I Decided to Raise Chickens

Well, we have dogs, cats, fish - and are considering backyard chickens.... oh my...

The reasons:

* Cute Feathered Friends
* Fresh (brown?) eggs
* Fresh Manure for the lawn
* Reduce bugs / slugs in my yard (free range)
* Be entertaining for my bored dog.

I expect to start with about 2-3, with the knowledge that it may grow to over 6.

I had to do a lot of research... for Coop design, which breed to get etc to meet my needs. I want the coop to be big enough for the hens if I am away for a few days... without free ranging. I also want it to be mobile... so I can move it around the yard as I need it fertilized..

I wanted it to handle the sprinklers too... :)

How big of a coop? How many hen boxes? What sizes should hen boxes be? What breed (s)should I get?

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I found out I should have 1 nesting box for every 3 hens...

Each bird needs about 4 square feet... so if I leave for the weekend they need to have that much.

I liked the idea of the Rhode Island Reds - they have good egg production... and have brown eggs. They are also a larger hen. We have cats.. and don't want them to be considered lunch.

I have some good ideas for the overall chicken coop... will put it on wheels, so I can move it around the yard. And will have much of it enclosed with chicken wire, with a section with nesting boxes fully enclosed.. but with good ventilation - enough to allow drying and minimize issues with sprinklers.

GOOD RESEARCH SOURCES:

Nesting Boxes - Tips

Nesting box Design to maximize production

Breeds - Comparison: Hendersons Chicken Chart

Chicken Coop Design

Idea for Chicken Coop - on the Grass

Another Chicken Coop Design - on grass

Coop Idea #3

Coop Idea #4