Hello everyone, We are from the Md/DE/Pa area, right up in the corner of MD.I have been reading BYC for several months now, probably even longer than that. We started our flock in april or march with a straight run mixture of chicks from the local Tractor Supply Company. Since then my researching has increased tenfold. Ive seen the other kinds of chickens that I want for looks. Learned the kinds I want for egg production, even learned a bit about a few of the meat breeds. I built our coop and run recently, once the brooder wasnt big enough to hold my crazies anymore. Now they are living it up outside with fresh air and free range opportunities. Though they are giving us problems going into the coop at night. I just let them out this morning after another 2 day coop lock down to try to show them where home is. I find it kind of hard to find store where I can buy some of the things id want for my chickens. Water cups, nipples etc. TSC only carries so much, just feed and a few feeders really. And really wish i could find a place that i could buy chickens in hand from, not order them online, But i know there would be some complexities that go with that. But if anyone knows places, please let me know. Thank you
Hi and welcome to BYC - glad that you have joined us. Nipples etc can be found on Amazon. You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you - they may be able to put you in contact with breeders near you. You can also check out the Buy/sell/trade forum to see whats currently available, but you can only participate once you have made 20 posts. All the best CT
Hello there and welcome to BYC! When you take new chicks out to the coop for good, you need to lock them in there for several days before letting them out. This trains them where home is. A bird will always return to the place it survived over night. So let them become comfortable in the coop for a few days and they will always return in the evening. I have the same trouble here out in the boonies....no feed stores. Many things I have to buy on line or when I do head down to the big town and I buy all I am going to need. Walmart is now starting to carry some chicken supplies too. Definitely do some chatting in your state thread as CTKen has left for you. Your neighbors can tell you all about your area and what they do for their flocks. Enjoy this new journey you are on and welcome to our flock!
Hi Glad you could join the flock! You have some fab advice so I will wish you the very best of luck for the future. Enjoy your time here on BYC and all the chicken chat
