off-grid hen
Songster
Hello! I am new to raising chickens- in fact I haven't even started yet! I just placed an order for day-old chicks. Hatching date is Monday, April 18th. Getting some Partidge Rock Hens, some Partridge Cochins, Rose Comb Brown Leghorns, Red leghorns, and some Speckled Sussex. I figured I'd try a few each of different breeds so I can figure out what birds are suited to my area and tastes. I am not sure if we want just eggs or egg and meat birds so I got a mix and match of dual purpose and layers. I hope they all get along! I am off the grid. We generate our own electricity with PV solar panels. I will be asking lots of questions about passive solar coop designs and what has worked well for your winter coops. I am considering solar flood lights on a sensor for discouraging predators, which we have quite a few of. I'm crossing my fingers that my MacGuyver-ish husband can build Coop Knox. I am concerned about poisonous wild and garden plants, as I live a mile back in the woods. I've been doing lots of reading, and I have a few coworkers with birds. One is a professional meat and egg bird farmer, and the other two are more hobbyist but all are very experienced. Hubby's family also raised chickens when he lived in England. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that between the freezing cold, many predators, and possible poisonous plants that my girls do ok, haha! I am really excited about this, as are my husband my 5 year old son. I live on the border of VT/NY/Quebec in the Champlain Valley.
(Edit to add location and fix a typo.)
(Edit to add location and fix a typo.)
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