Things you wish you had known when starting with chickens?

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changingcrunchy

changingcrunchy

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Hello Everyone,

I am moving in less than a month and for the first time I am going to have chickens. I am so excited about this and want to make sure I am fully prepared before I purchase any. I have several questions for you all as I have been researching all over the internet and find conflicting opinions on what is best. We live in WA state (it rains quite a bit) and want laying hens. I am hoping to discover the most efficient way of doing things so that I can truly enjoy this and not get extremely overwhelmed.

What do you wish you had known before you started owning chickens?
Opinions on deep litter bedding or other bedding options?
Best options for what I should lay down in the run or is dirt okay?
Best breeds for first time owners?
Cleanest/most efficient feeding and watering systems?
Best feed options?
What are youe chicken caring must haves?

We will have a fixed coop and run but I would like to move them throughout the yard. Is it possible to relocate them throughout the day and put them back at night? If so what is the best method for that? I am so overwhelmed with all the information I am finding and not sure what to look into first so I can provide the best for them.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to reading your responses.
 
Hey, welcome to BYC! So glad you joined!! Here's my answers to your questions:

What do you wish you had known before you started owning chickens? I wish that I had known that there were different uses for different breeds. I ended up with 6 broilers (meat chickens). Also, DO NOT purchase from feed stores like TSC.

Opinions on deep litter bedding or other bedding options? Wood chips or shavings are great for baby chicks. I switch to hay or straw once they're several months or are moved to my coop. The litter should be around 4 inches thick, at least.

Best options for what I should lay down in the run or is dirt okay? Dirt is totally fine, but it's good to give them greens. I have that for my flock. A fenced enclosure (with a fenced roof) is great, Chickens also like to free range, and I let mine do so when I can watch them.

Best breeds for first time owners? Tough question. There are so many great breeds! Depending on what you want, you can choose. However, dual-purpose breeds like Orpingtons, Plymouth Rocks, Sex-Links (also known as Stars, and many other names depending on the hatchery), Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire, Australorps, etc are great for beginners. I also love Leghorns, but some people don't like white eggs. Browse around, and depending on what you like, what fits your needs, and what's available, you'll be able to choose. Check these out: http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx. Here's a breed list to check out some more: http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/breed-list.aspx My favorite are the Sex-Links, most likely. Great layers, docile, and intelligent. My profile pic feature my Red Sex-Link and my Black Sex-Link.

Cleanest/most efficient feeding and watering systems? I use a plastic gallon water container (well, now a five gallon because of increasing numbers) and a three gallon heated one in the winter. Do not use bowls. Chicks, and chickens, get the water dirty fast. I use metal feed containers in teh winter, but when there's no snow, I throw feed on the ground for my chickens. Once they are almost full-grown, offer grit (for digestion) and oyster shells (calcium) as a side.

Best feed options? Give chicks a starter mash for 3 weeks, then switch to grower. Once laying begins, feed Layer. After three weeks, you can begin to give small greens (parsley is fantastic for chicks), but you should give grit if you decide to do so (they make grit for chick with smaller particles). I feed my chickens in the morning, then a little less in the afternoon. Chicks should have food and water full time. You'll develop your own schedules.

What are youe chicken caring must haves? Water, food, biosecurity, space, etc, etc. As long as your chickens have all the basics and are happy, then you're good. Clean the chick brooder every week, and the coop (when they're older) every three months, or whenever it gets dirty.

I suggest getting a small number of chicks at first. I usually get 6 at a time. Getting a cock or not is up to you. Check out the Learning Center for more info: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

If you have any more questions, just post! Everyone here is willing to help you in your chicken journey.
 
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Thank you so much for breaking it down for me. There is a wealth of information all over but it is so overwhelming. You have no idea how much I appreciate you breaking it all down and answering all my questions.
 
changingcrunchy said:
Thank you so much for breaking it down for me. There is a wealth of information all over but it is so overwhelming. You have no idea how much I appreciate you breaking it all down and answering all my questions.
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No problem! This website is a great learning experience for everyone! Whenever you have a question, just provide a ton of detail (and pics). Everyone is so eager to help. Good luck!
 
The best advice is probably to make your coop and run much bigger than you think you will need. Chicken addiction hits hard and fast. You will soon want every breed you see or hear about. Starting big, is better than making additional coops and runs later on.
 

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