Field Notes from the Coop

What to Prepare Before a First Consultation

Before you book a visit, take a quick look at your yard's drainage, the amount of shade, and how much space you can actually spare for a coop and a small grazing strip. This page walks through the questions a local farmer will ask you, from predator pressure in your lane to whether your soil drains fast enough for a compost pile. It also covers what paperwork or neighbour agreements matter in a suburban setting. The goal is to make the first meeting useful instead of vague, so you leave with a plan you can start on the same week.

Getting Started

Choosing a Service Format That Actually Fits

Not every backyard needs the same kind of help. Some people want a one-time coop design review, others need a monthly feeding and health check, and a few just want a phone call to talk through a sick hen or a lamb that won't eat. This post compares the formats we offer — site visits, video calls, and written plans — and explains which one suits a small flock, a mixed herd, or a complete beginner. It also covers what each format includes and what you should prepare beforehand, so you pick the option that matches your budget and your schedule without paying for extras you don't need.

Planning

Questions Clients Ask Before Starting

Most first-time keepers ask the same things: how many hens can fit in a 10-by-12 foot run, whether sheep can stay on grass alone, and how long it takes before the compost stops smelling. This article collects the most common questions from our consultations and answers them plainly, with the numbers we actually use in our own yard. It also covers the mistakes people make in the first month, like overfeeding grain or locking the coop too early. If you're still deciding whether to start, this page gives you a realistic picture of the daily routine and the costs that stay hidden until you begin.

FAQ

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