Grizzly Bird
Chirping
Hi there, I am a new member but have frequently used this group in the past. This year is the first time I’ve been able to start my own flock of backyard birds. I haven’t had a consistent backyard as I’ve moved a lot, but I’m finally home on 10 acres in rural Alaska. I live with my partner, three cats, a dog and six Icelandic chickens. I most enjoy going for a walk with all ten of our animals! We live “off grid” with solar and a generator but are still on the road system. Since we have limited power supply I wanted a hardy breed for our winters as I didn’t plan on heating the coop as well as a breed that could free range and hold their ground with our cats. My Icelandic roosters have done a phenomenal job holding court for everyone. They don’t mess around! My little hens are sweet as can be though true to the breed they err on the skittish side and need a lot of bribery and handling to warm up to people and being picked up. But the personality of each of my birds is through the roof and I adore each one! I started with everyone from a day old chick and they are now around six months. I ended up with four roosters and two hens—a terrible ratio. But so far everyone is pretty happy and knows where they sit in the order, so there’s not too much drama. I love to call my little flock and see them come flying over to greet me (they like to fly!). I enjoy taking them blueberry hunting in nearby bushes and listening to their happy clicks when they find something really exciting to share with the ladies like a slug or tender fiddle heads. My girls just started laying an egg for me every other day—in 12 degree weather and fading light! I love my little chicken hobby and look forward to sharing and learning as a member of the group.
Welcome from New Orleans. I am going to enjoy hearing about how different it is to have chickens in Alaska, than in New Orleans. I can think of a ton of questions, like how does y'all's day light difference affects your birds laying habits. I am so glad you joined. Please feel free to tell stories. And we are always here for questions of any kind.
