Total newbie, need advice!!

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Kristin153

In the Brooder
May 2, 2018
17
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Hello!!
Long story short, my dad gave me 14 fertilized eggs to hatch in his incubator at home so my kids could experience the miracle. Have the option of taking the chicks back to the original backyard farmer that the eggs came from. Just decided to keep some at my place, so I'm maybe a bit less prepared than one who undertakes this at an earlier stage...

Got 11 beautiful chicks, some sort of cross between Australorp and Orpington according to egg owner. They are 4 days old. Need to get coop bought and set up still. Not sure which is best. Was looking at Eglu but some people on this site are not impressed. Kinda pricey but like the ease of cleaning and insulation for Chicago winters. Our wood outdoor things tend to warp, but still could be an option.

Very concerned about predators: raccoons, feral cats, red tailed hawks, coyotes. 1st 3 caught on camera in fenced backyard frequently (no chickens out there) and coyotes are definitely around. Just caught one on camera in front yard.

Also want to try to sex the chicks if at all possible. Can't keep roos. Limited to 4 hens.

All hatched within a day of each other. A couple are noticeably larger. Any advice would be appreciated!! Looking to keep the hens for life as they will be pets with the benefit of eggs. Hopefully that's a good idea. Thanks in advance!

Sorry it's so long!
 
Hens for life, is great. When your chicks are 6-8 weeks old, you can post photos of them at "what breed or gender is this." Australorps descended from Orpingtons - not sure of the parenting, so I would assume characteristics would be common to both breeds.

Are you allowed to use electrified fencing where you live? It can help speed coyotes on their way. You can also check out the predator forum on BYC, and ask for specific
safeguards to employ. I'm sure others will be coming on to reply to your post as well.
 
Kristin153 said:
Hello!!
Long story short, my dad gave me 14 fertilized eggs to hatch in his incubator at home so my kids could experience the miracle. Have the option of taking the chicks back to the original backyard farmer that the eggs came from. Just decided to keep some at my place, so I'm maybe a bit less prepared than one who undertakes this at an earlier stage...

Got 11 beautiful chicks, some sort of cross between Australorp and Orpington according to egg owner. They are 4 days old. Need to get coop bought and set up still. Not sure which is best. Was looking at Eglu but some people on this site are not impressed. Kinda pricey but like the ease of cleaning and insulation for Chicago winters. Our wood outdoor things tend to warp, but still could be an option.

Very concerned about predators: raccoons, feral cats, red tailed hawks, coyotes. 1st 3 caught on camera in fenced backyard frequently (no chickens out there) and coyotes are definitely around. Just caught one on camera in front yard.

Also want to try to sex the chicks if at all possible. Can't keep roos. Limited to 4 hens.

All hatched within a day of each other. A couple are noticeably larger. Any advice would be appreciated!! Looking to keep the hens for life as they will be pets with the benefit of eggs. Hopefully that's a good idea. Thanks in advance!

Sorry it's so long!
Click to expand...
if you can swing it, make or have someone make the coop. there are plans here online. I like my Eglu but only use it when I need extra space for a momma and her hens, i have 10 kinds of coops. the best is the one built. Stay away from tractor supply, etc coops.. they fall apart in a year or two. Have fun!!! enjoy them! and you need chicken wire - not "chicken wire" as they will say, but hardware cloth 1/4" galvanized, and recommend plastic coated for the parts you will bury. I have all the same predators. More! Fortunately you have a small number if your sticking with 4. Sounds like they will be large (standard, but a large size) birds. Get/build a coop for at least 6-8 if you can. Give them atleast 3 feet of floor space a bird if you can if you have long winters esp. and summer is more dangerous than winter. Keep your little ones cool and shaded ;)
 
Hello :frow and welcome to the wealth of information and knowledge that is BYC!

As @drumstick diva says, electric fencing is very very good. We don’t get so many predators here in UK but we have loads of foxes where I live and they only try once and learn their lesson! As far as coops go, I have recently bought a “factory seconds” shed, pressure treated tongue and groove on eBay. Nice and solid. A few DIY mods, (ventilation and pop door) add nesting boxes and roosts and I have a solid, decent coop for not too much more money than a flimsy pre-made coop. It saves a lot of work than building from scratch :thumbsup
 
Thank you all for your words of wisdom!! I'm going to look into every single thing you mentioned. Love the expert advice! :jumpy
 

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