still on fence about getting chicks??? help

[annek]

Quote:
Don't let anyone talk you into getting chicks unless you are ready for them. If you don't have the coop yet and are not prepared don't get the chicks. They grow very fast and it isn't fair to them or you to have to throw together a coop that won't be predator proof. If you take reasonable care building it, you won't have any problems with predators. So, for what it is worth-start with building the coop, keep doing research, make a nice home for your chicks, then get them. If you get them too soon and have to put them out unprotected, you will lose them and be heartbroken.

 

[tomato lady]

I agree with building your coop first. I just got my first chicks about a month ago. I built my coop but didn't finish the inside (nesting boxes, perches, etc.) and I am discovering how difficult it is to work in there with 20 chicks under foot. I finally got them all outside today but as soon as I went into their coop to work they all came in to see what I was doing.

I am surprised at how charming chickens can be. My Brahmas even seem to like to be held.

Sometimes I just sit in the coop in the evening and watch them settle down for the night. Some of them sit on a perch and as they relax their head hangs down and their beak falls open --- kind of like my hubby in his recliner.

 

[gotpoodle]

I am exactly where you are...still trying to decide!
I was actually all ready to start building a coop, bought plans and everything, then we had a bear start coming around this spring. Now I'm all worried about predators again! I'm pretty sure I can plan a safe coop and a big run that is safe from most of the chicken eaters in my area of Massachusetts (coyotes, foxes, fishers, hawks, owls...) but is anything bear proof??

I also have a small dog, and my yard is fenced but I never let her out alone, especially after dusk, because of the wild critters. She has always been good with the parrots I've owned, so I'm not too concerned about how she will treat chickens, but I worry that both the dog and the chickens will get eaten by a bear.

Believe me, I am the queen of over-thinking everything.

But with living creatures I think it's good to put a lot of thought into your decision and do it right.
Don't be rushed by chicken deadlines! There's always next year!

 

[capecodpeeps]

hi everyone...thanx for the opinions...I do have a large shed i will be converting into a coop...and I was really only getting 2 or 3 hens, so we have plenty of room int the shed...I will take a pic and post it! Thanx....ohh by the way the feed store is getting in buff orps

 

[catwalk]

What about ecectric fencing? Not to keep the birds in, but several strands at different heights around the outside. In addidion to "apron" fencing around the pen and coop, the shorter preds will be deterred. Research what will make it impervious to bears; maybe their fur protects them from the shock. You might have to resort to barbed or razor wire for the big beasts.

 

[gotpoodle]

Quote:
Yeah, I really don't want to take it that far. I just want a couple of hens to putter around with.
I don't have an outside electricity source, and I'm in a suburban neighborhood where big 'stockyard' type fencing would look out of place.
From what I'm reading, nothing will deter a bear that really wants access?!
Trying to decide if I want to put all the work and emotion into building a coop/pen and raising chicks if I'm going to lose the chickens on a regular basis...

I've been endlessly weighing the risk factors in my usual OCD way!

 

[Gonzo]

HA! HA! I wanted one & my husband said the exact same thing!

Quote:
This, but now I am thinking about a peacock I love them, love them, love them no matter what I have to fo to keep them safe.

Don't get the peacock...they are the devil

 

[cybercat]

I do not think chicken is on a bears diet. Some of the Northen bears in Alaska eat fish but I have not heard them eating chicken or any bird. I would be worried about fox and coyote for they a very cleaver and sneaky.

 

[Gonzo]

if you get chicks, don't expect the dogs to take to them.. our little fat male westie "cotton" always sits pretty everytime I walk through the hose with ours like I'm carryin' a big box of chicken nuggets! ours have a seperate safe run they keep our dogs out. Also, if the feed store runs out, you can always try craigslist. Good Luck!

 

[wohneli]

I say get the chicks - when you are ready. Get the coop prepared, decide which breed you want, and then look at craigslist or mypetchicken.com.
Don't rush into this.
Good luck!