What NOT TO DO

[NorthwoodsChick]

[QUOTE="FortCluck, post: 21857472, member: 549867] One thing we learned is to start small so you're not overwhelmed with too many chickens.

Right you are. Absolutely! About the number of chickens you start with. But if I may add...just the opposite for your coop/run. Whatever you have in mind...it's too small. 4 sq ft/bird in the coop? Nope! Chicken math will get you every time. Got a size in mind that you think is generous? Double it! I have yet to read where ANYBODY has said "I just built my coop too big." But this site is replete with cries of "I need a bigger coop/run".
[/QUOTE]
Agree here. I am designing coop now for 4-6 birds max but building 8x8 coop and 125 sq ft run. Extra space in coop for brooder, hospital, more birds . Framing for 2 pop doors, temp wall dividing coop and run for integration, meat birds or whatever I have not yet considered. I am getting invaluable information from this forum. Every day I gain another pearl of wisdom, but the most common suggestion seems to be bigger is better.

 

[AccidentalOrpingtons]

Thank you for your detailed story and to those that chimed in! As new chicken people this was all very helpful and the honesty (and some heartbreaking stories) has really made it clear for me some of the decisions we have yet to make

 

[Aunt Tat]

Thank you for your detailed story and to those that chimed in! As new chicken people this was all very helpful and the honesty (and some heartbreaking stories) has really made it clear for me some of the decisions we have yet to make

Wisdom is learning from the mistakes of others. Already, you're investing so much into the well-being of your flock and they'll appreciate it!

 

[Sally PB]

@AccidentalOrpingtons, ask questions if you can't find an answer to what you need to know. Or you find a bunch of conflicting answers.

Here are a few tips that will help you get the help you need:

Post pictures of what you're asking about. Coop, run, chicken issues (poop pictures are fine!), feeders, waterers, whatever. Give as much info as you can.

Put your location in your profile. Not your street address, but just generally where you live. Knowing your climate makes a big difference in the advice you'll get. What's appropriate for me in Michigan might not be for someone in Florida, for example.