- May 11, 2014
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I have been lurking here off and on for the past couple of years, while I started raising my first chickens. I decided to take the plunge and join the group. My Dad and I built a 10x10 storage shed from home Depot, and turned it into our first chicken coop for the family.We built it with OSB wooden floor, and added 3 South facing Windows. We started out 2 years ago with day old chicks from Murry McMurry hatchery with 15 Silver Spangled Hamburg's and 20 Buff Orpington's. We live on a 3 acre spread. And I learned really quickly that dogs like to kill and eat chickens, while free ranging on our property. So I am down to about 4 Silver Spangles, 20 Buffs, I had to replace a few Buffs, thanks to dogs again. And I keep adding to the flock. We currently have 2 RIR's hens, 1 big Barred Rock Rooster, he is 2 years old. 3- 2 years Barred Rock hens. 20 Buff Orpington's hens, 10 White leg horns about 1 year old now. I am going to be culling some this year, when my young pullets get up to speed. I ordered again from McMurray this Feburary 2014. 15 Red Star females, and 15 Black Australorp, which some didn't survive the trip. So I ended up with 8 Red Star chicks, and 13 Black Australorp chicks, which are 14 weeks old. I want to try and keep to the dual purpose birds for the meat. Some of the projects I have planned for this year, are increase the chicken run so it encloses the garden area. And I want to build a other chicken coop for about 15 chickens or so, to start them off in, and have a grow out pen next to the other chicken run. So the new ones can get acclimatized to the older birds, before actually turning them in. So I am open to any suggestions. Glad to find a group of people whom love to raise chickens and be more self sufficient by doing so. And I love gaining knowledge and wisdom from all the post here. Thanks for your time and input, and sharing of your knowledge!!! Randy
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and Welcome To BYC! Sounds like you have a nice flock, good luck with your new projects!
