Greetings from Arizona!

[The Red Rooster]

Hello to everyone, I am so happy I found you!

I am at the beginning beginning stages, so "beginning" I haven't even convinced my husband yet. I have so many questions it's ridiculous. And I'm not quite sure where to post them yet.

Bottom line I have room, we eat naturally, I want to refrain from store bought food where I can.
I worry about the heat.
If I breed for meat do *I* have to kill/butcher?
I've NEVER touched a chicken (except when cooking).
If we move to a cold climate do I have to start over?
Do you get attached to your chickens? Do your chickens get attached to you?
Is it bad to place a coop near your garden?

SIGH...so as you can see my brain is overflowing. I literally just thought of these so I KNOW I have more hiding in my head.

Can't wait to read & learn & get to know everyone!

Oh, and my name - I'm a proud owner of a Doodle (goldendoodle) & I misspelled in my hurry to create an account! Ha! So my Doodle is a Doddle now. ;o)

Welcome to BYC!

Let me try to answer your questions.

Heat is harder on chickens then cold. Some breeds do well in the heat like Easter Eggers, Red Stars, and White Leghorns.

No. You can have someone else do the butchering. Look at your local craigslist and see if anyone is interested in butchering for you.

Oh yes! Chickens have a way of creeping into your heart. You will get attached to them, and them to you.

Chickens may want to eat your garden. You may want to put chicken wire around the garden to keep the chicken out.

Hope that helps!

~AnnElise