My husband, sister and I are getting ready to start our own backyard farm in the Shenandoah Valley in late June. Each of us are taking the lead with a different aspect of the farm, and I am doing the birds: Chickens and Ducks to start. We want to raise enough chickens to meet our meat and egg needs. I have researched many breeds already and am leaning towards the Barred Rock breed since they are good for meat and eggs, and let's face it.... they look cool!
I am planning on buying them as chicks from an online hatchery. What hatcheries do you recommend for Virginians?
I am thinking i'll get between 40 and 50 chicks with the intention of keeping a flock of about 10 - 12 long term for eggs and butchering the rest for meat once they are fully grown. Does this sound like a sensible number for a household of four adults plus occasional guests?
As far as brooders go, I am thinking about buying a large water trough that can later be used for some of our larger animals we will purchase later. I have read varied suggestions as far as flooring for the brooder: everything from newspaper to wood shavings, to bare floor. Thoughts and suggestions?
Over the summer I think i'll build a chicken house for the flock i'll keep for eggs and then a chicken tractor for those that are going to be processed for meat.
I am looking forward to starting up our chickens and welcome any and all advice, stories and conversations!
~ Amanda
I am planning on buying them as chicks from an online hatchery. What hatcheries do you recommend for Virginians?
I am thinking i'll get between 40 and 50 chicks with the intention of keeping a flock of about 10 - 12 long term for eggs and butchering the rest for meat once they are fully grown. Does this sound like a sensible number for a household of four adults plus occasional guests?
As far as brooders go, I am thinking about buying a large water trough that can later be used for some of our larger animals we will purchase later. I have read varied suggestions as far as flooring for the brooder: everything from newspaper to wood shavings, to bare floor. Thoughts and suggestions?
Over the summer I think i'll build a chicken house for the flock i'll keep for eggs and then a chicken tractor for those that are going to be processed for meat.
I am looking forward to starting up our chickens and welcome any and all advice, stories and conversations!
~ Amanda
