Clueless but enthusiastic about chickens!

Hi!

My name is Jaclyn... I recently moved from New York City to Indianapolis, Indiana. We moved to Indiana because one kid in NYC is awesome and manageable, but the second kid is kind of like having a lobotomy. At least for us. So we packed up and moved to Indianapolis where we could, when necessary, make a phone call and a grandparent could be at our door in 10 minutes or less.

Admittedly, we weren't thrilled about the idea of living in the Midwest but we are making an effort to embrace all of the wonderful things that were not an option for us in the city... Like growing veggies.... And raising CHICKENS! These things make living in Indiana pretty awesome.

That said, enthusiasm does not equal competence.... And that's why I am here! Hoping to get as much info as possible before our baby chicks arrive February 25th!

I just finished reading Keeping Chickens by Ashley English, and feel that was a good start. But I still have many questions and much to learn....

I am so excited to have found this community and hope to learn a lot from y'all... I hope that once I mature out of the newbie stage, and learn a thing or two, I can give back to future newbies!

Hi Jaclyn and welcome to the Backyard Chickens flock. The Learning Center is a great place to start. From there you would probably enjoy "Raising Backyard Chickens," forum. If you go to "were am I, where are you," in the social forum you can locate and post on your state thread. I think after you meet some chicken lovin' neighbors you see it IS possible to survive Midwest winters.

I'm glad you joined us!

I'd be sure to check out the Learning Center: Learning Center Articles. Also, feel free to ask any questions that you have! We're all here to help.

amateurJac said:

Admittedly, we weren't thrilled about the idea of living in the Midwest but we are making an effort to embrace all of the wonderful things that were not an option for us in the city... Like growing veggies.... And raising CHICKENS! These things make living in Indiana pretty awesome.

Click to expand...

Midwest has its advantages as to what it offers. From where you are at, there is plenty to do. Outdoor bound. Brown county. Action. Indy 500. and all those things you mentioned you want to do, that in NY you couldn't.
When you get your chicks in end of February, You will most likely have to keep indoors . Indianapolis still cold. When ready, then you will need a coop for outdoor housing. Go to top of page and read up on COOP link. Also read threads on coop design and ideas. You have time , but good to educate self in advance.
Have been in Indy many times and know that weather is just a little milder than where I'm at. Chicken keeping would be about the same conditions.
Welcome to this forum and ask all the questions you have. There are soo many peeps here willing to help.

Welcome to BYC! We're glad to have you.

Feel free to ask all your questions! We'll be happy to help in any way we can. Definitely check out the link that Bantamlover21 posted, too.

Thanks so much for all the warm welcomes and advice on places to start! This is so cool!

we are starting with six birds and a local agrarian will be providing us with a brooder box and supplies necessary to raise the chickens inside, until they're ready for a coop.

I have been, for the past couple weeks, researching design ideas for the coop. That is probably one of the first questions I will ask in the forum. I am really torn on which direction I want to go. Stationary coop or tractor, boxy or A-frame... I want to do a tractor but also want a coop big enough for at least 10 birds. Not sure a coop sized to accommodate 10 birds would work as a tractor....Having a hard time making these improtant decisions. I will be sure to read the info available before I start repeating questions the others before me have likely asked... Thank you all again for the welcomes!!

Welcome to BYC!

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to our flock. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. What kind of chicks do you have coming?

Welcome to BYC and the coop. There are a lot of great peeps here! Ask questions and most of all make yourself at home. So glad you joined.