Calling all chicken owners

**llama momma** 2/26/2017, 8:27 pm

I have wanted chickens for the last 4 years. Placed an order last week for a half dozen egg layers.

Could I please have some of your best tips from your experience?
Any aspect of ownership is appreciated. Your favorite books or websites would be helpful, I found some but I'd be interested in your favorites.

I understand predator proofing is very important for this area. No bears or loose dogs, but everything else that's wild seems to run by or flies by here. I'm double fencing and burying the fence I think about a foot below the soil, does that sound right to you? Using hardware cloth not the octagon wire sold as chicken wire. The coop and runs will be located inside the llama pasture to help deter predators. Ventilation especially in winter is important too, so what worked well for you ? Thank you so much !

**RoOsTeR** 2/27/2017, 9:56 am

You'll need the chicken bible
https://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Guide-Raising-Chickens-3rd/dp/1603424695

Best website for chickens hands down
http://www.backyardchickens.com/

Personally, I have found taking wire down a foot a waste of time and effort. Hard bottom is best in a coop or where possible. If you can't do hard bottom, actually bury welded wire under entire area. Or at least place on ground under structure, run etc.
Skunks and coons are crafty. I lost over 30 chickens one night to a skunk.
We free range when we can, but fox, hawks, eagles, coyotes, and once a dog have all made off with chicken for dinner. Right now, everything is hungry and hunting so we have all fowl confined to runs.
If possible, get a rooster.

countrynaturals 2/27/2017, 11:26 am

Fresh Eggs Daily -- great videos They also promote products I never knew existed and tips for keeping chickens happy and healthy.

**llama momma** 2/28/2017, 11:57 am

Thank you Rooster and countrynaturals ! Much appreciated.

If anyone else has some thoughts, I'm all ears.

**Kelejan** 3/1/2017, 11:51 am

They are still talking about keeping chickens in our town; only as an experiment with a total of six chicken owners. I believe that it is possible that one day the time will come when everyone will be keeping chickens just to survive, along with growing their own vegetables.

RoOsTeR No way will they allow you here in the city limits. Sad

has55 3/1/2017, 11:58 am

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Calling all chicken owners

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