Chickens on the lawn ... and other questions.

[chicknhawaii]

I gotta admit, now that everyone has confessed, I realize I am in the same "cannot stop at 2" boat!

Had 1 dog that led to 3...down to 2 now. For now.

Had 1 cat that led to 3...multiple times...got 3 now.

Had 1 chicken that led to 3 b/c people here said I needed to get the 1 a friend...got 2 friends.

Had 1 son then a daughter, was done. Until I had my 2nd son...3 kiddos.

One of our girls passed away so it's been 2 for about 2 years. Until the rescue chick was bestowed upon us so we're back to 3! And BYCers want me to get that one friends! AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!

LOL good luck!

 

[crossgirl]

I'm partial to three's also! I have three boys. Three dogs. Three cats. I originally bought three chicks. My youngest son had two. I ended up needing emergency back up chicks for company for my one after her two friends died and so purchased three more. Now there are six chicks total. Three better be roos so I can keep my numbers in order else I'll have to buy more chicks to get it right.

I think the poop question has a lot to do with how big your yard is.

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

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Oh, if I had KNOWN there were different breeds of chickens, I would have done what you're doing! Once I discovered there were such things as Buff Orpingtons, I kind of wept at my perceived loss.

Even the MontyPython-ish sound of saying "Buff Orpington" is a hoot!

But, the kids had brought home a young Silkie pullet, her brother the young Silkie roo, an almost grown EasterEgger and my little treat, a truly baby Rosecomb chick no bigger than a sparrow who squeaked like a little baby rat. None of them were pretty.

But, Surprise!, all of them have been great fun. They didn't reallly fill out into their gorgeousness til after their second birthday. Anyways, now I'd be miserable without them. And they've begotten gorgeous new mixed-breed babies, here is Aphrodite, who can turn her earlobes blue to pale pink whenever she wishes:

And here's Lieutennant Commander Worf, aka Mr. Woof, who used to be the Silkie chick our son's friend wanted, and we told him "Sure, honey, you can keep your chick at our house". This Mr. Woof awaits my return every evening with special kindness just for me:

You sounded a little sad that your local joint was out of BO's. I'm just hoping to cheer you with some of my reality, which turned out better than I'd hoped for. The black/grey in chicken-people lingo is called "blue", and they look great on my green hill as they forage. They make great scenery, and in my lap the "black" feathers are actually irridescent blue/green/violet, its almost hypnotizing to sit in a garden swing in the company of one of these sweet lil friends, petting the "OMG SOFT" feathered pet.

I know BO's are really popular, but the other breeds are good for other things, too. Our Rosecomb bantam is kind of our favorite now, go figure, just for her bizarre nature. She's a very good pet bird. Good Luck to You!

 

[ll]

Thank you everyone and also thanks in St. Charles ~ ha at the MontyPython-ish sound

and my eyes popped when I saw the photo of your blue Aphrodite... b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l !!!

Yeah a little bit sad, if they had been available we would have them in our house under a light right now! We had just about decided against keeping chickens until we saw the other types of babies today, now we're back to discussing the coop and how much fun it could be

We have a fairly good size urban yard, larger than all of our neighbors -- I originally thought, hmm one would be good ... then read about flocks and thought well okay a minimum of 2 will at least keep each other warm in the winter ... now we're up to 3 in our minds (yikes!)

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

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Here on BYC I've heard mixed mutt chickens called "designer chickens" LOL! I've seen a few posts about this particular mix, Silkie/Rosecombs are usually nice birds and nice lookin'...

Miss Aphrodite is a mix of Silkie (blue) dad and Rosecomb (black) mom. Here she is with our little flock. Her Roobaby brothers are

OMG gorgeous! They have their own hobbyfarm family now. Here she is with our little flock of bantams (her beaky is pointing at her mom Ms. Rosiebuttons):

..and here she is roosting up on a nest box with a sibling and her pretty brothers:

...and here is DH's girlie, he named her "Roaster", the EasterEgger. I think she kinda looks like a BO, but more eagle-eyed:

Miss Roaster would choose to live in the house with us, if we let her. She's a darling lap pet. I've read on BYC that lots of EE's are seeking laps. Something to consider if you're pet shopping? Some breeds are flighty, but other breeds will follow you like a puppy and try to gain all your attention, all the time. Mr. Meatyboy Fancypants here (Silkie/Rosecomb mix) wouldn't EVER pass up a chance to be read to or sung to on a swing:

(I think this qualifies as hijacking your thread. I don't mean to, its addictive to post photos! Please forgive me)

 

[Emmalion]

those are BEAUTIFUL birds. What a great mix

 

[Wildflower_VA]

6chickens in St. Charles--I don't know about hijacking the thread, but you are making me want to go right out and get some of those (cross)breeds of chickens! I might just become a chicken thief and come steal yours! That's how much I like them! What was your address again???

I was glad we were having rotten weather today so I wouldn't want to go to the Tailgaters Poultry Club market and buy more chickens. Actually, I hope they canceled, because a tornado touched down right where they hold it. They won't hold another one until the third Saturday in May.

 

[ll]

Designer chickens!

I've yet to see Easter Egg chickens offered near me but will keep an eye open, thanks for the recommendation.

I don't mind at all ... your photos are more than welcome, I enjoy viewing them and luv your mix of colorful chickens.

I wish we had a porch with a swing like that ~ and I think the decorations in your coop are so cute!

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

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Thanks! Well, I'm off work today so I'm out with my hot cup of tea, I'm going to be therapootically scooping for a wee bit. I am grateful for this clear day, and grateful these birdies get me out into it

It's already garage sale season, I bet you could pick up a swing for a couple bucks. We didn't have one (or a picket fence, or a garden) til the chickens moved in!

..or that new bathroom... or the front room floor... beware the city code book is all I have to say... once we checked code about keeping chickens, & building their little coop, well, there's a code for just about everything we ever wanted in there, it can lead to BIG ideas!

Please post pics when you get yours!