BYC members in Massachusetts?

[jmk518]

Thanks so much for the info! Guess I'll be calling the town Monday. So do the local tractor supply's carry chicks?

 

[Arielle]

Thanks so much for the info! Guess I'll be calling the town Monday. So do the local tractor supply's carry chicks?

Most of the TSC do carry chicks. Choices vary. ANd know that often chicks are incorrectly marked. Just a heads up.

 

[NoisyCricket]

I go to the TSC in Putnam and they don't have chicks anymore. They didn't sell bunnies this year, so had the chicks early, and are done already. I don't know if all TSC are the same. Check with your local feed store, they usually have them, if TSC doesn't. I know they have some at Putnam Farmer's co-op, and Klems, in Spencer.

 

[bethann33]

Hi Jason,

I'm right over in Hopkinton. Here anyway- you just have to check which zone you are live in, as each zone has it's own restrictions. I'm allowed to have chickens as long as I have a structure for them to be in, and it has to been so far from the street. I don't think I can have roosters. And if I could, I don't think the neighbors would appreciate it.

I bought mine from a breeder in RI- found her on Craigslist. Most local feed stores have a supply of chicks right now. If you don't know where a local feed store is, I can give you a couple relatively close by. Otherwise, just go on Craigslist. There are lots of people selling chicks right now. When I started, I got some that were 6 wks old and didn't need to be brooded. It was much easier for a beginner. As far as temperament- I've had some that were super friendly, and some not so much. I really don't know much about that... but we love our chickens!! And the eggs.

 

[jmk518]

Thank you everyone for your help!

Here's what I found out from the town, for anyone else in Marlborough: As long as you give them cute pet names, the town can't get involved. You are permitted to have up to 10 "pets". I was warned against roosters though (didn't plan on it anyway) because if there's a noise complaint the town could get involved.

 

[Arielle]

Thank you everyone for your help!

Here's what I found out from the town, for anyone else in Marlborough: As long as you give them cute pet names, the town can't get involved. You are permitted to have up to 10 "pets". I was warned against roosters though (didn't plan on it anyway) because if there's a noise complaint the town could get involved.

I have a number of roosters. THey do crow in the middle of the night sometimes, and a coop doesn't muffle it that much. LOL

Enjoy your girls.

 

[LaLobaBlanca]

Hello everyone, I live in Southern NH and I'm looking to connect with others in the area. If you reside near Southern NH please respond to this post. Thanks!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

I have some barnyard mix chicks for sale. They are very friendly and spunky! Hatched yesterday. Send me a PM if interested.

 

[Arielle]

 

[duckinnut]

Hi from a new member, in Norwood, MA. My wife grew up on a farm, and she recently instigated an interest in backyard chickens. Unfortunately, our town ordinance doesn't allow us to obtain a permit without a variance. The ordinance requires a minimum of 50 feet to the property line, and our yard is 85'x40'. We went up before the town's Board of Health recently, and obtained a temporary 30 day permit allowing us three hens, pending any objections by neighbors, but two of our abutters do have objections, so it looks like we're unlikely to get a further permit. (We have three two-month old Rhode Island Reds, for now) The ordinance requirements seem harsh to me - given that most of our town seems to have quarter acre lots on average, seems to rule out backyard chickens for most people, and I'm considering speaking about this at a town meeting. Anyway, I would very much like to hear from folks, from Norwood, or anywhere else.

Sumit

Funny how the town will only allow you 3 birds but Mass law says you have to purchase at least 6 birds. Got to love it,either the town doesn't know what Mass law states or knows and just want to make it more difficult. Thank heavens my town is declared a farm town you only need a permit for pigs.