Anyone in Manhattan Beach, CA?

[holisticchick]

Hi there! I haven't started my coop, yet, but I hope to soon. I'm brand new to all of this so I was wondering if there is anyone near me in Manhattan Beach, CA that is currently raising chickens or who has raised them that I could get some information from. There is so much information on the web that I am getting confused.
Thanks!!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Raising chickens can be a wonderful and rewarding experience!

Fortunately... you JUST missed a terrible Virulent New Castle disease outbreak in So Cal where backyard flocks were first under quarantine and some eventually faced mandatory euthanasia.

State link...
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/Newcastle_Disease_Info.html?sfns=mo

Fed link...
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ou...ease-information/avian/virulent-newcastle/vnd

News link...
https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow...ak-in-southern-california-20190607-story.html

Now that being said... next year hopefully it will be all clear!

Please be sure to get your birds from an NPIP certified hatchery or a feed store that orders from NPIP locations. While NPIP does not test for New Castle, Marek's, and some other things.. it does require a fair amount of bio-security.

I suggest a variety of breeds to try on your first round. Check out these charts...
Chicken Chart

pickachicken

You have come to the right place to get your questions answered. Just remember we all have different environments, resources, set ups, goals, and preferences. What works for one may not work for another and that's okay! We are here to share with and learn from each other in addition to being supportive and giving our animals and ourselves the b est life possible. If you try something and it ain't working for ya, switch it up.

Please add your general location to your profile as will help peeps make their best suggestions possible at a glance (when it isn't in the first post like this time).

Don't forget to check out the learning center and see some great articles including lots of coop builds..
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

It's great that you're researching before starting your coop. Happy adventuring!

 

[Fluffy&Cutie]

Hi. Welcome. The above post is great. I m in LA county. Just take the 105 east to our coop! What kind of questions are you looking to answer?

I can tell you that your city probably has a limit on how many chickens you can have. Our city limit is 5-no roosters. Chickens can live for 10 years, but only lay for 2/3.

My plan was to start small (2 hens) and add 2 more in 2 years. This is great for my family if 3. And I have learned a lot so I ll be a pro for my next 2. Our weather is great for birds.

What questions do you have?
Good luck!

 

[holisticchick]

Hi there!!! thanks for responding! I really want to start up my coop but don't know where to begin. I've already checked with the city and I can have up to 4. I'm looking for the eggs, not the meat. Don't think we could eat the birds we raise..... I don't have a lot of property so that may be a challenge. I'm not sure if I should get pullets or chicks because of the work involved in raising them and I don't have all that much time. I'm also super worried about the cleaning and smell. I'm the only one in my family who wants these birds (although they will certainly enjoy the eggs!) because the rest of them are concerned about the mess and odor. Just thinking that it could get pretty nasty during the rainy/wet seasons.... I think this part is where all the hesitation comes in.

thank you for any and all advice!