Tips for new chicken keeper?

[HogWildAboutChix]

Welcome to chicken keepin! I'm actually happy to hear several things you said --- seems like you're pretty smart!
1. Getting mature birds first is a great idea! I always try to buy adults first, so I dont have to wait 6 months for benefits (EGGS)! You can try chicks in the Spring if you're interested by then!
2. Predators!!!!! Why buy chickens if you aren't going to protect them from being dinner?! Check your coop EVERY MORNING for signs of predators. Pushing the wire, digging, scratching. I also let my flock out in the evenings to range when Im outside, they'll put themselves away at dusk!
3. Medication - BluKote - go ahead and order it. May never need it, but would be good to have it. Research what you want to use a dewormer and to treat mites (I dont have a problem with either, have had chickens in the same coop for 10 years). It is helpful to have a cage or crate readily available in case a chicken needs to be separated for illness or injury.
4. Collect your eggs twice a day to keep hens from becoming broody and keep nesting boxes well bedded so eggs dont get broken! Broody hens or hens that eat eggs are such a pain!

Enjoy the chickens! When you're ready - get an incubator - it's amazing!

 

[black_cat]

Welcome to chicken keepin! I'm actually happy to hear several things you said --- seems like you're pretty smart!
1. Getting mature birds first is a great idea! I always try to buy adults first, so I dont have to wait 6 months for benefits (EGGS)! You can try chicks in the Spring if you're interested by then!
2. Predators!!!!! Why buy chickens if you aren't going to protect them from being dinner?! Check your coop EVERY MORNING for signs of predators. Pushing the wire, digging, scratching. I also let my flock out in the evenings to range when Im outside, they'll put themselves away at dusk!
3. Medication - BluKote - go ahead and order it. May never need it, but would be good to have it. Research what you want to use a dewormer and to treat mites (I dont have a problem with either, have had chickens in the same coop for 10 years). It is helpful to have a cage or crate readily available in case a chicken needs to be separated for illness or injury.
4. Collect your eggs twice a day to keep hens from becoming broody and keep nesting boxes well bedded so eggs dont get broken! Broody hens or hens that eat eggs are such a pain!

Enjoy the chickens! When you're ready - get an incubator - it's amazing!

Thanks! In aaaaaaaaall this research, I forgot to research what to use for mites or worms XD I'll work on that now!

 

[aart]

Are you still doing the rent a hen thing?

 

[black_cat]

Are you still doing the rent a hen thing?

Nope, FINALLY convinced everyone else to do otherwise.

 

[aart]

Nope, FINALLY convinced everyone else to do otherwise.

So do you have a coop and run built?
That's the first thing to get set....have it all ready before you get any birds.