Greetings from northern Cali! Ive gone deep down the “chicken hole” the last couple weeks after finally having time (silver lining to stay-at-home orders) to work around my property and get a few starter hens. My husband, two daughters 2 and under and I have 1.5 acres and found a nice little starter coop to get a few hens from a lady who was downsizing and looking to rehome. I grew up on a ranch with every ranch animal EXCEPT for chickens, so they are super new but I’m already obsessed with this new hobby.
We got a buff Orpington pullet, an almost 1 y/o light Brahma and a 2 y/o red white Wyandotte. The lady who I got them from just called and has 3 more for me as she overestimated they size of her new yard and needs to rehome a few more. So this weekend I’ll be getting another pullet and two 1-2 y/o hens. Super happy they will have all come from the same flock, but also now realizing my coop set up was truly just a “starter” and I need to figure out some better accommodations for these girls. We sectioned off some space around the coop for the girls to run during the day while they get acclimated with our property- I am a little nervous to let them completely free range on our 1.5 acres as there’s a flock next door and our dogs that I’m afraid will escape and probably would enjoy a delicious chicken dinner.
tons of questions as you can see, so super happy to join this group.
- I’m looking for ideas to expand our coop- I have an old sturdy dog house I think I can convert into a 2nd coop until I get a larger one built- hubby is learning but handy work is not his specialty. how can I do this in the most cost effective way- construction ideas for DIY? PS- husband is already annoyed with the money I’ve invested in them. Oops. how much space do they need? Will two smaller coops for sleeping suffice until i get something larger built? How do I free range and ensure they come back? Already seeing the origination of “pecking order” and see the little pullet getting chased back into coop- how do I give her protection? Best treats, food, and methods of keeping coop clean?
SO.MANY.QUESTIONS.
i will share pics of my set up on another thread category. But looking forward to all the advice!
We got a buff Orpington pullet, an almost 1 y/o light Brahma and a 2 y/o red white Wyandotte. The lady who I got them from just called and has 3 more for me as she overestimated they size of her new yard and needs to rehome a few more. So this weekend I’ll be getting another pullet and two 1-2 y/o hens. Super happy they will have all come from the same flock, but also now realizing my coop set up was truly just a “starter” and I need to figure out some better accommodations for these girls. We sectioned off some space around the coop for the girls to run during the day while they get acclimated with our property- I am a little nervous to let them completely free range on our 1.5 acres as there’s a flock next door and our dogs that I’m afraid will escape and probably would enjoy a delicious chicken dinner.
tons of questions as you can see, so super happy to join this group.
- I’m looking for ideas to expand our coop- I have an old sturdy dog house I think I can convert into a 2nd coop until I get a larger one built- hubby is learning but handy work is not his specialty. how can I do this in the most cost effective way- construction ideas for DIY? PS- husband is already annoyed with the money I’ve invested in them. Oops. how much space do they need? Will two smaller coops for sleeping suffice until i get something larger built? How do I free range and ensure they come back? Already seeing the origination of “pecking order” and see the little pullet getting chased back into coop- how do I give her protection? Best treats, food, and methods of keeping coop clean?
SO.MANY.QUESTIONS.
i will share pics of my set up on another thread category. But looking forward to all the advice!
