Starting from zero! Hoping to have 3-5 chickens one day

[KtsTots]

Hello! I have been wanting to raise chickens for eggs for a couple years and now is the perfect time to do it! However, as I said I am starting from zero. I have lots of questions...

I live in WA state and my house is in the woods. There are dear, raccoons, possums, and even coyote from time to time. There are also Hawks, owls, and Eagles. The front yard is mostly driveway, lots of trees and some grass (mostly moss where grass used to be). The backyard is planter boxes with a little gravel path around the boxes, with shrubs and bushes around the perimeter. On one side, behind the bushes and shrub, the land drops off.

Temp wise, the summer is pretty nice and it Rarely getts above 80 degrees. Fall is also nice and remains mild temperature wise, seldom getting below 50. Winter is rainy and chilly. Night time temps are around 20-40. Daytime temps are pretty similar, but will sometimes be in the 50s. Spring is the rainiest season with temps between 30-60. That all being said, it is neither solely hot or cold climate.

My questions are this: where would be a best place to keep the coop in this terrain? Also, should the area where the chickens end up being kept be totally fenced, even on top? Lastly, is it best to start off with chicks so they grow and become accustomed to me or is it easier to begin with adult chickens?

Thank you! I am so excited about this journey!

 

[matt44644]

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

First you might stop by our learning center for all kinds of good articles on all the aspects of keeping your flock...https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

As for predators, if you have a lot of them you will need to keep your birds in a big run much of the time. I have big problems with predators day and night. So my birds can't free range during the day unless I supervise them. So I get them out for about an hour a day as I am working in the yard or coop. And I keep them in a large run at all other times. A run should be completely enclosed top and sides. I turn my birds out in an enclosed area (fenced but no top) as they do tend to wander and if they get to separated something can take them.

I prefer starting with chicks so they can bond with me and be more friendly. Also, you know how they were raised and how healthy they are. However adult birds will start laying faster. I still prefer the babies.

Good luck on this new journey and welcome to our flock!

 

[BayBay Peepers]

Welcome to BYC!

where would be a best place to keep the coop in this terrain?

I would put the coop wherever it is easiest for you to access. I would insulate it well and add proper ventilation.

Also, should the area where the chickens end up being kept be totally fenced, even on top?

This is up to you. I have a run that is fully covered, but I also let mine free range. If you plan to keep them inside I would make their living quarters larger. Say at least 10 sq. feet per bird. More is better

Lastly, is it best to start off with chicks so they grow and become accustomed to me or is it easier to begin with adult chickens?

This is completely up to you. It is very rewarding to start with chicks. Just make sure you have a draft free brooder, a heat lamp, thermometer, and some chick starter. If you would rather skip all of that you can get young pullets who have not started to lay yet or even a year old hen.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Wyandottes7]

My questions are this: where would be a best place to keep the coop in this terrain? I suggest putting it in a place that is well drained and easy for you to get to. Ideally, you might want to put it next to a windbreak such as a tree, which should also provide some shade.
Also, should the area where the chickens end up being kept be totally fenced, even on top? A covered run is ideal. This prevents predators from dropping in over top (like hawks), and other predators from climbing over the fence and into the pen (like raccoons).
Lastly, is it best to start off with chicks so they grow and become accustomed to me or is it easier to begin with adult chickens? I recommend starting with chicks, as they will be tamer than if you get them as older birds. Also, you run a greater risk of bringing in diseased birds if they are older.

Thank you! I am so excited about this journey!

 

[KtsTots]

Thank you everyone for your feedback!

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined us!

Wyandottes7 and the other posters have answered your questions well.

Good luck with your future chickens!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Glad you joined!

 

[Book Em Danno25]