Thinking about getting some chickens and have ?'s

**Iansmommy** · 03-24-2008, 06:27 PM

DH and I are thinking of raising chickens. DH is not much of a carpenter. What do you suggest for a coop for a 1st timer. I don't want to put tons of money into it, but also want something that will last for awhile. Would you suggest buying a coop or having someone build one for us? Or do you think we could build it ourselves? Do we need power to the coop or can we run an extension cord? What would you suggest for egg layers? We are not probably going to butcher.

We raised chickens when I was little for eggs and also for butchering.

I've been on alot of web sites and there is just so much information it's overwhelming.

**sunshine** · 03-24-2008, 06:47 PM

You can build one yourself without too much trouble -- the chickens won't care it things are a bit lopsided.

I like these because they are portable, so you can move it from place to place if you'd like.

http://www.plamondon.com/hoop-coop.html

http://www.energyfarms.net/node/1056

Electricity? Why?

As for layers -- I like White Rocks and Rhode Island Reds , but any "heavy" chicken would be good. I dislike Leghorns, as they can be tempermental and mean at times. . . same with Banties.

**mmarj2154** · 03-28-2008, 11:04 PM

Chickens are great. We started last spring with 5 hens, 3 Black Sex Linked and 2 Golden Sex Linked. They lay large brown eggs, we get from 3 to 6 eggs a day from our 5 hens. They are very mild mannered and tame. They come when we call them and are a delight to have around. This year we added 3 baby arucanas (the easter egg chicken) that will lay pastel colored eggs.
My husband, also not much of a carpenter, built our coup and pen from free scrap palates and wood that a local manufactured home company put out for free. It is not perfect, but the chickens don't mind. We ran an extension cord out to the coup for a heat lamp to keep them warm during the winter. You will have to have one when you purchase your chicks. They are very seseptible to cold and drafts. Ours have lived in the house to begin with until they are old enough to go outside, when their adult feathers develop. If you have a garage or other outbuilding that can be heated you could use that.
The chickens are so much fun and I can not imagine not having them now.
They are actually very easy to raise. Especially since you don't have to have a nasty old rooster to get eggs. We will not butcher ours either.

**kaykwilts** · 03-29-2008, 08:55 AM

Do it cost a lot in feed to keep chickens?

**cheles2kids** · 03-31-2008, 10:13 AM

I'll be watching this thread closely, because I'm starting my research phase now in regards to "laying chickens".

I'm not sure if you have one close by, but Tractor Supply has a free publication that you can stop in to pick up, called "Out Here, Living & Living the Good Life" and there was a big write-up about getting started with chickens and even step-by-step instructions for building a coup.
The magazine publications are free, ours are kept on a little stand right inside the front door.

mmarj2154, I saw the remark about not needing to keep a rooster around for "laying chickens". I've always been told you had to have a rooster to get the chickens to lay. I would love not to have to deal with a rooster if that's possible.
Any insider's information would be great, if you don't mind!

**cheles2kids** · 03-31-2008, 10:16 AM

Sorry, I couldn't "edit".
The name of the above publication is called, "Out Here, Living & Loving the Good Life."

**sunshine** · 03-31-2008, 10:26 AM

You don't need a rooster to have eggs -- you only need a rooster if you want to have baby chicks

**Missy** · 03-31-2008, 10:45 AM

Sunshine is right, you don't need a rooster for eggs.

**Missy** · 03-31-2008, 10:49 AM

Ack, i can't edit.

You don't need a rooster for eggs. All my bird hens lay eggs without males. From the smallest of finches to the chickens, females will lay unfertile eggs whether there is a male around or not. The eggs will not hatch chicks without a male though.

So if you want breakfast, don't bother with bringing a rooster in. If you want chicks to sell or raise to eat, get a rooster.

**Rosebush3** · 03-31-2008, 12:20 PM

Roosters are only necessary for the baby chicks, as mentioned, and stabbing holes in your ankles every chance they get. They also like to 'doodle doo' when you go into the little henhouse and it's much too big a noise for such a small space. They are very protective of their girls, however, and it is cute to see the rooster call his ladies to a discovered 'treat' and makes sure they all eat. We've a Rhode Island Red rooster named Rocky, can't say I'd recommend a rooster though.

Also have some Brahmas, leghorns, Americaunas, barred rock and rhode island red layers.

**cheles2kids** · 03-31-2008, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Missy

Ack, i can't edit.

You don't need a rooster for eggs. All my bird hens lay eggs without males. From the smallest of finches to the chickens, females will lay unfertile eggs whether there is a male around or not. The eggs will not hatch chicks without a male though.

So if you want breakfast, don't bother with bringing a rooster in. If you want chicks to sell or raise to eat, get a rooster.

Thanks for the explanation AND to the other ladies who took the time to answer my question about having a rooster around.

No, I really don't want to bother with a rooster and I'm glad to find out that I don't need him.
I really only want a couple laying hens to keep as pets and of course for the fresh eggs.

Thanks again!