Texas

[needlessjunk]

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

The run would be 136 sq ft but it could be a few feet larger. As for the free range part... I'm really no sure how big our back yard is I would venture to say 3,000 sq ft. I was thinking the coop would be 4x6.

 

[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.

I will give you some advice. You can use it or not. Here it is. Start with about 6 young pullets, about a month to 2 months before being ready to lay. A lot of beginners try bto start with chicks.They regret it later, because of the extra work it involves. Doing it this way will let you know if you are wanting to to do more. It will see if you are willing to go the extra mile to raise chicks. I agree, you need a place to keep them before you get them, from personal experience. With the small space you have, this will probably be all you will be able to have, comfortably. Please don't take this the wrong way, the more birds the better. This will give you and your husband an idea what you are getting into. Personally, my sister-in-law called us one day, and told us to come pick up our birds. This how I got started, now, I am hooked!! I love my birds and want more!! I have 8 birds and get an average of 7 eggs a day. I will never buy a store-bought egg again!! The biggest thing is, they need a secure place to be kept.

 

[tiedyemommy]

In Texas heat, chicks don't need as much as colder places. I had my last batch outside the day I purchased them, just fenced away from the older chickens and had a heat lamp at night only. Now, at 7 weeks old they have integrated into the main flock, took 2 weeks for a smooth integration, but all is peaceful now. An occasional squabble, but nothing serious. No matter which way you go, you will have to keep new additions away from your flock, but where they can see each other before putting them all together. Chickens pecking order is very serious to them, and any new chicken disrupts that. I would recommend getting more than 1 new chicken at a time though, more targets for the flock to chase during introductions. But I had 6 pullets being introduced to 19 older pullets, so 1 lone chicken would have been beaten up. With you having 5 ladies you don't need as many new additions to spread the hate around when you add, lol.

Thanks for the suggestions. Looking forward to one day expanding the flock.

 

[lovingmyhens]

I wanted two and now I have 10. But that's it for sure. I've got a huge area but I don't want to be over run with chickens. They get the whole backyard.

 

[tiedyemommy]

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 Round Rock, too!

 

[kenmlang]

I wanted two and now I have 10. But that's it for sure. I've got a huge area but I don't want to be over run with chickens. They get the whole backyard.

OH, come on, you know you want more!!!! LOL

 

[lovingmyhens]

Absolutely!! But common sense must prevail!

 

[kenmlang]

Absolutely!! But common sense must prevail!

You got that right!!

 

[needlessjunk]

I will give you some advice. You can use it or not. Here it is. Start with about 6 young pullets, about a month to 2 months before being ready to lay. A lot of beginners try bto start with chicks.They regret it later, because of the extra work it involves. Doing it this way will let you know if you are wanting to to do more. It will see if you are willing to go the extra mile to raise chicks. I agree, you need a place to keep them before you get them, from personal experience. With the small space you have, this will probably be all you will be able to have, comfortably. Please don't take this the wrong way, the more birds the better. This will give you and your husband an idea what you are getting into. Personally, my sister-in-law called us one day, and told us to come pick up our birds. This how I got started, now, I am hooked!! I love my birds and want more!! I have 8 birds and get an average of 7 eggs a day. I will never buy a store-bought egg again!! The biggest thing is, they need a secure place to be kept.

I do appreciate any advice. I originally though to get 3 or 4 pullets but after talking to someone who has lots (50) chickens. She was saying more is better than less. I know 100% that we cannot do more than 6.

from Round Rock, too! 

Yay for Round Rock!

 

[kenmlang]

Absolutely!! But common sense must prevail!

I got 8 now, want 4 more, only because that is all I have room for in the coops, but wouldn't mind a few more than that. Never accused of having much common sense, please don't tell my wife!! LOL