Figured before I post anymore, I'd at least say hello. I had been researching this site for a few months, and gathered enough info, to get things started. I built a brooder, then a 5x8 coop and a 8x16 pen. I got all the supplies I needed to prepare myself for some new chicks. I ended up picking up 23 chicks, some were production reds, some were cinnamon queens. I'd spend hours watching them, I know kinda odd. I say that in past tense, because after raising them from furry little things, to almost fully feathered and getting them outside into their new coop a month later, a dog went through the chicken wire, and killed every last one of them, left them scattered in the yard, and coop. Since I put on some heavy duty mesh, that now seems to be working. I see now after talking to other people that have chickens, it seems to happen to everyone at some point. It was pretty depressing, but I did'nt give up, and now I have 7 ten month old hens, I decided to get some older ones. My chickens are very good reference for me, because I'm a taxidermist, and I do alot of bird taxidermy. I have actually mounted a chicken, and when I had mounted it, I had no idea really what to expect, cause I had never prior to that, mounted a chicken. I did a decent job on mounting it, but now with having my own, I'm sure the next one I do will turn out alot better. I thought about getting some turkeys for reference, but I heard from a couple of people that its not good to mix them. Another taxidermist I know, she keeps her chickens with two turkeys. I have to say I'm hooked. I am going to build some more coops and pens, and get some more chicks eventually. This a very great site, very informative, and everyone is very nice! I still have alot to learn about chicken behaviors and chickens in general! I'd like to say thanks again to everyone who has responded to my posts, and I hope to talk and make some new friends!
