The plan is to build the coop with the covered, attached run. We want to put in a gate that opens out to the garden. When we’re home during the day, the chickens can wander over a rather large area and help in the garden. If we’re not home, they’ll still have a secure run.
We want to build a small, portable chicken tractor for the ones who are sick or being picked on.
My daughter’s boyfriend’s mom just brings the inside when they’re not doing so well. I’ll put a cage in the house for a really sick bird.
Build a chicken tractor, move it often.
I like the CornishX from
http://www.schlechthatchery.com/
8 weeks and they go to “Freezer Camp”!
If you want a longer maturing breed try the Colored Range Broilers from http://www.jmhatchery.com/ ready in 81 days, no leg problems like the CornishX and they like to move around more and scratch like a chicken. Not as “meaty” as the others, but good flavor. Huge discussion on http://www.backyardchickens.com/ in the forums under “Meat Birds”