Chickens

**Izzy0906** · 07-25-2008, 12:44 PM

does anyone keep chickens? I was thinking about it for eggs (just for myself and my parents) but not sure what it all includes. How many chickens would I need? How big of a space do they need? what type of enclosure? What type of shelter? What type of food and how much? how noisy are they really? etc...

**Suzy** · 07-25-2008, 12:59 PM

We have about 20 chickens. Started out as a 4-H project. We got ours when they were biddies. So from that point it takes about a year before they start laying. Chickens themselves are not very noisy. If they get spooked they will hollar out. They will cackle when they lay. We started ours on starter food from Tractor Supply then went to laying pellets. We do give them cracked corn at times but they aren't really fond of that. Any leftovers veggies and leaves from our veggies from the garden goes to them also. They love tomatoes. You can get free info from your local 4-H organization. And of course the library but I dealt with our 4-H since I am a leader and have actual people to talk to not just books to read. Hope this helps.
(We haven't had to buy eggs in years. )

**freyadog** · 07-25-2008, 01:31 PM

WE have now 3 roos, 10 hens, 41 chicks, and 5 quinea keets.
1 hen is on a nest, 1 hen and 2 5month old pullets are laying. The others will start anytime. Not much to take care of a few chickens.

If you can free range them they are dirt cheap to keep. I put out a little scratch, laying mash, and feed in the morning. They free range all day from there and then in the evening before I milk I do they same thing but a little less.

**KatieInLa2** · 07-25-2008, 01:59 PM

I have eight hens right now. We always have plenty of eggs and I give away extras too. They do need a secure pen and a shelter to roost in at night. Mine use an old playhouse. When you buy chicks, get a few extra in case you loose some to predators.

Last time I ordered chicks I got 12 but lost some to raccoons.

**Greebo** · 07-25-2008, 02:06 PM

Dear ceashels:

STOP READING THIS THREAD NOW - YOU CAN'T HAVE CHICKENS EITHER!!!

Love ya doll!
G

**Ceashels** · 07-25-2008, 02:09 PM

So you're getting me some for my Birthday, right dear?

**Izzy0906** · 07-25-2008, 03:08 PM

i don't think I will end up with any. Sounds like you need open land for this, I live in a townhome, large yard but not huge. thanks everyone!

**Greebo** · 07-25-2008, 03:10 PM

If you're in a townhome, your local zoning ordinances probably forbid it.

**Izzy0906** · 07-25-2008, 03:20 PM

They don't. Already checked.

**Greebo** · 07-25-2008, 03:51 PM

Well, free range chickens need some land, but not tons. But what about your HOA, if any?

**freyadog** · 07-25-2008, 03:57 PM

then get a couple of chickens. gracious an old dog house up on some bricks will do for a few chickens. just nail a little roost up inside for them. chickens are so easy to take care of. they do not take up much room.

**Suzy** · 07-25-2008, 04:02 PM

We live in the country so I don't know about the laws forbidding them. Ours don't roam free. We have them in a pen. 20' x 6' and 10' high. We have ours covered with chicken wire on top so they can't fly out (we didn't clip their wings) and nothing can get it. The back part my DH nail boards at an angle for them to roost and that part is covered with boards to protect them from sun and rain.

**cmdarlin** · 07-25-2008, 04:11 PM

You can rig up a little coop area that is enclosed. Depending on how many chickens you have. We have a neighbor down the road who looks to have around 6 hens in a small enclosed area. Plus, you don't have to have a rooster to get eggs. Our hens cackle sometimes but not too bad. We also started getting eggs between 4 and 5 months old. I think it depends on the weather.

Nothing like fresh farm eggs!
Debbie in Missouri

**Ceashels** · 07-25-2008, 04:21 PM

Hm, we have a wire fence pen of 8x16 ftish, and probably our county does not forbid chickens as pets.... I might have to look further into this.

**Missy** · 07-25-2008, 05:18 PM

www.backyardchickens.com has tons of ideas. you don't need a lot of area at all for them.

http://www.omlet.co.uk/homepage/homepage.php these coops are small and efficient...and you could MAKE something similar.

check freecycle for an old unwanted dog house...like a dog-gloo

like this http://www.petco.com/Shop/ProductList.aspx?PC=productlist&Nav=290&N=22+96+231+30+4874&cm_ven=GoogleP&cm_cat=Containment_Houses_Dogloo&cm_pla={keyword}

and an unwanted dog run like this: http://www.petco.com/product/12985/P...-Dog-Runs.aspx

some chicken wire for the top AND...AND the bottom (prevent predators from an underground assault.

you can rig the dog gloo by drilling holes and putting dowels through to roost on and cut out and hinge an egg access hole.

it wouldn't be that hard. feed stores sell the feed. it goes a long way i am told. plus veggie scraps when they are big enough.

babies need extra care. you'll need a heat lamp, some sort of brooder enclosure. starter feed, waterer, feeder, ummmm...

go to www.mcmurrayhatchery.com and order their free catalog. you can learn alot from that too.