A serious moment...

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Monkeywithacoop said:
WE have only plans. Coop plans, breed plans, food, plans, name plans, floor plans, neighbor issue plans, sound plans, back up plans, backups to the backup plan, But alas no chickens yet. This year we will. It gets fairly cold in winter here. So we will be building a coop and getting everything ready and then when she decides it is the proper time( um, she is kinda bossy... a bit scary really) then we shall move on the chicken procurement. I am seeing eggs in my future, have no doubt.
Click to expand...
Try to bild your own incubator AND hatch your own chicks it will be a very satisfying adventure! And you will learn a lot!
Enter to this thread, especially to Sally's intro.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ooks-and-more.1137467/page-7613#post-19065213
 
A chicken chart comparison, to help you decide on breeds, noting that EVERY bird is an individual...

http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

I personally love the barred/white rocks and the Easter eggers more than Orpington or Wyandottes. I just find them to be more personable in my experience. Though MOST breeds are pretty good, I suggest a variety. My favorite thing is to get a variety of egg colors in my basket. Makes me feel like a kid again, always wondering what I will get and then being surprised. It also helps to tell who is laying or if anyone might be having issues when you can tell who laid what egg verses them all being the same. And I also would hold off on hatching and dealing with cockerels for at least you first year. Which also means I wouldn't buy from a breeder on my first round but rather from the hatchery/feed store, unless buying auto sexing breeds. I don't know what your goals are, but start with not less than 3 birds since they are social animals in case something happens to one the other will still have a friend. Groups larger than 10 make it harder to see pasty butt and such, plus they bond more to each other than you. I find 5 to be a nice # for us. But I would also consider going with 3 the first year and adding 2-3 in following years to make up for diminished winter/age production of the first group.

One more breed comparison chart...
https://livestockconservancy.org/images/uploads/docs/pickachicken.pdf

Sounds like you are off to a grand adventure! :pop
 
If you want personable, look at Dominique! Hands down, the best personalities. Want a breed that gets along stunningly with Dom? EE!!!! Love both, and could not have a flock without both.

Are you a handy man? Gotta build your own coop. Teach that dtr how to use power tools. It is a skill that she can use for the rest of her life. If you can re-wire a table lamp, given good instructions, you can build an incubator. Hubby and I have built 2. You can easily build a reliable bator with recycled components. The only thing you'll have to spend any real money for is the thermostat, and they can be found for around $20.oo. Incubation is an incredible, awesome, out of this world experience.
 
Monkeywithacoop said:
Dear Diary,
My intelligent, beautiful, and quirky 15 yo walked into my room and said," we need to talk ". Expecting the worst case scenario of this age group, I sat on the bed and gave her my full attention. "Shoot.." She look me in the eye and said ," I've got this problem and its been going on for a while". "umhmm....", said I. Her face looked a bit down and she said," I have stayed up late nights and spent time at school doing research. I have talked to friends and joined forums just trying to find answers and I think I can talk to you about this now". " Hey you", I replied," You can tell me whatever anytime. There is no judgment here. What is troubling you", I asked? " I know it may sound crazy and weird but.." she hesitated. " Look", I said while giving her a hug and cracking a grin," 90% of you is crazy and weird but I love that about you so don't worry about how it sounds". She looked me in the eye and said, " Chickens". " Excuse me...whatwasthat", I replied a bit confused. " Chickens", she repeated. " I have been thinking alot about chickens and I think we should have some", her voice nervously trailing off a bit at the end. " For dinner", I asked? She stared at me, eyes narrowing, brows pinching, and sneered, " Ugh. That was rude". " What...What did I do", I asked in complete confusion? "Having chickens... as in owning chickens, raising chickens", her voice rising in intensity. " oh....hmm....I dunno...I guess... sure", I mumbled, rantingly, confused by my elation that this was the subject of her need to talk and confusion as to where and how to begin the journey. Several hours and days and emails and texts later, I am here. New to a site full of wonderful information, proudly discovered and shown to me by my amazing kid. Cheers!
Click to expand...

By far the best introduction I have ever seen! Lol.
Hello and Welcome to BYC :frow
My names Krystal.
I have created a thread (like a baby book) for My Flock Journey since I start. If you wish to take a look.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-flock-journey.1258290/

Lovely to meet you. :wee
 

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