Finally gave in and became a member!

Hello! I'm new but it feels like I've been a member for almost a year. Long story short, my gramps (who lived with me since I was born) passed away last December and it put me in a down and out type of mood. I spent the winter outside building a chicken coop (with absolutely NO experience) from old junk lumber and somehow, it was very therapeutic and helped me get over my depression. I consistently came to this site for tips ranging from coop design to breeds of chickens. Fast forward to present day, I am now happily taking care of my super supportive boyfriend, our three handsome sons, our one beautiful daughter, our two Dobermans, one "Kelpie" (gramps dog), one barnyard cat, seven chickens, and about 10 head of cattle (I suppose I could throw in the endless amount of rollie pollies and garden snails my daughter keeps in a box outside hehe) all while going to nursing school! I have a very full plate but I honestly can say I love my life and even with all the hardships and trying times, I wouldn't exchange it for a thing.

Glad you joined us!

Feel free to ask lots of questions! We're all here to help.

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Great intro! Glad you joined us!!

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Oh, I am so sorry about the passing of your grandfather. I lost my father last year and I completely disappeared from BYC for 3 months. I just needed time to sort my head out and where did I head? The chicken coop, of course!

Good luck on this new adventure you are on. You will love keeping chickens. They are just the greatest!

Welcome to our flock!

Thank you guys! I have always loved message boards filled with knowledgeable people. Especially those that make you feel welcome.

Two Crows - It's funny how something like chickens and their way of life can be comforting. Haha, now my whole family seems to navigate to the coop when they are outside. I am sorry for your loss as well. Time may heal all wounds but it doesn't erase the pain one has felt!

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Sounds like you have a nice farm and lots of animals! Sorry about the loss of your grandfather.

Welcome to BYC. Glad you joined us!

Welcome to BYC! We're glad to have you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. I'm sorry about your grandfather passing away this past December. My father passed away this past October, and I spent more time than usual in the chicken coop right afterward. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. What kind of chickens do you have?

Thank you guys!

I started out with 13 chickens but sold 6 that didn't fit in with the group. They were flighty or very unfriendly. Now, I have two black Australorps, two EE's, two Golden Comets, and one Barred rock. I get three eggs a day from the older three and one just laid a jumbo double yoker. I plan on broadening my breeds and getting some marans or wellies and other undecided breed next spring.