Starting a new flock

[big greg barker]

So anyway, I haven't had chickens in 15 years and the first experience was poorly planned and harmful to the birds. I want to do it right this time. How big a coop should I build for 25 stanard breed birds? I'm only planning to overwinter about a dozen. I also want to divide so I can rotate layers every 2nd or 3rd year. I have time as I won't start the new flock until April. Also, any suggestions on where to buy day olds? I want all pullets, as I live in a somewhat urban area now.

 

[SSO202]

You have found probably the best forum on the internet to ask your questions. There is varying answers on space per bird, but most will say between 2 and 4 sq ft. per bird. There are plenty of online companies at your fingertips that will allow you to order any number of chicks and specify your gender request. Good Luck!

 

[SSO202]

I don't have experience with any of the companies, but others have ordered from the sponsors of this website and I haven't heard any complaints. Check them out...ideal poulty, randall burkey, mcmurray hatchery and the others. Good Luck!

 

[patandchickens]

Personally I wouldn't try doing it with much less than a 10x10 coop (or other equivalent with that sort of square footage). Plus a good sized run. That'll give your dozen more room over the winter, always a plus during bad weather, and if you are going to sometimes have 2 dozen it'll make sure you always have reasonable room for them without squishing up and asking for trouble.

Although, that said, I think they look a whole big lot happier with even more room than that -- mine have 8-15 sq ft per chicken indoors, plus their run, and they really do act differently than when they've had to be squished into more like 4-6 sq ft per chicken (which in turn is still up to twice what some folks allow...). So there is a certain amount you have to decide for yourself what your priorities are.

Lots of mail-order hatcheries will sell you sexed orders (all pullets) for most (not all) standard sized breeds, so that shouldn't be a problem. You may still get a roo or two in the bunch - they do not guarantee 100% accuracy.

Welcome to byc, have fun planning

,

Pat

 

[big greg barker]

Thanks, I was planning on a 12 X8 and I have room to make a run of about500 sq ft. under some big oak trees. I just have to figure out how to protect them from the hawks that live along the river. I did see that someone in the postings had used some fishing net they got off ebay. I can probably get some seeing I live close to the coast

 

[BayCityBabe]

I also live on a river - with hawks. I found that deer netting makes decent cover for a run at about a quarter of the price of "poultry net". Its tighter weave keeps wild birds out, too. That's a plus.
I have 24 birds in a 12 x 14 shed with a 10 x 30 run. It is nice & roomy for them. They seem happy.
Happy planning. You'll have fun looking at all the great coop photos on this site.