New to this chicken stuff...

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s-kswenson

s-kswenson

In the Brooder
5 Years
May 13, 2014
20
0
24
Oregon
We are moving to a house with a larger backyard (about 2 acres) and I really want chickens because my friends say they are good pets.

I know nothing about them. I have researched, but I don't know any "chicken specific terms." I also wanted to know how much care they need, so maybe you can throw that in there, too. The house comes with a chicken pen and I'm pretty sure they are going to leave the coop, too.

Where I am moving it is very cold in winter and pretty warm in summer. I am also in school, and need to also take care of a dog and cat, so if the chicken breed has low care that would be great! I really want chickens so your advice will help very much!
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Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! A great place to start reading is the BYC Learning Center, lots of good articles on all aspects of chicken keeping you'll find helpful. https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
And check out your state thread for chicken keeping neighbors and what breeds and coops etc they find work well in your area https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread
Here are a couple of links to some nice chicken breed comparison charts you might like http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html and http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf when you have narrowed down your choices, don't forget to check the BYC Reviews section for member reviews on the different breeds. https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/category/chicken-breeds
 
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Every thing is relative I guess. I used to breed and raise dogs and didn't think they were much work at all. Then had indoor pens and swinging doors to the outside dog runs - it was easy to teach them to "potty" outside.

Whereas, when I had dogs as housepets I had to housetrain them, teach them to keep off the kitchen table, not to chew etc. They were underfoot and a lot more work in the long run..

I think that is pretty much the same with chickens etc. If you have the correct set up with coop, predator secure runs, feeders/waterers etc. I think they aren't difficult or time consuming to care for.

If you just turn them loose to fend for themselves, you will need to invest a lot of time and effort just to gather them up, care for injuries, treat for parasites etc. What seems like the easiest way can turn out to be the hardest.
 
Welcome to BYC
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Glad you joined us! The Learning Centre would be a goos start for you. There are articles on things such as chicken terms, raising chicks, keeping the flock healthy etc. Handy that you'll have a coop and run in place when you move! Just go over it and give it a good clean, dust for any bugs left behind and check for weak points where predators may get in.

BTW we have just started a contest for our newest members, if you are interested:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/885886/welcome-to-byc-sign-up-and-win/0_30#post_13486215

Enjoy the site!
 
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Welcome to BYC!

Chickens are very enjoyable to keep. I find them pleasant to sit with, watch their antics and of course you can't beat the eggs! Definitely stop by the learning center for lots of great tips on raising your new flock. Welcome to BYC!
 

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