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Chickens (Page 1 of 3)

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7/1/2024 9:35:49 PM EDT
Gents.

The wife is interested in having a few chickens around the house. We have a 15x10x6 dog kennel that we don't use which would be perfect for them. The ground is gravel and we have power out there that we could run into the coup for heat in the winter.

The question is, what kind of work are we looking at? We have never had chickens so we know nothing about having them. How hard are they to clean up after? What about a coup for them? Are there any prebuilt ones that work well?

Thanks
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/2/2024 11:50:50 AM EDT
[#1]
A lot.
7/2/2024 1:28:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Panta_Rei][Edited] [#2]
I use to raise geese, ducks, chickens and gineau fowl....they're all pretty easy.  The chickens stayed in an old tractor shed and were free ranged during the day.  Barely needed feed until winter.  They benefit from a sand/dust pit.
7/2/2024 2:37:49 PM EDT
[#3]
Here's how I would look at that;

If the kennel is on ground with at least a slight slope, to allow for water to run off, and is fully enclosed, I would clear at least part of the gravel out so that they could get to the dirt. Once that's done, I'd cover the gravel and dirt with several inches of straw.

Next I'd either build something inside there for a coop, that can be closed up, or build one outside and attach it to the kennel. They need a place to get out of the weather, and to be locked up at night. If it's a small one inside, I'd have about 16" open under the coop, and that's probably where I'd clear the gravel for a dust bath.

I had an 8'x8' shed, that I converted into a coop, and built a run onto it.
7/2/2024 2:40:51 PM EDT
[#4]
I was going to add 1/4" hardware cloth over the whole thing, but before I was able to do so my health got too bad and I gave up keeping chickens and goats.  It became too much work for me.
7/2/2024 4:36:39 PM EDT
[#5]
We have found chickens to be pretty easy. I'm not sure if I can quantify the amount of time spent looking after them. but other than building the coop none of it is 'hard' work. We've had some setbacks and unforced errors, and production is down right now with summer heat getting here.

Facebook Marketplace is jammed full of people building serviceable coops of all sizes for the same or less money than the coop kits from Tractor Supply etc. If time is an issue.
Lit Low Ready, LLC
litlowready.com
7/2/2024 8:15:46 PM EDT
[#6]
Thanks for the comments.

I can easily remove some of the gravel to get to care earth. That wouldn't be hard. There is no slope to the kennel, it sits on flat ground.

As far as a coop goes, I would like to keep it inside of the fenced area as the outside area is grass and watered by sprinklers. I would like to find something easy to clean and easy to maintain.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/2/2024 8:24:07 PM EDT
[#7]
We have a pretty basic coop ours overnight in. They get the run of the fenced back yard during the day. A little food and filll there water tank a couple times a week is about it. I hose the cage out every month or so. Not much work at all but we live in a warm climate and the only real predators are raccoons. Coop is sitting on landscape paver so it’s been coon proof so far
7/2/2024 8:30:16 PM EDT
[#8]

type Status report

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Apache Tomcat/7.0.68 (Ubuntu)

" target="_blank">Tractor Supply Haters Don’t Click

This one has been fine for about three years. I did need to replace a set of hinges and add a roosting bar in the open part of the cage. The bar it comes with was not very stout and mounted in the enclosed part. With the bar in the cage section the poop just falls on the the concrete pavers. I also toss a couple bags of paver sand on top of the concrete for the birds to scratch around in
7/2/2024 8:30:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Curmudgeon762][Edited] [#9]
Dupe
7/2/2024 8:57:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TOTHEMAX][Edited] [#10]
I found an ad on marketplace for a small coop, 2 chickens, a feeder, and a water dish for 250$ The coop itself looks nice but it's small. I was originally thinking 3 chickens. Thoughts?
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/2/2024 9:00:54 PM EDT
[#11]
That’s enough room for two birds to roost in. You could have a third but that might stress them which tends to decrease egg production. Birds do better with a lot a space.
7/2/2024 9:01:51 PM EDT
[#12]
You'll want more chickens, and that coop is too small. They call it *Chicken Math*, meaning that most people end up wanting than they'd planned for. Think of it like a gun safe, and saying that you only need enough room for four guns.
7/2/2024 9:20:27 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 67Firebird:
You'll want more chickens, and that coop is too small. They call it *Chicken Math*, meaning that most people end up wanting than they'd planned for. Think of it like a gun safe, and saying that you only need enough room for four guns.
View Quote


Ha. Ok. fair enough.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/2/2024 9:21:00 PM EDT
[#14]
First post didn't nail it. If you set up your coup, feed and water properly, chickens are not a lot of work. I can leave mine for a week at a time with no issues. An hour or so on the weekends cleaning and feeding and they are good to go. Look into bulk feeders and automatic doors.

What the are not is cheap. I will never recoup the expense I have invested, but I enjoy having them around and love the eggs.
7/2/2024 9:43:02 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Britt-dog:
First post didn't nail it. If you set up your coup, feed and water properly, chickens are not a lot of work. I can leave mine for a week at a time with no issues. An hour or so on the weekends cleaning and feeding and they are good to go. Look into bulk feeders and automatic doors.

What the are not is cheap. I will never recoup the expense I have invested, but I enjoy having them around and love the eggs.
View Quote

Agreed
7/3/2024 9:43:46 AM EDT
[#16]
Does anyone have a link to plans for a quality 4-chicken coop? I can build things myself I just need plans.

What about the do's and don'ts when building one?
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/3/2024 11:56:18 AM EDT
[Last Edit: abnk][Edited] [#17]
I don't understand a four-chicken coop.  It's a bit like wanting a four-round AR magazine.  Why would anyone want no more than four rounds?  However, if I had to build one, I'd just build an elevated dog house with a hinged panel on the side or back to retrieve the eggs.
7/3/2024 12:33:35 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Originally Posted By abnk:
I don't understand a four-chicken coop.  It's a bit like wanting a four-round AR magazine.  Why would anyone want no more than four rounds?  However, if I had to build one, I'd just build an elevated dog house with a hinged panel on the side or back to retrieve the eggs.
View Quote


We live in the city limits and have limited space.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/3/2024 12:37:01 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:
Does anyone have a link to plans for a quality 4-chicken coop? I can build things myself I just need plans.

What about the do's and don'ts when building one?
View Quote

Can you post a pic of the kennel? That would go a long way towards figuring out what would work.
7/3/2024 12:47:36 PM EDT
[#20]
Sure.

3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/3/2024 1:48:56 PM EDT
[#21]
Not at all what I was picturing. Some chickens would fly out of that, and several predators would climb/fly/squeeze in there.

I would go with something like this;

https://www.ana-white.com/node/78561

...or maybe this A-frame, but it won't hold as many. Just easier to build.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/24-easy-frame-chicken-coop-plans-you-can-diy-this-weekend--328481366583919763/
7/3/2024 3:41:11 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 67Firebird:
Not at all what I was picturing. Some chickens would fly out of that, and several predators would climb/fly/squeeze in there.

I would go with something like this;

https://www.ana-white.com/node/78561

...or maybe this A-frame, but it won't hold as many. Just easier to build.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/24-easy-frame-chicken-coop-plans-you-can-diy-this-weekend--328481366583919763/
View Quote


I can enclose the top, that's not hard.

What kind of predators would get them in the city limits?
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/3/2024 4:11:21 PM EDT
[#23]
Fox/coyote/hawk/owl/raccoon/opossum.

Fox climbing fence
7/3/2024 4:35:29 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 67Firebird:
Fox/coyote/hawk/owl/raccoon/opossum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTEjdEgqvf0
View Quote


Thanks.

I also looked up predators and of the list and the only one I have ever seen is a cat in the backyard. We have dogs but we can keep them separated. Of the ones you listed, we don't have issues with them where we live.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/3/2024 9:15:41 PM EDT
[#25]
I don't either right now, but when I had free-ranging chickens I had issues with most of those, plus bobcats. Chickens can lure in stuff that you normally don't see.
7/3/2024 9:26:24 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 67Firebird:
I don't either right now, but when I had free-ranging chickens I had issues with most of those, plus bobcats. Chickens can lure in stuff that you normally don't see.
View Quote


I'm not doubting you but living in the city we don't have many of those critters. If we lived farther out of town I could see having more issues with raccoons, coyotes, etc.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/3/2024 9:33:38 PM EDT
[#27]
We raise chickens (dual purpose birds), geese, ducks and quail.  All are pretty easy
7/4/2024 9:24:11 AM EDT
[#28]
The ARF of chickens
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/

Looking at the picture, you probably won't be able to use that window any more due to smell and noise plus if you enclose the area it won't be able to open.

The only other thing I see is if someone has to get into the area to read the gas meter.  Chickens like to shit on everything.
I support LGBTQ =Let's Get Biden To Quit.
7/4/2024 3:36:57 PM EDT
[#29]
Thanks.

I keep the window open just for airflow in my garage. It's not critical.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/6/2024 11:12:24 AM EDT
[#30]
We have been looking all over fb for a coop and can't find anything close that is reasonably priced. Lowes has this one in stock and it would fit inside of the pen. We could modify it so it doesn't have the fencing around the coop itself.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Pecking-Order-Brown-Tan-Wood-Chicken-Coop/5014667429
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/8/2024 10:09:19 PM EDT
[#31]
Well we found a coop at TSC. The wife went there today and bought it, along with a feeder, waterer, feed and straw. I get to put everything together tomorrow.

We also found some 3-month-old Brahma's just north of us for 10$/. We will get them next week.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/8/2024 10:13:36 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:
Well we found a coop at TSC. The wife went there today and bought it, along with a feeder, waterer, feed and straw. I get to put everything together tomorrow.

We also found some 3-month-old Brahma's just north of us for 10$/. We will get them next week.
View Quote
Nice!  Which coop did you end up getting?  Was following the thread as we're in a similar situation trying to get started on a small scale
7/8/2024 10:15:18 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Praetorian55:
Nice!  Which coop did you end up getting?  Was following the thread as we're in a similar situation trying to get started on a small scale
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Praetorian55:
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:
Well we found a coop at TSC. The wife went there today and bought it, along with a feeder, waterer, feed and straw. I get to put everything together tomorrow.

We also found some 3-month-old Brahma's just north of us for 10$/. We will get them next week.
Nice!  Which coop did you end up getting?  Was following the thread as we're in a similar situation trying to get started on a small scale


We went with this one.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-cottage-poultry-hutch-6-chicken-capacity
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/8/2024 10:18:35 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Nate19][Edited] [#34]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:
Well we found a coop at TSC. The wife went there today and bought it, along with a feeder, waterer, feed and straw. I get to put everything together tomorrow.

We also found some 3-month-old Brahma's just north of us for 10$/. We will get them next week.
View Quote


Brahmas are a nice breed. I have a handful of them. Total, we have almost 2 dozen. Keeping chickens is a fair amount of work, and some days more than I care for, but they are fun. Most of the time.

As others have mentioned, you will attract more predators than you think, regardless of being in the city limits. Raccoons are everywhere and they would love to kill your chickens. Are there possums there? They love chicken eggs and will kill adult chickens also. Coyote, fox, hawk, mink, etc.
'The horse is made ready for battle, but victory rests with the LORD' - Proverbs 21:31
7/8/2024 10:20:00 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:


We went with this one.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-cottage-poultry-hutch-6-chicken-capacity
View Quote
Sweet, thanks
7/8/2024 11:18:05 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Nate19:


Brahmas are a nice breed. I have a handful of them. Total, we have almost 2 dozen. Keeping chickens is a fair amount of work, and some days more than I care for, but they are fun. Most of the time.

As others have mentioned, you will attract more predators than you think, regardless of being in the city limits. Raccoons are everywhere and they would love to kill your chickens. Are there possums there? They love chicken eggs and will kill adult chickens also. Coyote, fox, hawk, mink, etc.
View Quote


No possums that I know of.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/9/2024 8:47:39 AM EDT
[#37]
As others have said, keeping chickens is not difficult, most of the effort will be building and initial setup.

My 2 cents, I'd pitch a roof off of the garage wall and cover the entire run. Tall enough you can walk easily. Build the coop in the outside corner that you can access the easiest, put your nest boxes on the outside, so you dont have to go in the run to collect eggs every day.

I'd also size it for 6 birds, even if you think you'll never have that many.

This company makes nice looking (disgustingly expensive) coops, I used several of their ideas when I built my coop/run.

https://carolinacoops.com/chicken-coops/
7/10/2024 2:07:53 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:
Thanks.

I keep the window open just for airflow in my garage. It's not critical.
View Quote

Oh, it will be in a month
Originally Posted By TacticalGarand44:
Bring it. Our side has a hundred billion bullets. Your side doesn't know which bathroom to piss in.
7/10/2024 2:11:52 PM EDT
[#39]
And if they start flying out, get some 2 or 3 in wide plastic ribbon (I used bright yellow caution tape, but they are way away from everything)

And just tie it to the top of the wire and run across to other side, both direction maybe 2 or 3 runs and it will move with the wind and the chickens wont fly out and hawks wont fly in
Originally Posted By TacticalGarand44:
Bring it. Our side has a hundred billion bullets. Your side doesn't know which bathroom to piss in.
7/18/2024 10:50:51 AM EDT
[#40]
Well, today is the day for the chickens. We got the coop placed and put a plastic netting around the fence to help with shade. We also put a piece across the top in the corner for more shade.

We cleared a 4x4 area down to dirt in the corner. The gravel is still in place elsewhere. I am still looking at options on how to deal with that if it's going to be an issue.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/18/2024 4:45:45 PM EDT
[#41]
The whole lot will be dirt in a week, should of saved your energy clearing the spot  
Originally Posted By TacticalGarand44:
Bring it. Our side has a hundred billion bullets. Your side doesn't know which bathroom to piss in.
7/18/2024 8:57:52 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Originally Posted By bansil:
The whole lot will be dirt in a week, should of saved your energy clearing the spot  
View Quote


Ha.  Well I got a workout so....

They are here.  Already digging and moving stuff.

3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/18/2024 9:20:31 PM EDT
[#43]
Those are great looking chickens.
It looks like you bag your grass clippings, throw that in the run, they love to dig through it.
7/18/2024 10:29:21 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TOTHEMAX][Edited] [#44]
Quote History
Originally Posted By GSPatton:
Those are great looking chickens.
It looks like you bag your grass clippings, throw that in the run, they love to dig through it.
View Quote


Thanks.  It's a bunch of grass and other weeds that were growing in there.  I was hoping they would clean it up!  Lol.

Should I scoup the gravel out and get more dirt area?
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/19/2024 9:19:03 AM EDT
[#45]
No, they will strip it and make it thier own....the gravel will just dissappear....like magic. Anything green will be gone if they can reach it.

Start saving scraps, keep bowl in the kitchen with a towel over it, they will eat anything, when you clean out fridge, give it to them.

They will love you for it, plus the eggs will taste better
Originally Posted By TacticalGarand44:
Bring it. Our side has a hundred billion bullets. Your side doesn't know which bathroom to piss in.
7/19/2024 9:26:17 AM EDT
[Last Edit: bansil][Edited] [#46]
Make sure to keep them in there a couple weeks. So they know where the live, don't let them out for a few weeks.

Attached File
Originally Posted By TacticalGarand44:
Bring it. Our side has a hundred billion bullets. Your side doesn't know which bathroom to piss in.
7/19/2024 9:32:48 AM EDT
[#47]
Backyard Chickens is the Arfcom of chickens. I cannot vouch for the quality (or existence) of their GD.But their tech forums are where you want to look.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/
7/19/2024 9:37:04 AM EDT
[#48]
Thanks for the info and the link.

We had to put them in the coop last night as it got dark out and they were sitting on top and milling around it. Hopefully, after a few nights of this, they will figure out to go inside of it.

3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
7/19/2024 9:50:51 AM EDT
[#49]
Every night I have to put those 4 or 5 up, damn rebels never had to do this, so I blame it on the "big chickens" by the way turkey's can be assholes
Originally Posted By TacticalGarand44:
Bring it. Our side has a hundred billion bullets. Your side doesn't know which bathroom to piss in.
7/20/2024 10:43:04 AM EDT
[#50]
Last night we went out there at 2130 and they were in the coop! No wrangling needed.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton

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