Greetings from Wisconsin!

Hello from South Central Wisconsin,

My name is Lisa and this is my first flock.

(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?

I was raised on a dairy farm, but my grandmother kept poultry. I helped out when I visited, so I've been around chickens and turkeys, but that was more than a few decades ago. My husband and I moved to a rural area about ten years ago, and I wanted to start a small flock for some time. Last year, I got on a list with the Madison community college for the carpentry students to build me a chicken coop. The building was their "lab work" and took two semesters to finish. They promised to complete the "poultry palace" in early June, so I started my flock by buying 13 day-old chicks on June 6th.

(2) How many chickens do you have right now?

I started with 13, but lost one on day three. I wanted a closed flock of females, but they slipped a male into the bunch, so I have 11 pullets and a cockerel.

(3) What breeds do you have?

I have 2 Americanas, 5 Buff Orphingtons and 5 Red Stars. One of the Americanas is the male, and he is quite hansom and a bit goofy.
And yes, they all have names. And yes, I can tell them all apart.

I imprinted them, so I am the mama. When I let them out every morning, I sit on the patio, and they all come to visit and sit on my lap. We usually have a little quality time in the afternoon, as well. They are just old enough to put themselves to bed at night. I work from home, so I can keep an eye on them while they forage. They spend most of the day outside.

(4) How did you find out about BackYardChickens.com?

I googled "chicken injury" and found this forum. Obviously, I need some advice, pronto! Adeline has what appears to be an injury to her beak.

(5) What are some of your other hobbies?

I am an avid organic gardener, which is why I wanted chickens. They provide pest control and compost.
I also enjoy needlework, such as needlepoint and knitting, and carving items from wood and soapstone.

(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.

I am a technical writer by trade. I specialize in biomedical equipment, but occasionally do work for other industries.
My husband is a systems engineer for GE Healthcare. We have been married for 33 years.

My five-year plan is to convert one of our five(ish) acre fields to raised bed organic farming, and spend my retirement becoming even more self-sufficient. I'd also like to try my hand at growing medicinal herbs for teas and skin care.