Another chicken chicken newbie

hal_at_nospam.com
Date: 02/16/05 

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:10:21 -0700

I got referred here by some kindly chap from another group. I am a
self sufficient type who would like to learn raising chickens for eggs
and meat. Someone else in the same group referred me to Storey's
Raising Chickens and Poultry. Well I found a copy at my local
bookstore, and in an hour learned more about chickens than in the
previous 49 years. Excellent guide, but still having a few questions
if I may:

I have not found good example plans for coops. I have seen some
structure ideas, but I am more interested in internal structures, like
arrangements and spacing for nests and roosts. Googles don't turn up
much except people wanting to sell plans or books. I am pretty handy
with building small buildings, and can do a nice coop, but could use
some more ideas about internal layouts, windows, and ventilation. I
have a nice south facing slope so will have lots of sun. Should I
have south facing windows for lots of light in the coop, or keep the
south wall mostly solid and dark color to absord heat in the winter
and shade in the summer?

How many birds would typically provide a family of four with plenty of
eggs? If you start breeding and producing your own chicks, can one
reasonably expect to produce enough to be self sustaining (I have lots
of land) ? How many hens and roosters would typically be expected to
provide a self sustaining flock?

I understand layers are not year round producers. What kind of long
term production can you expect and how can you maximize this? (I am
thinking about Rhode Island Reds)

How does everyone like Rhode Island Reds? I like the large brown
eggs, and Reds seem to double well as good meat producers and I would
like a good dual purpose hearty breed.

I live in Montana USA. Winter temperatures can dip sub zero (F)
although not for very long. Typical temperatures are 20s-30s (-10 to
0 C) . Summer temps typically not over 80-90, and very rarely over
100 F. According to Storey I should build an insulated coop. Does
everyone agree? Will electric pet bowls work for providing water
during freezing temperatures?

I understand chickens do better if allowed to browse a larger area
than a confined pen. I live in the country with no fences. Are
chickens homing enough that they will stick around or return to their
pen, or am I going to have to keep going and rescue my neighbors from
my chickens? Am I going to end up running around like an idiot trying
to herd my chickens back into their pen? (my family would bust a gut
laughing at me over that one)

I have three labrador retrievers that are pretty docile, and fairly
well behaved. If I can let my chickens roam, should I expect
dog/chicken altercations?

Can you really order chicks through the mail and get them to show up
alive? How well and quickly will they adapt to new surroundings?
Seems kind of cruel to box the little buggers up and put them in a
mailbox.

Thanks for any help you can provide. Links to proven and trusted
stock providers and suggestions on varieties for my situation greatly
appreciated.

Hal

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