Hi my name is Mary and I live in the Pacific Northwest. I've just gotten chicks for the first time since I was in high school and I don't want to tell you how long that has been! I ordered my chicks from Ideal Poultry and they hatched on Oct 1st 2008. I was uncertain about mail ordering chickens but I wanted to get a variety of breeds that would do well in the cold, lay year 'round, brood, are colorful and friendly. I ended up with 7 pullets. I ordered 8 but only one did not make it which I understand isn't unusual when you order just a few. I have 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Australorps, 2 Silver laced Wyandottes and 1 Golden Laced Wyandotte.
I raised sheep when we lived on the desert side of the Cascades but when we moved to the rainy side I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with sheep and the weather so I decided to give chickens a try. I am really having fun with them so far! They are so entertaining. I can hardly wait for them to start laying eggs. I am hoping to get a rooster at some point even for just a bit so I can have some chicks. What fun that would be!
I've already learned so much from the forums and enjoy reading everyday. Thanks to all who share their knowledge! It is greatly appreciated!