Beginner Chicken Mama in Colorado

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Hi and welcome to BYC

Here are some links to key resources:

Best wishes

Pork Pie
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
I would start by getting everything you need to brood your chicks and then start working on your coop and run. A quick way of getting a coop done is to convert an existing building if you have something you can make predator proof. I would also wait until warmer weather to get your chicks. You really want to have the coop and run nearly completely done before the chicks arrive.
Mine needed to be out of the brooder by 5.5 weeks old so I finished brooding them in their coop. They grow like weeds!
 
DobieLover said:
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
I would start by getting everything you need to brood your chicks and then start working on your coop and run. A quick way of getting a coop done is to convert an existing building if you have something you can make predator proof. I would also wait until warmer weather to get your chicks. You really want to have the coop and run nearly completely done before the chicks arrive.
Mine needed to be out of the brooder by 5.5 weeks old so I finished brooding them in their coop. They grow like weeds!
Click to expand...


So I was thinking of getting day old or a few day old chicks (about 10 chicks so I can give some to my dad). I would get them this weekend 3/16-3/17. I would start them in a small brooder I have big tubs, heat lamps, and pine shavings already (I would get the food and food/water holders when I get the chicks). Then as they get bigger I have a room in my house I can convert into a pin. A bigger area so they are not cramped. Its an 7×7 room they could stay in until they are 5-6 weeks old and have their feathers. By then it will be mid April (21st) average temperatures should be highs of 60s lows of 30s. If I get Rhode Islands Reds or another cold tolerant chicken I should be able to put them outside at 5-6 weeks and they will be okay if the temp hits 30 (right?) ? I will be building my own coop and run I figure a coop of about 7'×7' raised 1.5' so that the space under the coop could be use as a run then extend the covered run out an additional 5'×5' so there is ample space to forge and frolick. I don't think I can keep roosterss in my municipality. Will be 10 hens (if my dad does not end up wanting chickens). I will have 5-6 if my dad does end up wanting chickens. Was thinking of building the coop as the chicks grow. Any thoughts are appreciated.
 
Welcome from Boulder.
NoCo feeder supply (FC) is having a beginner chicken workshop this Saturday. She carries the best selection in the front range typically 25+ most times of the year. She will normally have close to 1000 chicks available this weekend plus specials on feed. Well worth the drive.
As far as breeds that do well here most are fine. Personally, I like to stick with dual purpose small comb breeds. Barred rock, easter eggers (green eggs) ( incorrectly labeled as Ameraucana at the feed store), Wyandotte are a must in my flock. Other nice breeds are Orpington, Australorp, brabanters ( white egg), Sussex, welsummer (dark brown) plus a few eye candy breeds russian orloff and Cochin. I do stay away from RIR as they have a reputation as bullies in a mixed flock and hybrids as they are typical spent (poor production) by 2. I have 6 year old DP hens who still produce 4 eggs a week.
Wardles will carry a decent amount of chicks and will also sell pullets. Never bought from them.
 
Welcome!
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Percheron chick said:
Welcome from Boulder.
NoCo feeder supply (FC) is having a beginner chicken workshop this Saturday. She carries the best selection in the front range typically 25+ most times of the year. She will normally have close to 1000 chicks available this weekend plus specials on feed. Well worth the drive.
As far as breeds that do well here most are fine. Personally, I like to stick with dual purpose small comb breeds. Barred rock, easter eggers (green eggs) ( incorrectly labeled as Ameraucana at the feed store), Wyandotte are a must in my flock. Other nice breeds are Orpington, Australorp, brabanters ( white egg), Sussex, welsummer (dark brown) plus a few eye candy breeds russian orloff and Cochin. I do stay away from RIR as they have a reputation as bullies in a mixed flock and hybrids as they are typical spent (poor production) by 2. I have 6 year old DP hens who still produce 4 eggs a week.
Wardles will carry a decent amount of chicks and will also sell pullets. Never bought from them.
Click to expand...
So what is the highest and longest yielding chicken. I don't really want to mix breeds mostly because I want to make sure I learn about one at a time. Keep in mind I want it to be very cold tolerant but high in egg production.
 

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