Hello from the Pacific Ocean

[jediwhite]

Good morning All
My name is Jed and at the moment I am somewhere between Hawaii and San Diego on a private yacht (I am one of the engineers)
My family and I live in the West of Ireland and have just decided to keep chucks, mainly for the eggs but also for our two kids (Tia 3.5 and Jac 1.5) to enjoy as well
Any thoughts on numbers, types and what sort of coop would be much appreciated, we have plenty of space so a big run is easy but its windy and wet so a strong coop with non-drafty ventilation is needed I believe.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to learning from you all
cheers Jed

 

[Marigold]

Hi Jed, how interesting to hear from you and about your plans. Yes, keeping chickens Is wonderful hobby, especially with kids involved, at least we all think so. You are so lucky to have no space constraints, and very sensible to find out beforehand about what would be best for you and your birds in your situation.
The main choice to make about coops is whether to get plastic or wood. If you intend to build it yourself then probably wood is good, but if buying ready made, you need to compare the advantages of each before deciding. Lots of threads on here about the advantages of each for you to browse. Also, much advice about making a really strong run, of a suitable size for the numbers you intend to keep, and how to predator-proof and weatherproof it, from wind as well as rain.
As for birds, for a family starting with chickens for the first time, and presumably wanting lots of eggs, you might consider egglaying hybrids, which come in many shapes and colours, will lay really well, have calm temperaments and will not go broody. The other choice is to get purebreds, which may or may not lay so well, as many strains nowadays have been bred more for show bench appearance than for utility. Hybrid pullets about 16-18 weeks of age will come vaccinated against most chicken diseases and on average will cost you about half as much as good purebreds, around £15 here in England at the moment, and will likely be a available locally more easily than purebreds, which are bred in smaller numbers, often by private hobbyists who don't have a great range of breeds in many cases. Or of course, there are also ex batts, i.e. hens that have spent their first couple of years in farmed conditions and are about to be culled by the farmer because he cannot support them through an unproductive moult when their third laying season will not be so productive as the two they will have given him. See the website of the Hen Welfare Trust for more about exbatts. Some of our members have rescued them and say they have fantastic personalities and its really good to watch them grow their feathers back and begin to enjoy an outdoor life.
Have a look at the main Poultrykeeper site, see link at the bottom of the page, as there is much information about starting out with chickens that will be helpful to you. Then come back with more questions and ideas, we shall,be delighted to help entertain you in your time on board.

 

[chrismahon]

Welcome to the forum Jediwhite. Know West coast of Ireland quite well. Anywhere near Feakle Co. Clare?