Starting a New Flock

[Springdale Chris]

I am a complete ignoramus but would like to have a couple of chickens to provide enough eggs for my family of 4 and, if there is a bit more, to share with my neighbor. I have acreage, an old existing coop (about 6 feet wide by 4 feet deep) raised on legs about 3 feet off the ground with ramps into the yard, a small surrounding yard fenced with chicken wire but currently choked with thistles . My goal is to have fresher, healthier eggs but not at the expense of investing a lot of money on the process to begin with.
How many chickens are needed to supply 6 to 2 dozen eggs/week?
How do I let the chickens range outside of their coop (ie to help keep bugs out of my garden) without risking loss to the local coyotes?. Is it difficult to "train" them to go back to their safe coop at night?
Since the coop yard is not covered, do I need to worry about hawks, owls etc?
My coop yard has a fence that is about 5 feet high. Do I need to make that higher and do I need to put a cover over the yard itself? The yard is probably about 12 feet by 12 feet wide. - is that big enough?
Is it a bad idea to try to purchase fully grown chickens as opposed to dealing with creating the proper housing for hatchlings. Are there downsides?
Any suggestions, comments, encouragement or the alternative would be appreciated.

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida.

 

[Redsquirrel]

Welcome to BYC! If you use the "search" you can find the answers to lots of your questions. Where are you located? Having a coop already will really cut down on expenses for setting up to have chickens. If you want eggs sooner than later, then buying young hens is the way to go. If you have predators in your area then I would cover your run, etc -do all you can to protect them-hens are tasty to lots of critters.

 

[tackyrama]

Hi, lots of good questions. Depending on what type of chickens you have they will lay one egg every two to three days. Breeds specifically for eggs laying will lay more dual purpose breeds less. I have 12 dual purpose hens right now and I average 7 to 8 eggs a day.

Fresh eggs are definately healthier. A just laid egg does not have colesterol. The colesterol doesn't start till afer three days. Chickens naturally like to free range. After a period of confinement for maybe a week they will associate the coop with food and water and safety Then you can let them out and they will return by themselves every night to roost. If you have a run and do not free range them you should not need a cover unless you have a severe hawk problem. I free range my flock and have lost only 1 hen to a hawk in over a year.

There are different ideas about free range. I feel that the chickens are happier living a natural life and if I lose a few due to predators it is only natural and I can accept it. That being said chickens are good at taking care of them selves, especially if you have a good rooster to look out for the flock.

As far as them helping keep bugs out of the garden they also eat lots of greens and are not too picky. You will probably end up putting a fence around your garden like I did.

I think most BYC'rs will tell you to start a flock from hatchlings. You can buy grown chickens but my experience is most of them are over the hill for egg laying or for stud. You can always find lots of young roosters from people who have too many and don't want to butcher them. Also you are taking a risk for disease if you buy older chickens from someones culls.

I personally feel that the sense of accomplishment and pride in creating your own flock from hatchlings and the fun in watching them grow is reason enough to start your own flock. Good luck!

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

from TN

 

[patyrdz]

from North Carolina!

I would cover the run so they have a safe place to hide if need be. We had to guide my chickens into the coop at dusk a couple of times, but now when they are ready to be put up they just go to the pen! I would suggest chicks simple because they grow up knowing you and are not as flighty when grown. Plus what was stated before is true, alot of people will sell older chickens. And some untrustworthy people sell sick ones as well. Plus they are so much fun to watch grow up! Good luck!

 

[Springdale Chris]

Thanks so much for all the input. This is a fun forum

One other question. I live on the central california coast - just inland enough that it can get quite hot here in the summer and we get some freezing nights in the winter.
Since I only want laying hens - not for eating - and I want a hardy chicken, any suggestions for breed choices?

Chris

 

[Cats Critters]

and here is a good quiz for choosing breeds: http://www.mypetchicken.com/breedQuestions.aspx

 

[vicschics]

from Indiana. You couldn't have picked a better place to answer all your questions. Grab your favorite drink

polish up your glasses and get prepared for some awesome knowledge from the BYC community.

There really isn't much you can't find when using the search option at the top of the page. Good luck with your chickens and again...welcome...you're in for a real treat!!!!

 

[turducken]

from N Florida