I've lived in the country (Southwest VA) all my life and have never been around chickens. But this year I got the bright idea that chickens would be a rewarding hobby and never looked back. I started reading and studying in January and by February had purchased a coop and began making plans for a run all the while doing more research and picking breeds. I was too "chicken", pardon to pun, to try the brooding process and luckily made contact with a local farmer who was willing to brood my chicks of choice. It was very important to me that the chicks be hand raised because I would look upon them as pets as much as egg producers. On April 28th I loaded an extra large dog crate lined with straw into my SUV and headed to pick up my small flock. I chose to start with 6 hens: a Rhode Island Red, an Australopre, two Buff Orpintons, and two Easter Eggers. The next day a friend brought me two Silkies as a gift. So I ended up with a total of 8. They are about 20 weeks now and my research tells me I could start finding eggs in the near future. I am so thrilled to find this sight have have the opportunity to communicate with other chicken enthusiasts. I look forward to hearing about other newbie's experiences and greatly welcome the advice and knowledge of seasoned backyard farmers. I love my chickens and only wish I would have gotten this bright idea sooner.
