior building experience. The roof was my biggest worry. I read all about birds mouth cuts for the rafters etc. but I opted to use rafter hangers that I got at lowes. I think they were like $1.50 each. So easy to use. I could give you a picture of one if that helps. It's a metal bracket that you screw into your crossbeam then you just rest your rafter into the slot. Good luck.

 

[Nksg75]

There is a bracket like that? And it doesn't cost $30.00 for each? Wow, please send me the pic!! Yeah!!!!!!
I assume it works with 2x4?
I have located some of those build a shed kits, however I just wanted the rafter brackets they sell, only to find out that they cost almost as much as the whole kit.

 

[Nksg75]

Oh, me more thing, I assume this is for a gable roof?

 

[lilchicky07]

Ahhhhhh guys I only have 12 days until my 16 babies are hatched. I'm so excited. We start construction on the coop this weekend. I'm guessing I'll get at least two Roos, so we will end up with around 14 hens, fingers crossed. My coop is going to be 5x10 with 4or 5 nesting boxes and a 10x11 run. I plan to let the range across the yard every now and then as well provide fodder, meal worms and toys in their pen.

 

[drumstick diva]

This is a really nice thread - hope you don't mind an oldie, lurking now and then.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

This is a really nice thread - hope you don't mind an oldie, lurking now and then.

Lurk away!

Gary

 

[Merrymouse]

There is a bracket like that? And it doesn't cost $30.00 for each? Wow, please send me the pic!! Yeah!!!!!!
I assume it works with 2x4?
I have located some of those build a shed kits, however I just wanted the rafter brackets they sell, only to find out that they cost almost as much as the whole kit.

I'm pretty sure they were under $2 each. I am doing a sloped roof but I think you can use them for gabled roof. They also have special brackets for the pitched part of the roof. Here is a picture

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Must. Finish. Coop

Gary

 

[Merrymouse]

Yay! My friend agreed to take my extra chickens that I dont want even if I get a rooster so I can order my chickens anytime now. I was waiting because I wanted 6 to 8 and they have a 15 chick minimum. So now I have to order 15 and I can try any breeds because what ever I dont want/need my friend will take and she doesnt care, she'll take anything. She has a big farm, plenty of space and all kinds of animals so she doesn't sweat the small stuff like adding a handful of chickens

So Im ordering from Meyers and so far I have:

2 Buff Orpingtons
2 Black Australorp
2 Easter Eggers
1 Barred rock
1 Golden Laced Wyandotte
1 Dominique
1 Speckled Sussex
1 Blue Amaraucana
1 Lavender Orpington


Im not sure they even have all these for the date I want so they can be switched out or whatever. Im looking for quiet, docile, color variety in both chickens and their eggs. Hmm, I need a white hen in there. So what do you all suggest? I was thinking of Cochin or Brahma but not sure I want feathered feet. Maybe a light brahma for some white in my flock. Im new to this so I have no idea. Thanks in advance for the suggestions doesnt have to be white just whatever everyone thinks would be a good addition. Oh and I dont want flighty because Im going to free range in the woods and only plan to have a flexible fence to keep them somewhat contained. So I dont want really good flyers if I can avoid it.

P.S. must be cold hardy for Massachusetts' winter

 

[Merrymouse]

This is a really nice thread - hope you don't mind an oldie, lurking now and then.

We're happy to have you! I know I can use as much help as I can get