think were ready!!

[scogie18]

the wife and i have been talking about getting chickens. we have about .4 acre lot right on the city limits line. were considered the county. were located in wisconsin so have some pretty cold winters. im a sider by trade but am petty handy doing stuff. i was thinking of starting with a flock of 6 raise em from chicks that way theres more of a relationship with the birds as they would be our pets!!! with the benefits of eggs! looking for suggestions on breed. was thinking rhode island reds. also how big of a coup would you build. i was thinking 6x8. any suggestions or advice is really appreciated. would like to order them for spring!!!!! thanks in advanced!

 

[muddy75]

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad that you joined this poultry loving community.

 

[Debbie292d]

the wife and i have been talking about getting chickens. we have about .4 acre lot right on the city limits line. were considered the county. were located in wisconsin so have some pretty cold winters. im a sider by trade but am petty handy doing stuff. i was thinking of starting with a flock of 6 raise em from chicks that way theres more of a relationship with the birds as they would be our pets!!! with the benefits of eggs! looking for suggestions on breed. was thinking rhode island reds. also how big of a coup would you build. i was thinking 6x8. any suggestions or advice is really appreciated. would like to order them for spring!!!!! thanks in advanced!

Hiya, and welcome to BYC from another Wisconsinite.

I sort of figured when I read "the wife..."

Chickens should have 4 square feet per bird in the coop, and 10-15 square feet for a run, if you aren't free-ranging. This helps keep them healthier and prevents issues like picking on each other.

Here's our Coop Forum you could find ideas in. Some are complete with instructions and blueprints even.

Here's our Wisconsin Cheeseheads thread, which isn't hugely lively, but you could come say "Hi," there.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC.
I'm advocating for a large run, even if you do free range. I have large coops and predator proof runs, as well as a large chicken yard. I went years with no predator problems other than hawks. This last year I had my first raccoon attack. I keep mine in their runs now except for a couple of hours each afternoon when I am out with them.
Also keep in mind that people who aren't confined to a certain number by city codes end up with many more chickens than they expected.

 

[Logar]

Welcome to BYC!

i was thinking of starting with a flock of 6 raise em from chicks that way theres more of a relationship with the birds as they would be our pets!!! with the benefits of eggs! looking for suggestions on breed. was thinking rhode island reds.

If you are looking for pets as well I would suggest something such as Orpingtons or Plymouth rocks. While it isn’t true for all RIRs, some are known to be pretty aggressive towards each other and not the nicest birds with people either.

also how big of a coup would you build. i was thinking 6x8. any suggestions or advice is really appreciated. would like to order them for spring!!!!! thanks in advanced!

As big as you possibly can! Chicken math is real and before you know it you will be wanting more. Each chicken needs at least 4 sq feet in the coop and 10 sq feet in the run but bigger is better.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Great suggestions above! I second the motion from @Logar that some Rhode Island Reds can get aggressive within the flock, standoffish to humans. Orpingtons (Buff Orpingtons, Black Australorps, Barred Rocks, Easter Eggers, Silkies, etc ...) are docile, friendly to humans, great layers and are healthy breeds. Some can live into their teens.

Make yourself at home here and ask as many questions as needed.

Welcome to our community!

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Good luck in establishing your flock.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

I too live in a very cold climate. I prefer to have birds in my flock that have tight combs and short wattles because even with excellent ventilation when the temperature gets well below zero the edges of the flesh furthest away from the heat of the bird are very susceptible to getting frostbite.

This glorious boy is a Leghorn mix.

He's only a 6-month-old cockerel and he has already suffered frostbite on the front of those glorious wattles.

Some breeds I would recommend that I have enjoyed are Wyandottes, Easter eggers, Ameraucanas and Dominiques and I would love to try Chanteclers.

 

[N F C]

Best wishes with all your plans!