Hello all!

[AnnaLK]

Hello everyone! A forum really helped me with my pet hedgehog, so I thought I'd give this one a go!
Anyways, my name's Anna. I'm currently in high school, and I'm hoping to get a few chickens once I graduate in June. Mostly for eggs, and as a project to keep me busy (Any other person would want an expensive trip or a car. I just want some chickens )
I have experience with other livestock; I've been riding horses for 13 years, and showing for 7. I'm also raising my third market pig for FFA. I was planning on doing chickens through FFA too, but that fell through when my family found out we had to keep 50 of them in the garage!
I still want to try some chickens, but just four of them. I have a friend that keeps them, and he kinda got me into them too, and has taught me some of the basics.
Again, it won't be until the end of June that we get them, so I'm trying to do as much research as possible between now and then. So far, I've decided between either Buff Orpingtons or Black Australorps. I have a three year old nephew who is over at our house a lot. He loves animals, and loves to help me with the pig, and when I feed horses. Which would be better for me as a beginner, and for my nephew to learn about too? One last thing, I have two Labradors. One of them is very laid-back and won't be much of a problem, the other is very curious about new things. My parents are worried he'll kill one of them at some point. Is it possible to desensitize and train him to leave them alone? Thanks for any help! I look forward to learning more!

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Anna

Welcome!

I recommend a visit to the Learning Centre; lots of good tips there: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

and some great coop ideas here if you do not already have any: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops

You might want to also pop in and say hello on your local thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.

Finally, Dogs & Chickens were a Topic of the Week and you might find some helpful tips on this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1137009/topic-of-the-week-dogs-and-chickens

Best wishes!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Anna, and

! Great to have you aboard! Looks like Teila loaded you up with some great research links so I'll just say best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great links from Teila already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[Ncgatorlady]

Hello,
I'm new here (officially just signed onto the forum) but not new to the site. I've been a chicken "mom" for about three years now and the site has helped me quite a bit. I have a variety of hens. The Buffies are super cool chicks and I highly recommend them. They are very loving and GREAT egg layers!! Good luck!

 

[shearches]

Hi AnnaLK!
Don't think you can go wrong with either Orpington or Australorp!! Ranked #1 and #2 on this site!! I'd so go which ever you think is more visually pleasing

 

[N F C]

Hi Anna, it's nice to have you here!

I'd recommend getting both...that will give you a chance to see the differences in personalities, feathering, etc. They'll get along just fine raised together and would make a pretty flock. While you're doing research, look up information about how to deal with broodiness because both of those breeds tend to get that way.

Best of luck to you!