How we got started with Backyard Chickens

Day One with the chickens – How we got started!

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My name is Carol. I’m a crazy chicken lady. I live in the Dallas area with our 14-year-old daughter and 3 grown sons (one recently back at home after serving our country). Our family has consisted of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, fish, and snakes. My daughter would also have sheep, cows, and horses if we’d let her.

My husband has a large garden so there are frequent trips to our local feed store. When chick days come around, the pleading starts. I held strong for three years then I gave in…the best decision ever! Who knew! Come to find out, lots of people have backyard chickens.

I never thought I’d become a chicken lady,

I’m a city girl after all. But when my husband sent me a pic of our daughter holding an adorable chick, I faltered and said yes. He hadn’t played that angle before. The look on her face was priceless.

Then, once I heard their little peeps, I was hooked. I immediately joined three Facebook groups, started researching on the internet, and purchased a couple of books. If you’re reading my blog, you can probably relate.

Herb wanted eggs and had researched the best layers. I wanted one of each color. He came home with a white Leghorn (Trudy), black Sexlink (Cocoa), Golden Comet (Buttercup), and a Buckeye (Trixie). When purchasing chicks locally, it’s hit or miss on what they will have. You never know what you will get but I was happy with his purchase.

Does your City have Restrictions?

My husband already knew our city ordinances regarding chickens. Really?! In our city, we can have six hens, and an unlimited amount of baby chicks (up to 3 months old) but no roosters.

The coop has to be 30 feet away from our neighbors’ structure or dwelling (this isn’t the same everywhere so make sure to do some research).

In one of the neighboring cities, you can only have chickens with an ag exemption and another city allows roosters.

What next?

The chicks were in a large box with newspaper on the bottom. I looked at their precious faces and thought, “This will just not do!” I walked to the garage and dug out an old guinea pig cage. Voila! Temporary housing.

My husband purchased a feeder, waterer, and chick starter. We had a heat lamp and thermometer already, but we needed bedding for the bottom of the cage – back to the farm store we go. My phone doesn’t leave my hand – I’m reading everything I can to learn more about our new pets.

The crazy chicken lady was born.

What type of coop?

If you don’t have supplies laying around, there are several coop kits offered online or at farm stores. If you decide to buy online, I would highly recommend posting a question and asking for feedback in one of the Facebook chicken groups before purchasing. I’ve seen many posts where people complain that their coop fell apart after a few short months.

My husband had already drawn out the plans for the coop and planned to build it himself. The next morning he started working on it. Most of the materials were leftover from previous projects. We didn’t spend much money,  I think around $200.

Another great option is Facebook Market Place or Craigslist. Many people are offering sheds, playhouses, and coops for little or no money.

If you are at the beginning of your journey, you are in the right place. First, check with your local municipality. Then, it’s time to make a decision on their living space. Read my next blog here on coop and bedding.

You will be faced with many more decisions – medicate vs non-medicated feed, types of waterers to use, treats, free-ranging, and lots more.

I will share my thoughts and opinions and hope it helps!