Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone!

Years ago, I had a small flock of chickens. They brought so much joy to my life. I loved gathering fresh eggs each morning. I enjoyed watching them scratch and peck in the yard. Their funny little personalities made every day interesting.

But there were challenges too. I made mistakes. I lost birds to predators. I learned the hard way how important a secure coop is. Some breeds thrived, while others struggled. Every experience taught me something valuable.

Now, Im in a new place, starting from scratch. I have no coop, no run, and no chickens yet. This time, I want to do it right from the very beginning. My new home is in a more rural area, and predators are a real concern. We have raccoons, hawks, and coyotes. But the biggest challenge? Bears.

I know I need to build a strong, predator-proof coop. Im taking my time to research and plan. My goal is to share the coop with my next-door neighbor. Together, we hope to keep a small flock of hardy, reliable layers.

Ive had great experiences with Jersey Giants in the past. They lay large eggs, and they do well in cold weather. But Im open to other suggestions. What breeds have worked well for you in cold climates? Which ones are hardy and lay consistently?

Id also love advice on predator-proofing. What has worked best for you in bear country? Any tips on electric fencing or other strong deterrents?

Im excited to start this journey again. This time, I want to get everything right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Sounds like a great plan! A shared coop with your neighbor could be a fun way to split costs and responsibilities. Good luck!

I love my Jersey Giants too, but they take a while to start laying. Maybe mix in some Rhode Island Reds for steady egg production.

Have you thought about geese as flock protectors? They can help alert your chickens to danger and may deter smaller predators.

Definitely invest in electric fencing if you have bears around. A strong coop and a hot wire will save you a lot of heartache!

Sounds like an exciting new start! Jersey Giants are a great choice, but you might also look into Buckeyes, they're cold-hardy and good foragers.

Electric fencing is a must in bear country. Also, keep all food locked up tight, no scraps left out!

Bears are tricky! I'd recommend a solid coop with hardware cloth on every opening and an electric perimeter fence.