Oh, wow. When I used to have chickens back in Washington state, my kids and I received fertile eggs from a friend, placed them in an incubator and watched the process. It was fantastic! Our first little chick (who we called Pip since he pipped out of his shell first) was a rooster, the rest...
This little coop says 3-4 large breed, more if you go with bantams. So, I'm thinking 4. And, yeah, I'm planning to let them free-range when I'm home in the late afternoon/early evening. Looking at the pictures and seeing actual hens in the coop, I think that's reasonable.
Well, my new community of New Mexican chicken lovers, I've spent all afternoon searching online and am getting REALLY excited!!! I decided to look for good layers that tolerate the heat. Here's what I've come up with so far:
Australorps...
FridayYet, there's the Turquoise Trail development at the south end of town (Santa Fe) that have acreage parcels and yet easy access to I-25. Hope you find what you are looking for. It's an easy state to live in.
I haven't been to that part of the state yet. Lived here only two years. Traveled the western and central parts and in the NE section but nothing really south of Albuquerque. I hope you like it and so do the peeps! ;-)
I lived 30 years in the PNW north of Seattle. I'm loving it here too! Very different. Love the architecture and landscape. And, of course, can't beat 300+ days of sunshine!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm not even sure where to start looking for supplies and chicks but I've got some time yet to figure that all out. Have to get the coop first. Providing shade is going to be the most challenging part I'm thinking.
I'm finally moving into a place that has a huge, private backyard and separate gate to keep the dog out. Perfect set up! I also have outside water hook up and electric outlet with easy access - something I have not had in previous rentals. Anyone here from Santa Fe/New Mexico area...