Bay Area BYCers!

[Meg2000000]

Just thought I would pop in and say hello fellow Bay Area peeps!

This has been a busy summer, our efforts mostly concentrated on the gardens this year and we're reaping the benefits of all of our seed starting back in early March. We're harvesting tomatoes, zucchini and squash, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and all sorts of leafy greens nearly everyday now.

I haven't hatched anything out this year other than a few Orpingtons that were raised by a broody. Out of 5 chicks 4 of them were cockerels! I was able to sell a pair and a cockerel, but I still have 2 beautiful Blue Orp juvie boys if anyone is interested. I'm planning a big "end of the summer" hatch, mostly Orpingtons but I also hope to hatch a bantam breed or two. I've only ever tried LF so I figured why not?

My Dun Sumatras should also be laying by the end of summer/early fall so I'll probably start hatching from them too. I have 2 Dun cockerels, one is already a big guy and is absolutely gorgeous, 3 Dun pullets and 2 Platinum pullets to work with. I'm hoping for LOTS of Khaki babies! Kim, are you still interested in a Platinum cockerel?

Hope everyone is well! Are we ever going to plan for another Chickenstock this year?

Your garden sounds delicious! We're planning on doing a winter garden this year. I hope we get as many yummy treats as you!

 

[KMilani]

Is it possible to raise chicks all year round in the bay area? Outside?

Also, what size chickens are safe to mix together/keep in the same coop/run?
Can chicks be kept with adult hens? or chicks with pullets or pullets w hens?

What is the idea about adding chickens to an existing flock? Could i get 2 here 3 there etc and put them all together? Would i have to quarantine them before intermingling them?

 

[Meg2000000]

Is it possible to raise chicks all year round in the bay area? Outside?

Also, what size chickens are safe to mix together/keep in the same coop/run?
Can chicks be kept with adult hens? or chicks with pullets or pullets w hens?

What is the idea about adding chickens to an existing flock? Could i get 2 here 3 there etc and put them all together? Would i have to quarantine them before intermingling them?

Here's what I've learned: Chickens are fine outside all year around. They are ok down freezing temperature and need protection from drafts. In the summer they need shade and plenty of water (mine love the misters we installed). I'm not sure about keeping different sizes of chickens. Chicks need to be kept in a heated brooder until 5 or 6 weeks I believe. Pullets need to be at least 3/4 the size of the biggest one you're introducing it to. It's best to do it in groups (at least 2 at a time) although I introduced my new pullet by herself to my other 3 and it was fine. Keeping or introducing two roosters is a different story and I haven't experienced that yet. I also think it's best to quarantine new arrivals for a little bit just in case.

 

[wolftracks]

Is it possible to raise chicks all year round in the bay area? Outside?

Also, what size chickens are safe to mix together/keep in the same coop/run?
Can chicks be kept with adult hens? or chicks with pullets or pullets w hens?

What is the idea about adding chickens to an existing flock? Could i get 2 here 3 there etc and put them all together? Would i have to quarantine them before intermingling them?

They'll be fine as long as the have shelter with ventilation and are free of drafts. I have bantamas and LF that run together. I don't know if anyone else has pproblems with dong that, but I don't. My chicks are usually introduced about 10 to 12 weeks. And yes, always quarantinefor about 30 days. Many of us have chickens from all over. That's have we are able to add new lines to existing flocks, so you will be fine adding from here and there.

 

[sewandgrow]

Hi KMilani..

No real advice for you because I'm a newbie too...but jsut wanted to say hi because I'm also in the Richmond/El Sobrante area. We're practically neighbors!

--Julie

Hey new ladies,
are you going to the Chickenstock gathering on Sunday in Clayton near Concord. It would be a great place to connect with other "chicken lovers" & get contact info for all your needs. Alot of us will be there.
Karen in Turlock

 

[cherylcohen]

Hey new ladies,
are you going to the Chickenstock gathering on Sunday in Clayton near Concord. It would be a great place to connect with other "chicken lovers" & get contact info for all your needs. Alot of us will be there.
Karen in Turlock

We'd love to have you just use this link to sign up!!

Party this weekend...all are invited and if you haven't signed up yet,here is the link

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...ue&formkey=dHdLT3RRM2RYNVJuUjNBNlBpQmo5RHc6MQ

 

[PetRock]

Hey new ladies,
are you going to the Chickenstock gathering on Sunday in Clayton near Concord. It would be a great place to connect with other "chicken lovers" & get contact info for all your needs. Alot of us will be there.
Karen in Turlock

Karen, Is Olivia coming??? Monet will want to know!

 

[shanshan51]

I am so bummed to not be able to make the party I really was wanting to go since it was first announced.

 

[Chooklet]

I am so bummed to not be able to make the party I really was wanting to go since it was first announced.

Oh that is too bad - we will definitely miss you! Wedding stuff?

 

[cherylcohen]

I am so bummed to not be able to make the party I really was wanting to go since it was first announced.

SAD

But I know you are crazy busy with the Wedding!! Wish we could make it...