Chicken husbandry ?? EGGS, FERTZ, MEAT - ANY TIPS?????

I've been inspired by Ian's thread here, and decided several weeks back to take the plunge into chickens. (No, not like that...!)

Following Tex's advice, I joined BYC and learned everything I know, (Not much, I admit, but faaaar more than I did) and I have been keeping my eyes peeled for discarded material for a coop, as I am forced to go the 'budget' route.

Anyhoo - I was glancing through an online newspaper and found a banty hen and three chicks for free! Unfortunately, I have to collect tomorrow, which leaves me with very little time to build a coop. (Did I mention I have ten thumbs?)

I have just returned from a large hardware store, where I swallowed my pride and asked about offcuts at a possible discount. I must have looked desperate because I was given two trolleys of great timber for U$27. I later priced the haul at U$250 - 300!

Wish me luck..!
 
Thanks S/S -

The run is walled in a heavier-than-usual mesh, and I have the same thing for the roof.

Ran out of time before collecting them, though, and all I had ready was a (flimsy) door when they arrived. As I am out of time, I will forgo most of the timber, and just put on a corrugated iron (tin) roof, roosts and a brood cupboard.....damn!

The bloody woman gave me a hen and NINE chicks! Now I'm trying to screw stuff to the walls and the little buggers are all over the place!:censored:
 
NIce one Huntsman !!!! I did have chickens lined up but my plans have changed and I have to move. BUT i will be sure to have some ASAP.
 
How is this for rough end of the pineapple: Moving to Midwest USA. So its not as simple as just put them i box and bring with.
And really not looking forward to the short outdoor seasons :(
 
chilliman said:
How is this for rough end of the pineapple: Moving to Midwest USA. So its not as simple as just put them i box and bring with.
And really not looking forward to the short outdoor seasons :(
Click to expand...

Hydro!
 
chilliman said:
How is this for rough end of the pineapple: Moving to Midwest USA. So its not as simple as just put them i box and bring with.
And really not looking forward to the short outdoor seasons :(
Click to expand...

Damn, I thought you said move, not jump to the other side of the planet!!! :shocked:

Good luck with the new climate, I'm sure you'll manage just fine. :)
 
Well, I was given some bantams two weeks ago,


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and then bought these recently...
 
The run was hastily completed and is far from the standard I've seen on BackYardChickens.com, but the chickens seem appreciative!

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I've ripped the ivy off the wall to fit shelving, so it looks a little 'Trailer Park', but it will grow back...


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I've added 2 x buff Orpingtons
2 x Potch Koekoeks (local breed)
2 x Australorps
2 x Silkie bantams

All are three weeks old and living indoors at present.
 
Despite me having only two or three images in a post, the software claims I have six each time, so I am forced to multipost. Yay.

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I know diddly squat about keeping chickens, but that will change now..!
 
Thanks, SS!

Long ways from your setup, but I've used the area to its maximum potential as far as time, money and space allowed, so I'm content.

Expecting two Rhode Island Reds in a week or so, and then I'm done...
 
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