Thrust into owning chickens

[NotHappyChickenDad]

Hey everyone I just got two chickens. One rooster and one hen.
Put up a large run and converted an IBC tote into a small coop…
Wasn’t sure what to expect but I did have an egg when I let them out of the coop this morning. Feeding an all flock pellet and watering… about to put a roof over part of the run… how much area should be covered?
Run is 16’ by 24’

 

[N F C]

Hello, I'd cover the entire run to keep it dry and the flock safe from aerial predators. Thanks for joining!

 

[2ndTink]

Welcome to BYC! I agree with NFC, the more the better for keeping the run dry and safe. But, if you can't do it all, do as much as you can. Mud + chickens is just an icky mess!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

I'd cover as much as possible of the run roof.

Do you have a container of oyster shell available for the hen? She's going to need that because they should be on an all flock type feed.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. The rooster needs a few more hens or his lady will have a bare back please.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Welcome and congrats! You'll want to cover as much of the run as possible and make sure it's predator-proof against whatever predators you have where you live (hawks, raccoons, foxes, snakes, weasels, etc.).

Chickens are easy keepers. They mostly do their own thing as long as they have adequate food, water, and protection. You need a few more hens otherwise the rooster will try to mate constantly with that one hen and hurt her. That's a large run and should keep them very happy.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

I agree with all above...

* Get a couple more hens
* Cover the run
* You're feeding them great, just add oyster shell in a separate dish or feeder. The hen will eat it when she needs it. He most likely won't.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Glad to have you in this fun and poultry loving community.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

You've been given some great advice above so I will just welcome you to our community. Best wishes with your new flock!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi and welcome. They also need grit for digestion. Sorry you've been put into a situation against your will apparently, but hopefully these critters will win your heart. Thanks for stepping up!