Tis the Season for chick-a-dees!

Hello BackYard Chicken clan!

We are new to the chicken world. I used to help on a farm, but I have never raised chickens before. We want to get into raising chickens because we have heard of their wonderful personalities, quirky mannerisms and it is just an all around fun way to spend family time. You are always learning news things while taking care of these little creatures. Let's face it, FRESH eggs are always a bonus too, right? We recently bought 8 pullets from our local hardware store, because our farm store is going to be sold out of pullets for a while. Although we did a lot of research before we got the chickens, we would still love to hear your stories and advice. The store also said our chickens are Isa Browns. I am not so sure. I know they can change quite dramatically as they grow. I am looking for signs to make sure I have females, but that is so far unclear as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read my new member introduction!

Please keep your comments positive!

Have a wonderful day,

Sarah*

Looks like you also got two barred rock (dark chicks). I'm not familiar with Isabrowns but, they are a layer bird so I expect you will get good egg production from them.

When they are about 6 weeks old, you can post photos & age, at "what breed or gender is this." and get experienced opinions on them.

Also please check out the Learning Center above.

First....

Your cuties sure look adorable. Most likely if the hardware store said they are pullets, they were sexed from the supplier. They are usually at about 90% or so correct.
Do you have a coop ready or in plans. These little ones will grow like weeds.
Ask all the questions that you have. There is someone out here with an answer.
WISHING YOU BEST.

Hi and a warm welcome to BYC. I hope that you enjoy your chicken-keeping adventure and being a member here at BYC.

Don't worry, the vast majority of members are positive, and if you do come across any that are not so, you can block that member (it means you will not have to see their posts).

The Learning Centre is a great resource, even for experienced chicken keepers - loads of info on anything chicken. https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Joining your state thread may be useful as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - just type the name of your state in the search box.

All the best
CT

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to join the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC. Good luck!

WHEW! It is hard to take a picture of these little luvies! Here are some much better pictures of the bawk, bawks as my children call them! I turned the red light off so you can see their true colors. I also had another question regarding chicken feed. We got a small yellow bag of the chick, medicated starter feed. They went through that rather quickly. We then went to our local farm store and purchased a big bag of the chick, medicated starter feed. The only problem with this is that the crumbles are MUCH bigger! They food looks more like pellets. My chickens are being picky little things and will not eat it. They are scratching on the floor looking for food. Then the silly little girls look up at me like yeah, where the heck is our food woman?! Hehe. I tried crumbling/chopping it up in both my food processor and in a bag and then hitting it with a hammer. Do you think I am worrying too much? Will they eventually eat it or is there a better way to crumble the food. I don't want it to get powder like and then they inhale it either. I feel like a new Momma again, but I love it so far! Thank you for all of your help and replies.

drumstick diva said:

Looks like you also got two barred rock (dark chicks). I'm not familiar with Isabrowns but, they are a layer bird so I expect you will get good egg production from them.

When they are about 6 weeks old, you can post photos & age, at "what breed or gender is this." and get experienced opinions on them.

Also please check out the Learning Center above.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much, drumstick diva! You gave wonderful information and advice. I really appreciate it.

cavemanrich said:

First....

Your cuties sure look adorable. Most likely if the hardware store said they are pullets, they were sexed from the supplier. They are usually at about 90% or so correct.
Do you have a coop ready or in plans. These little ones will grow like weeds.
Ask all the questions that you have. There is someone out here with an answer.
WISHING YOU BEST.

Click to expand...

Thank you! To be honest, I never thought I would like chickens this much. Haha! My husband is going to build us a chicken coop. He has been researching and drawing up the plans for some time now. You are right! The little darlings are already changing in size as well as appearance. Thank you again!

CTKen said:

Hi and a warm welcome to BYC. I hope that you enjoy your chicken-keeping adventure and being a member here at BYC.

Don't worry, the vast majority of members are positive, and if you do come across any that are not so, you can block that member (it means you will not have to see their posts).

The Learning Centre is a great resource, even for experienced chicken keepers - loads of info on anything chicken. https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Joining your state thread may be useful as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - just type the name of your state in the search box.

All the best
CT

Click to expand...

Thank you for the warm welcome and kind words. I have had a few bad experiences with forums, but have heard such wonderful things about BYC. I thought I would give BYC a chance, and it's nice to find people learning and going through the same thing you are. Thank you so much for the advice, it sure helps out a lot! Thank you again!!

NickyKnack said:

Hello!

Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to join the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC.

Good luck!

Click to expand...

Hello! Thank you so much! I agree! All of you have been tremendously helpful and very welcoming. I am thrilled about this group as well. I am sure you will see a lot of me, hehe. I feel like a new Momma again, but I love it! Thank you again!