CHIMBY - Chickens in My Back Yard

[orangelion03]

Looks like we will be raising some chickens!  Suz found out that our neighborhood will allow up to four (no roosters).  I plan on building the coop and have some ideas, but could use some help.  can anyone suggest a good online source for plans?  Free would be best.

[Polpetta]

Carl has built two, you may want to PM him!
I really like the way ours work 

[Polpetta]

I bought my chicks from this website and I gather information. Also their customer service reps are great and can help you with any questions you have!

http://www.mypetchicken.com/?gclid=CPu48vbtlrACFTSytgodIHsh3g

This is another website I have looked at for info and ideas

http://www.backyardchickens.com/

This is a great piece of equipment, we added it after. http://www.poultrybutler.com/automatic-chicken-coop-door/
We didn't know about it at first and took turns getting up to pen their door. This is also nice if you travel. So far they have never been locked out, they always put themselves to bed first.

Let me know if you want to borrow my chicken books again. My one book has plans in it. I could scan it for you if you like.

Are you guys getting chicks or hens?

I love having my hens and fresh eggs!  Good luck 

[orangelion03]

Thanks Mel!

Been to backyardchickens for ideas on the coop =)  What a great site!!

Suzy's buying the chicks local, pre-sexed. 

That butler thing is a great idea!!!

[Polpetta]

Cool, keep me posted on how it goes! 

[orangelion03]

Progress on the coop.  Picture is from a couple weeks ago...framing is now done, with roof beams and door.  Next is the roost enclosure.

[Ducatamount]

Surprised a fox making off with a chicken as I rounded a corner in my truck.He saw me and dropped the chicken and spun a 180 and took off.The chicken got up and walked away,under the guardrail.Looked dazed.Not sure if it was OK or not.Knocked on the peoples door,no one home.Dog inside barking.
Neighborhood dog was down there a couple of weeks ago,hassling the chickens and the lady was all pissed off.What the hell is she thinking? You can't have free range chickens around here with all the predators we have.
Foxes,Fishers,Coyotes,Dogs....

[Polpetta]

orangelion03, new pis please 

[orangelion03]

orangelion03, new pis please 

If you dont mind, I'll keep the pis to myself...

As for pics, I should make more progress this weekend.  We had unforeseen dog medical issues and spent our coop budget on that.  We're now flush again so I can proceed =)

[Polpetta]

Oh, please do  should have been pics!

Hope your puppies are ok!

[TAftonomos]

What happened to the thread?  Read the whole thing, need more info

- moving to FL in the next few weeks and bought a place out in the country a bit.  2 acres and space for things like chickens, a garden, etc...

[triangleforge]

You'll love it! What do you need/want to know - and what would you be wanting to raise them for: eggs, meat, bug/weed control, entertainment, all of the above?

[Mendo Dave]

Im glad the thread is back. Im not going to have chickens myself because We go out of town too often, and the dog would eat them. but Im sympathetic to the idea of CHIMBY and kind of wish we could have them.

[TAftonomos]

You'll love it! What do you need/want to know - and what would you be wanting to raise them for: eggs, meat, bug/weed control, entertainment, all of the above?

I'd like a mix of both if possible (eggs and meat).   I'd like to learn to be more self sustaining, and teach me 3 little kids the same thing as they grow up. 

Ill post more on our yard when I'm at a computer later

[cokey]

Anyone near NY area have engh to sell?