Texas

[needlessjunk]

Hello, I'm from Round Rock and just getting started. Heck I don't even have a coop or chickens but I'm trying to do all my homework first. Im really getting the itch now but we are short on funds hopefully in the next few weeks/months my hubby will finally give in. I do have a question though. I was trying to get pullets but our local feed store seems to have all their chicks on heat. I would assume that means they aren't ready to go out yet in the coop? If that's the case how long do they need to stay indoors? I was trying to go all out and build bigger than I need in case we get more later on. Which I know will happen. But now I'm thinking of just doing a smaller a frame and keeping it simple till I can build a better/bigger one.

Oh, I guess I should say a little about myself. I live in suburbia but don't really fit in and can't wait to move! I have two boys 3 and 1.5, a cat and 3 dogs. I love my hounds! We have a coonhound, basset and beagle mix.

 

[lovingmyhens]

Hello, I'm from Round Rock and just getting started. Heck I don't even have a coop or chickens but I'm trying to do all my homework first. Im really getting the itch now but we are short on funds hopefully in the next few weeks/months my hubby will finally give in. I do have a question though. I was trying to get pullets but our local feed store seems to have all their chicks on heat. I would assume that means they aren't ready to go out yet in the coop? If that's the case how long do they need to stay indoors? I was trying to go all out and build bigger than I need in case we get more later on. Which I know will happen. But now I'm thinking of just doing a smaller a frame and keeping it simple till I can build a better/bigger one.

Oh, I guess I should say a little about myself. I live in suburbia but don't really fit in and can't wait to move! I have two boys 3 and 1.5, a cat and 3 dogs. I love my hounds! We have a coonhound, basset and beagle mix.

. From katy!!

 

[showbarnmom]

Hello, I'm from Round Rock and just getting started. Heck I don't even have a coop or chickens but I'm trying to do all my homework first. Im really getting the itch now but we are short on funds hopefully in the next few weeks/months my hubby will finally give in. I do have a question though. I was trying to get pullets but our local feed store seems to have all their chicks on heat. I would assume that means they aren't ready to go out yet in the coop? If that's the case how long do they need to stay indoors? I was trying to go all out and build bigger than I need in case we get more later on. Which I know will happen. But now I'm thinking of just doing a smaller a frame and keeping it simple till I can build a better/bigger one.

Oh, I guess I should say a little about myself. I live in suburbia but don't really fit in and can't wait to move! I have two boys 3 and 1.5, a cat and 3 dogs. I love my hounds! We have a coonhound, basset and beagle mix.

Welcome!! I'm in New Braunfels, and am a fellow hound girl

As far as the chicks, they needs warmth till about 4-5 weeks. However, with Texas heat, you can keep them outside with a lamp only at night. Needs to stay around 95 constant. Which is our day time temps lol. If you want chicks already off heat, I have some

 

[kenmlang]

Hello, I'm from Round Rock and just getting started. Heck I don't even have a coop or chickens but I'm trying to do all my homework first. Im really getting the itch now but we are short on funds

hopefully in the next few weeks/months my hubby will finally give in. I do have a question though. I was trying to get pullets but our local feed store seems to have all their chicks on heat. I would assume that means they aren't ready to go out yet in the coop? If that's the case how long do they need to stay indoors? I was trying to go all out and build bigger than I need in case we get more later on. Which I know will happen. But now I'm thinking of just doing a smaller a frame and keeping it simple till I can build a better/bigger one.

Oh, I guess I should say a little about myself. I live in suburbia but don't really fit in and can't wait to move! I have two boys 3 and 1.5, a cat and 3 dogs. I love my hounds! We have a coonhound, basset and beagle mix.

First of all>>>

From Cut-N-Shoot!!!

Second, in answer to your question, Yes, they need to be slowly accustomed to the temps at night. When they have all their feathers, they should be OK with the temp changes between night and day. It is always best to build bigger than you need, according to "chicken math". If you don't know what this is yet, just keep coming to this thread, and you will learn quickly what it is!! If you need any pointers on the coop, you can go to the coop section of this site or you can feel free to ask anyone on this site. I build coops as a side business, but promised myself not to sell any from here, that would be tacky. I would be glad to give you pointers or guide you thru your "coop building venture"!! Anyway, Welcome and enjoy!!!

 

[needlessjunk]

Thanks y'all! I think I need a coop before I get any birds. I know what I want already but I also need to do what is pratical. Should I save up and go all out or do you think I should do something smaller knowing I will need to upgrade in a few months. I was concerned for a bit about making sure I can close up everything in the winter but now after resign a bit I think I need it to be more open for the summer heat.

 

[kenmlang]

Thanks y'all! I think I need a coop before I get any birds. I know what I want already but I also need to do what is pratical. Should I save up and go all out or do you think I should do something smaller knowing I will need to upgrade in a few months. I was concerned for a bit about making sure I can close up everything in the winter but now after resign a bit I think I need it to be more open for the summer heat.

You can start small, but be able to add later. "Chicken Math again"!! Here are a few ideas to think about. I can send you plans and specs to get you started...

 

[needlessjunk]

You can start small, but be able to add later. "Chicken Math again"!! Here are a few ideas to think about. I can send you plans and specs to get you started...

Thank you, those are helpful. One of the things holding me back is that I want to make sure I do have enough room. I have a 136 sq ft triangle that I'm trying to figure out fencing for. I will only be able to let them free range about 3 hours a day. Maybe more but I don't want to count on it.

 

[Dragonfly75]

The girls ventured out a little farther into the moat today! I think they are finally getting it!!! They come out of the coop every morning as soon as I open the door.

 

[kenmlang]

Thank you, those are helpful. One of the things holding me back is that I want to make sure I do have enough room. I have a 136 sq ft triangle that I'm trying to figure out fencing for. I will only be able to let them free range about 3 hours a day. Maybe more but I don't want to count on it.

How much total space do you have? Free ranging and all?

 

[henless]

Thanks y'all! I think I need a coop before I get any birds. I know what I want already but I also need to do what is pratical. Should I save up and go all out or do you think I should do something smaller knowing I will need to upgrade in a few months. I was concerned for a bit about making sure I can close up everything in the winter but now after resign a bit I think I need it to be more open for the summer heat.

Always best, coop before the birds!

Think about how many chickens you want, and then double that. Then you won't have to "upgrade" so soon! I would go with an open type coop. You can always go back and put up tarps/plastic to block of the winter. Our heat here in Texas will kill before the cold will.

I started building my coop before I got my birds. Still, I was pushing to finish it before they got to big for my temp brooder.