I am new to this and don't even have the coop built or chicks yet. I do have a concern that when i do will they destroy my nicely landscaped back yard? I know i don't ever have to let them out of the pen but i would occassionally like to let them roam the yard when we are home. I would feel guilty leaving them cooped up in the pen their entire lives, i just don't think that is fair to them as they will be as much a pet as a source of eggs and eventually meat.
My other silly question is when it is time to put them back in the coop how do you do that (assuming they are not friendly enough to be caught). Will they learn to come when called? When i rattle the food pan? I know they are not dogs but i have never had chickens before so these are concerns of mine.
Also i was thinking about starting with either two RIR's or two Plymouth Rocks? I would only ever have a max of four birds but i don't want to be over whelmed so i figured i'd start with just two. What is the consensus on what would be a good starter breed for a beginner that would be a good dual purpose chicken?
Thank you all for your patience and advise as i begin this venture.
My other silly question is when it is time to put them back in the coop how do you do that (assuming they are not friendly enough to be caught). Will they learn to come when called? When i rattle the food pan? I know they are not dogs but i have never had chickens before so these are concerns of mine.
Also i was thinking about starting with either two RIR's or two Plymouth Rocks? I would only ever have a max of four birds but i don't want to be over whelmed so i figured i'd start with just two. What is the consensus on what would be a good starter breed for a beginner that would be a good dual purpose chicken?
Thank you all for your patience and advise as i begin this venture.