What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[EmmaE]

Well, my coop arrived yesterday (yippee!) and just needs assembling. It has a ramp to raised sleeping quarters and nest box, and the total run area is 200cm x 80cm, so not overly big. Bearing in mind we cannot easily free-range unless the hens absolutely cannot even slightly fly, which sort would be best suited to what I can provide?

 

As a family we've narrowed it down to two options:

 

1) either a couple of Black Rocks or Rhode Island Reds as it appears both are friendly, hardy, suitable for novice chicken keepers and sold at the local poultry place. These would have to be kept confined.

 

2) a couple of Buff Orpingtons which could be allowed out, I think their flying is non-existant? Its the bantam version that's available locally.

 

What do you think? All advice appreciated!

[Space Chick]

Personally I would probably go for a small breed and one which is not famed for flying.

 

I'd probably go for some Silkies. However, if you want them for eggs as much as pets then don't have Silkies, as my Susan goes broody at the drop of the hat, and on her non broody phases I am lucky if I get 3 eggs a week off her, and when she does go broody she stops laying for AGES! On the plus side she is hilariously funny and completely adorable

 

There is a Rhode Island Red Bantam, which would be more suited to a small run, and still lay quite well.

[Daphne]

Depends what you want really - the BR and RIR will give you loads of eggs and be hardy and no bother, but you might need to clip a wing if they FR. BO bants are variable layers (mine is fab but I know several are just OK), possibly more inclined to go broody, but they are unlikely to fly (but they can!) If you are intending to leave the birds in the run most of the time then I'd probably get the orps, they are pretty good at being confined, but really its your choice - what do you fancy most!

[chelsea]

I agree with Daphne, the orps will cope well with being confined (as will Cochins ) they are very placid birds but do have a tendancy to go broody at a drop of a hat so will not give you many eggs.

 

I reckon the RIR will be flighty and will want to be out.... but on the flip side will give you lots of eggs.

[EmmaE]

Thank you for your replies. I do like Orpingtons . . . its great to know they'll be okay kept confined. Now I just need to get everything ready . . .

[chelsea]

Maybe you could get a mixture? some orps for "ornamental purposes" and a good laying breed for eggs.

[Eggasperated]

I got my hens last July and still feel quite a novice, however although Black Rocks lay plentiful eggs I've found them to be a menace for feather plucking if they don't have plenty of free range time.

[poppers77]

Hi Emma,

Like you we are very novice & new (urban) chicken owners & have loved every minute so far ( nearly 3 weeks) of our 3 sussex chicks company. I'm sure we had them much too young ( they'd just come off the lamp at 4 weeks) but are thriving. We wanted to get used to them & them us so we had them young so we could give them a good start. They appear very contented, curious & easy so far to look after. I've found this forum invaluable, all the aswers seem to be here.

Good luck - the Haynes chicken manual is also good!

P

[EmmaE]

Awwwww . . . they're sooo gorgeous! Hubby is preparing the coop area as we speak - tomorrow building the coop! Can't wait!!

 

Yes, I've just bought the Haynes Manual and I agree its totally brilliant! Probably the best chicken book Ive got. What amazed me was I ordered it Monday afternnoon and it popped through the letterbox Tuesday morning - free delivery too - amazing!

[poppers77]

Yes amazing service - but i don't know about you but it's not so good for my sudden chicken reading addiction! The urban hen is good as well!

 

Good luck & hope all goes well. Our girls have had atheir first foray in the garden following this balmy weather at last - couple more pics below.

 

From another very happy newbie!