csharpdev
In the Brooder
(1) Are you new to chickens / when did you first get chickens?
First time having my own chickens, picking them up on Saturday. I've wanted chickens for awhile but until last fall we lived in a condo so it wasn't an option until now.
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
Getting 8 Barred Rock pullets, 7 weeks old, on Saturday.
(3) What breeds do you have?
Barred Rock
(4) How did you find out about BackYardChickens.com?
Been googling and reading about chickens off and on for years. Many of my searched turned up results from BYC
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
My main hobby right now is trying to get something resembling a homestead going. So far we've got a few fruit trees planted, some berry bushes, and a couple garden beds...and of course chickens on the way.
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
I have a wife, 3 kids (6, 4, 1.5), and a dog. My dad lives in an in-law apt in the basement. I'm a software engineer to pay the bills.
I became interested in raising my own food after discovering Joel Salatin. My current chicken plan is to slowly (over 3 years) grow my flock to 18 birds and then buy 6 and cull 6 each year. I plan to sell excess eggs (we eat 6 - 8/day) to friends and coworkers. I'm also hoping to run some broilers next summer and/or pick up a couple of guinea hogs.
I originally wanted a portable chicken coop but time and budget prevent such construction. I've borrowed a friends chicken coop instead and put up a 48" welded wire fence around it...probably about 85ft of fence in an odd shape. Electric fence wire near the top and bottom to hopefully discourage climbing over or lingering near the fence. I'll also be adding an apron around the fence to discourage digging under and making an awning of sorts with some plastic fencing to offer some protection from the hawks. Beyond that I'll be using electric poultry netting to extend their run temporarily in different directions. After the chickens have "tilled" an area I'll plant them a nice garden for them to self harvest later.
First time having my own chickens, picking them up on Saturday. I've wanted chickens for awhile but until last fall we lived in a condo so it wasn't an option until now.
(2) How many chickens do you have right now?
Getting 8 Barred Rock pullets, 7 weeks old, on Saturday.
(3) What breeds do you have?
Barred Rock
(4) How did you find out about BackYardChickens.com?
Been googling and reading about chickens off and on for years. Many of my searched turned up results from BYC
(5) What are some of your other hobbies?
My main hobby right now is trying to get something resembling a homestead going. So far we've got a few fruit trees planted, some berry bushes, and a couple garden beds...and of course chickens on the way.
(6) Tell us about your family, your other pets, your occupation, or anything else you'd like to share.
I have a wife, 3 kids (6, 4, 1.5), and a dog. My dad lives in an in-law apt in the basement. I'm a software engineer to pay the bills.
I became interested in raising my own food after discovering Joel Salatin. My current chicken plan is to slowly (over 3 years) grow my flock to 18 birds and then buy 6 and cull 6 each year. I plan to sell excess eggs (we eat 6 - 8/day) to friends and coworkers. I'm also hoping to run some broilers next summer and/or pick up a couple of guinea hogs.
I originally wanted a portable chicken coop but time and budget prevent such construction. I've borrowed a friends chicken coop instead and put up a 48" welded wire fence around it...probably about 85ft of fence in an odd shape. Electric fence wire near the top and bottom to hopefully discourage climbing over or lingering near the fence. I'll also be adding an apron around the fence to discourage digging under and making an awning of sorts with some plastic fencing to offer some protection from the hawks. Beyond that I'll be using electric poultry netting to extend their run temporarily in different directions. After the chickens have "tilled" an area I'll plant them a nice garden for them to self harvest later.
Dan 
Have you checked out the learning Center? Lots of super articles that will help you keep your new chicks happy, safe and healthy. Here is the link ~ 
