Starting from scratch.

[2211Nighthawk]

Total newb here, but have been wanting to go off the deep end for a very long time. Not sure if this is the right thread but here goes. I'm wanting to do a bit of number crunching. I'm by myself so it does complicate things a little. Ideally, I'd like 3-4 hens. Small flock I know, but I'm not a huge egg eater and the "farm eggs" market is rediclious over here so it's more to just have chickens then anything. Eggs are a bonus.

I have a barn I can use as a coop with some modifications (nesting boxes mostly and proper walls.) It's big though, like 12x12' but it's insulated and has power. The only kicker is that the other half of the barn (separated by a wall) is my forge so how much are chickens bothered by loud noises (banging and rock music specifically)

The other is what does it cost to feed 4 chickens. I'd love to build them a great big run so they have tons to scavenge through, but winter is always the kicker. The majority of the number crunching I've seen is for larger flocks so I don't even know what running costs are for something this small. (start up isn't a problem)

Guess I'm just looking to be pointed in the right direction. Thanks all.

Oh, I have spoiled rotten cats so there is a heat lamp for winter.

 

[bluemtnwmn]

Hi there! I don't have any good answers for you hut I love that you called this, 'going off the deep end'. It is indeed the deep end! In the best way. Welcome and you may want to post this on the thread for newcomers. Lots of the regulars and old timers respond to those so you may get a quicker answer there.

 

[AngieDawn]

So let’s start at the beginning
Whatever you think it’s going to cost multiply by 10 and that’s what it will actually cost. Lol

if you want some chickens for pets and you have cats are you sure your cats will be ok with them?

Just asking because one beloved pet killing another beloved pet hurts twice as much.

you have plenty of room so that isn’t an issue

just so you know chickens are messy. Whatever they step on the will poop on.

I don’t know what kind of predators you have around. Does the neighbor have a big dog that they let run around the neighborhood? Do you have hawks and owls? Raccoons? Fox?

I find that most wild predators are nighttime predators and if you lock them up in your barn (assuming it’s secure from raccoons fix coyote etc) then your main worry would be dogs and birds of prey

if you don’t have any dogs around then simple wirefence with a wire cover is easy and cheap and will keep hawks out.
I’m not saying I suggest you put up flimsy fence but it really depends on your situation.
I have a boxer who killed one of my chickens so I have Fort Knox but you may not need that

I know chickens like a quiet place to sleep or at least mine seem to so I’m not sure about whether they would adapt to noise so maybe someone can chime in on that
feed prices vary so just call you feed store and see how much a 50# bag of feed costs there. It would last a long time with 3 hens.
feeders can certainly be home made and there are people here that have made some cool things!
Raising day old chicks is a chore (one that I love but lots to learn).
My advice is research and get everything set up before you get chicks because they grow fast!

 

[suebarbfarm]

To be honest. A 50lb bag of 18% layer pellet around here is $20. One bag lasted my 4 hens 1.5 months. Then the scratch is about $10 for a 50lb bag, the scratch lasts 2x or 3x as long because it is a treat. The "others" are where the cost is. Mealworm treats, hotcakes, watermelon, treats, pine shavings, hay for nesting. All in all, when I only had 4 hens, I was in it about $45/month. But I buy alot of treats.