Hey Y'all!
I'm new here and wanted to introduce myself and my family. I wasn't sure where to post this, so excuse me if I am wrong.
I found this board because I intend to raise chickens for the first time starting in the spring and want to learn all I can. From peeking at the posts, it seems like an awesome website!
I am 45 years old and I live with my SO on the 80 acre farm that has been in his family for 3 generations, in SW Arkansas. I am originally from North Carolina and still learning about life in Arkansas. We have 3 'children' - an Irish wolfhound mix that is my 'soul pet', a outside cat that I rescued when she was 3 weeks old (she's 2 now), and a border collie pup that is in need of serious therapy and ritalin. I work one day a week for 24 hours, so I'm basically a housewife with a diversion.
This farm USED to be a commercial chicken farm, but now the only thing raised on this land is cattle owned by a neighboring farmer. When my SO's family was alive, they raised some cattle and yard chickens in addition to the commercial chickens.
I want to raise a small flock, more as pets with benefits (the eggs) than anything else. I'm thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 chickens and...although I know one is not necessary...I want a rooster.
I had my heart set on brahmas from the very beginning, but after reading some posts here, I'm questioning that because I would like them to be as gentle as possible?
I have tons of time to devote to caring for them and maybe that will make a difference as to their gentleness? Also, there are lots of coyotes, a few bobcats, and a semi-feral bobcat/domestic mix that comes around the house, so I'll address those issues soon.
I know that I'll be back with lots more questions...hope y'all can handle that
Blessings, Kat
I'm new here and wanted to introduce myself and my family. I wasn't sure where to post this, so excuse me if I am wrong.
I found this board because I intend to raise chickens for the first time starting in the spring and want to learn all I can. From peeking at the posts, it seems like an awesome website!
I am 45 years old and I live with my SO on the 80 acre farm that has been in his family for 3 generations, in SW Arkansas. I am originally from North Carolina and still learning about life in Arkansas. We have 3 'children' - an Irish wolfhound mix that is my 'soul pet', a outside cat that I rescued when she was 3 weeks old (she's 2 now), and a border collie pup that is in need of serious therapy and ritalin. I work one day a week for 24 hours, so I'm basically a housewife with a diversion.
This farm USED to be a commercial chicken farm, but now the only thing raised on this land is cattle owned by a neighboring farmer. When my SO's family was alive, they raised some cattle and yard chickens in addition to the commercial chickens.
I want to raise a small flock, more as pets with benefits (the eggs) than anything else. I'm thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 chickens and...although I know one is not necessary...I want a rooster.
I had my heart set on brahmas from the very beginning, but after reading some posts here, I'm questioning that because I would like them to be as gentle as possible?
I have tons of time to devote to caring for them and maybe that will make a difference as to their gentleness? Also, there are lots of coyotes, a few bobcats, and a semi-feral bobcat/domestic mix that comes around the house, so I'll address those issues soon.
I know that I'll be back with lots more questions...hope y'all can handle that
Blessings, Kat
