2) use something like a mud base type holder aor cement but if have to use glue try to get the kind that's not harmful to animals.
3) The best is usually a ststarter feed thats medicated and then on to scratch feed and oyster or grit then layer pellets.Chickens need carbohydrates oil , protein,, vitamins and minerals some names of feed are Buckeye,Kent,Agway, Purnia, Blue seal this will depend on your local feed stores as to what they carry if they don't have a brand you want ask them to order such feed for you.Most are at 16 % but some are at a 20 %...
4) if able have a water dispenser in the coop area and in the area they are to be in during the day Auto water is best since the water may evaporate in summer but with this its always re filling when it gets low, if not able to do this have water dispensers about the area for the birdsMyself I like the heaver type birds they are more fuller looking and bigger Black Australopvery quite docile andfriendly , Buff Orpington with a quiet dispostion,White plymouth rocks easy to handle,Cochin any breed are great birds as well,dominique,Jersey giants,Buff Brahma, there are so many breeds to choose from id say look up chicken breeds on the net and get an idea of the breeds there are to own as a pet Ive seen many nice birds as pets and many were show style.. The best thing to do is get the birds young and interact with them daily by holding them feeding them from your hands and talking to them Yea I know you think this is dumb but mine know there names mostly the roo he knows when I talk to him.
You will have to have an area for the birds to roost on and a nest area for the hens as well in this coop and have to have it safe from critters that want your birds for dinner.
These birds have an order and If you have one she has no order its wise to get 2 maybe 3 to have an order this is how they like to live.
Do enjoy your new pets they are smart critters and do make you laugh and smile at times.
We raise and breed MULTIPLE breeds of chickens, bantams, ducks, and geese, etc... They are very good pets and livestock. Some breeds better then others.
1. If you are going to do a fenced enclosure as well as your coop for your hen(s) I would do 4'x4'. She will have plently of room to excerise daily.
2. Use treated lumber. It will uphold with alot of rain/water/mud. It will not harm your bird(s).
3. Are you wanting eggs? We feed our hens lay crumble, chopped corn, and any weeds outta the garden. Any brand is okay.
4. Depends on how many birds you are planning to get. 1-5 birds you really only need a small water bowl. Keep the water bowl in the outside portion of the coop, that way it will be easier cleanup.
5. Wyndotte, Cochin, most bantams are docile or Silkies are very good docile breeds. And bond very well (usually) with people. Get them as chicks and raise them up, interact with them daily and feed from your hands. Talk to them softly and gently.
We have over 200 birds on our farm and each and every one of them will eat from our hands and roost on our shoulders while we walk around doing other chores. :) Hope this helps and hope you enjoy your your new pets. By the way I would suggest getting at least two (2) chickens so they can keep each other company and you more company as well.
I just built my chicken coop last week! It surprised me how easy it actually was dealing with the fact that im not very good with tools and stuff. So of course i had to learn first how to build one. I bought this book and it gave my clear and simple directions on how to build a safe stable coop. I know it sounds square reading a book to learn how to do something. But im telling you it was probably the best book i have downloaded on my computer. here is the link to the ebook
http://35e1domjq6jfaxa-sahdggzgc4.hop.cl...
It covers everything from ventilating the air, budgeting, to healthier eggs lol
Hello, I am looking to buy a hen and build my own coop. I currently live on a ranch with 15 horses and cattle, and my next project is building a coop for a lovely hen. I do not have any interest on eating her, Id like one as a pet. I have been reading books on how to care for your chickens and I've been looking at DIY Coop guides. I am here because I do have some unanswered questions. 1. What is an appropriate amount of roaming space out of the coop? (I will have the entire area caged off with chicken wire to prevent predators from entering her home.) I do have lots of property, I just don't know an appropriate size for one (maybe 2) hens. 2. If I were to build a wooden coop, I would have to seal the wood with a water sealant (when it rains, it RAINS) and would that chemical on the wood be safe for the hens? 3. Best Foods/ Brands? 4. Smaller Water Bowl or large Kitty Pool? I live on a large property, and by the end of the day, it is covered in poop from my horses/roaming cows, so I will have no issue with cleaning a coop! I am new to the poultry world, and before I purchase a hen I'd like to be an expert! Also, I know chickens require attention which I'd be happy to give. I am a very loving person with a passionate heart for animals, are there any particular breeds that are human friendly and will not nip me when I clean the coop or pick them up? If you have any tips or advice for me, please comment and share. Thanks :)
