Happy flock -- I must be doing SOMETHING right!

[SkyWarrior]

When I started this whole chicken craziness April 1st (yeah, I know!), I was pretty sure I'd do everything wrong. So far, knock wood, I have 5 black sex-link, 4 RIR, 6 cornish x, 2 brown leghorns, 2 golden sex-link, 2 EE, 4 Ameraucanas, 2 turkeys and 2 goslings and everyone so far is healthy and gets along (knock wood).

My husband came into the kennel/brooder and I had him hold the BSL roo who is really sweet. The goslings are already alarming on him because he's new to them. (They don't alarm on me). I think he likes the birds, but won't say much because they are birds. Still, he was remarkably gentle with them.

I feel as though I've learned a lot in this short time hanging out here. I've also done a lot of reading about the birds to understand the basics. I was sure I would lose a bird, but I have not yet. Of course, I'm paranoid. Anyway, thought I'd tell you about my flock!

 

[Della333]

A year has passed for you Congratulations - I am approaching the milestone too - same feeling.
- I don't have as many as you but would like too. Not many more , I have 7 going on 9 would like about 12. (about? heehee)

I too can't believe what I have learned and how life is so interesting with them around!
My hubby is happy to go pick up a bird for me or drive to a sale but they are all mine.

At times I don't like the poopy jobs much or that my daughter sneaks in her buddies to wrangle chickens.
I have a neighbour who ratted me out but the town turned a blind eye. My own fault I was so PROUD of them
and let them out of the pen to roam for the world to see! They were my own living lawn ornaments.
So there are some negatives that came with the new venture.

Lots of positives too - I gained a much better idea of what will work.
I got through a tough winter so the experience keeping them fed, watered and happy
will be easier now that I have the summer to make proper modifications for next winter . Got thru a number of moults,
some rubber egg issues, an ingrown feather situation. I made lots of knowledgable contacts on forums. Lots of firsts for me too (an Auction!).

My daughter is an egg eating addict now, and is great handling them on her own now (only 2 wee banams rest are BIG girls)
I have the chickens I dreamed of , searched hi, searched low - I have plenty of eggs to share with family neighbours/friends.
So I must have done something right too! (where did you put that wood? give it a tap for me)

Somehow I think even if one didn't make it
(I'm raising mine as pets/egg source only)
your good intentions and attitude still mean you would be doing LOTS right!

It has to happen one day, you can only do your best, you are.