Galefrances, I like drawing projects first, then I'll get out there with a tape measure and get some exact measurements. Maybe I should have been an architect or supervisor. I love the planning stages but not doing the ACTUAL work...LOL. That run could easily be 20 X 40 feet with those border boxes around and the big potted whatever at the corners, and still have plenty of room if I decide to invite any (few) friends, from work or church, into my domain for a cook-out, whatever. I still have a covered concrete patio off the back around 10' X 12' to have some seating and table.
Thank God for two jobs right now so I can finish furnishing two bedrooms and hopefully get my "chicken project" complete before if/when I decide to retire next year on a very limited income. Not bragging, but I've paid off 3-year loans in 4 months and kept my credit score over 820. Sacrifices were many, but I'm still here.
So glad I actually kept this essay short, but would like to thank the OT's for keeping it real. I guess to each his own, and folks have chickens for different reasons, but they should read up about why they choose to have them in the first place. Knowledge goes a long way, and can reduce the number of stupid questions posted over and over again.
I was a kid when we had chickens, so I am surely no expert, but reading through this thread and about those Heritage breeds vs. Hatchery stock really got my interest going. My goodness, Hatchery stock burning out in less than two years? That's scary. I have no interest in breeding because of limited space, but very interested genetics/breeding...could read about that all day.
When time permits, I will go back through this entire thread and cut/paste all the useful info a document for my own use, so as not to clutter the board with questions that have been answered over and over again.
Thanks Again, Old Timers!!! --BB
Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona
